Former Gurnee police officer found guilty of domestic violence

A former Gurnee police officer was found guilty on two counts of domestic battery and sentenced to serve probation and public service, according to court records.

Michael Stoner was charged in July 2020 when he worked for the village police department. Gurnee Detective Shawn Gaylor said Friday that Stoner immediately was placed on paid administrative leave when the department learned of the allegations. Once charges were announced, he was placed on unpaid leave and resigned soon after, Gaylor said.

At his trial in May, a Lake County judge ruled Stoner not guilty of greater charges - two counts of aggravated domestic battery and one count of aggravated battery - that carry harsher penalties. The judge set his sentence at a hearing last week.

Assistant Lake County State's Attorney Demetri Tsilimigras said earlier that Stoner constantly threatened his victim over the years and attempted to purchase a "murder kit" that included bleach, a shovel, rope and plastic sheets.