Plainfield Man Charged with Hate Crime for Allegedly Yelling Racial Slur at Nine-Year-Old Boy

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced that a Plainfield man has been charged with yelling a racial slur at a nine-year-old boy, pushing him and then throwing his bike. Jeffrey Feigenbaum, 29 (d.o.b. 8/10/1996) of the 15800 block of Cove Circle, appeared in First Appearance Court on Sunday charged with two counts of Hate Crime (Class 4 Felony) and one count each of Misdemeanor Battery and Disorderly Conduct. The Court denied the State’s motion to detain Feigenbaum pre-trial and he was released from custody with conditions including that he be outfitted with a GPS monitoring device, remain at least five thousand feet away from the victim, his residence and his school and that he surrender all firearms, firearm ammunition or other dangerous weapons to the Naperville Police Department.

On June 13, 2026, Naperville police officers responded to a disturbance in the area of 1400 W. Jefferson Avenue, regarding a white adult male pushing a black juvenile and calling him the N-word. Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that the victim, a nine-year-old boy, and some friends were building a fort down the street and that a girl, later identified as Feigenbaum’s girlfriend’s daughter, had damaged the fort. It is alleged that the victim went to the girl’s residence on W. Jefferson Avenue and knocked on the door. It is further alleged that Feigenbaum exited the residence, yelled a racial slur at the boy, pushed him and then threw the victim’s bike as the he ran away.

“The allegations against Mr. Feigenbaum are very disturbing,” Berlin said. “Hate crimes have no place in a civilized society. DuPage County is comprised of dozens of extremely welcoming and diverse communities and the type of behavior alleged in this case will not be tolerated. I thank the Naperville Police Department for their help in securing charges against Mr. Feigenbaum. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Denis Cahill and Kevin Kosman for their efforts in securing charges against this defendant.”

“Every person in our community has the right to live free from intimidation, violence, and hate. Conduct involving threats, physical aggression, and racial slurs directed at a child is completely unacceptable and stands in direct opposition to the values we expect and uphold in Naperville,” Arres said.  “I am grateful for the outstanding work of our officers and investigators who responded to this incident and ensured a thorough investigation was conducted. I also appreciate DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for its partnership and commitment to holding individuals accountable for hate-motivated criminal conduct.”

Feigenbaum’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 13, 2026, in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Jeffrey Feigenbaum

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.