Police Officer Accused Of Threatening, Torturing Woman

GURNEE, IL — A Gurnee Police Department officer has been arrested on domestic battery and aggravated battery charges for allegedly threatening and torturing a woman over several years. Michael Stoner has been placed on administrative leave and charged with aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony; and two counts of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, according to a news release from the Gurnee Police Department.

Authorities say there is no indication any of the alleged offenses occurred while Stoner was on duty for the Gurnee Police Department. Stoner will remain on administrative leave pending all court proceedings, according to the Gurnee Police Department.

"We take this matter very seriously, and will continue to cooperate any way we can. We remain mindful of the fact that there is a presumption of innocence for all defendants," said Gurnee Police Chief Brian Smith. "Therefore we will have no comment on the alleged charges and will allow the matter to proceed through the legal system.”

During a court hearing Wednesday, a Lake County prosecutor said Stoner constantly threatened the woman over the years — and went so far as to threaten to kill her and her father — and also attempted to buy a "murder kit" this year that included bleach, rope, plastic sheets and shovel, the Daily Herald reports. It's not clear where or when the alleged abuse occurred or what the woman's relationship was to Stoner.

Stoner's attorney, Joseph Zeit, said Stoner denies the allegations and added that the woman's father made false police reports against Stoner, according to the article. He also said Stoner had tried to get an order of protection taken out against the woman.

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