Crystal Lake Attorney Accused Of Threatening Official

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — A Crystal Lake attorney has been accused of threatening a state regulator again. Donald Franz, 52, was on probation for previous gun-related and DUI offenses when he made the threats, court records show. He's been rearrested on felony telephone harassment charges, according to the records.

Franz allegedly threatened an official with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, court records show. The agency had previously suspended him.

According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, Franz allegedly left a voicemail for the official in July, telling him: "You destroyed me, you filthy Democrat. Burn in hell. You started this fight but I'm finishing it. I'm coming after you." The Tribune noted the report said the voicemail "was not verbatim."

Franz was also arrested in Crystal Lake in 2017 on suspicion of drunken driving. He was accused of resisting arrest, and police said a loaded gun was found in his car.
According to the Tribune report, authorities said more than 50 weapons, including assault rifles, were found in his home, even though his concealed carry license was revoked.

The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission filed a previous complaint, which alleged that Franz left several other threatening voicemail messages for officials.

Franz is being held without bond in Cook County Jail.
Read also:

• LITH Police Arrest Man for Telephone Harassment, Several Others for DUI and Warrants
• Crystal Lake Lawyer Sentenced In Gun, DUI Case
• Crystal Lake Lawyer Mocked Size of Client's Penis: Complaint

Image via Crystal Lake Police Department