A Connecticut attorney pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges for allegedly choking and almost beating his wife to death with a flashlight.

John Michael Farren, 57, who used to work for both of the Bush administrations, was given divorce papers from his wife two days before the alleged attack.

Farren pleaded not guilty while facing attempted murder, first-degree assault, and strangulation charges in Stamford Superior Court Thursday.

According to the authorities, Mary Farren lost consciousness and vision from being so badly beaten at their New Canaan home on Jan. 6.