Stephenson County Sheriff's Office

06/01/2026

MAY 2026 STATS ARE IN!

Another busy month for the Stephenson County Sheriff's Office as our team continued working around the clock to keep our community safe.

Take a look at what your Sheriff's Office accomplished during the month of May. Thank you to our employees for their dedication and to our community for their continued support!

05/29/2026

For Immediate Release
May 29th, 2026


FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATION

On May 29th, 2026, at approximately 9:20 a.m., Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office personnel responded to the area of E. Winneshiek Rd. and N. Farwell Bridge Rd. in rural Stephenson County for a report of a single-vehicle rollover traffic crash. The driver of the vehicle had been ejected from the vehicle during the crash, and EMS personnel transported him to a hospital in Rockford, IL where he was later pronounced deceased.

The results of the preliminary investigation indicate that a vehicle driven by the decedent turned eastbound on E. Winneshiek Rd. from N. Farwell Bridge Rd., left the roadway, entered the ditch on the north side of the roadway, rolled over, and came to rest in the yard of a residence on the north side of the road.

The cause of the traffic crash remains under investigation, and the name of the decedent is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge assistance with this incident that has been provided by the Pecatonica Fire Protection District and MD-1.

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05/22/2026

For Immediate Release
May 22nd, 2026

7.5 GRAMS OF SUSPECTED FENTANYL RECOVERED DURING TRAFFIC STOP

On May 21st, 2026, at approximately 7:59 p.m., deputies assigned to the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code. The vehicle stopped in a parking lot of a gas station, located near the intersection of Illinois Route 26 and W. High St, in Orangeville. A Sheriff’s Office K-9 was utilized to conduct a free-air sniff around the outside of the vehicle during the traffic stop.

The K-9 alerted to the exterior of the vehicle indicating the possible presence of a controlled substance, and probable cause to arrest Michael Griffin who was a passenger of the vehicle, was established shortly thereafter.

A Crime Suppression Unit Deputy located approximately 7.5 grams of suspected fentanyl concealed in Michael Griffin’s waistband. Following a review of this case by the Stephenson County State’s Attorney’s Office, Michael Griffin has been charged with the felony offenses of Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl and Possession of a Controlled Substance, along with a misdemeanor charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Michael Griffin was booked at the Stephenson County Jail and released with a court date under the provisions of the Pre-trial Safe-T Act.

The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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05/22/2026

🎓 Congratulations to Ashley Rupnow – 2026 ISA Scholarship Recipient! 🎉

Each year, the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association awards a $500 college scholarship to one deserving student in every county across the state. We're proud to announce that this year’s Stephenson County recipient is Ashley Rupnow of Freeport.

Ashley, the daughter of Timothy Rupnow, is a standout senior at Dakota High School with an impressive 4.06 GPA. This fall, she will attend The University of Nebraska Kearney, where she plans to pursue a degree in Kinesiology.

The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Citizens Scholarship Committee was highly impressed by Ashley’s outstanding application and academic achievements. We’re excited to see all she will accomplish in the future!

👏 Please join us in congratulating Ashley on being selected as the 2026 Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship winner!

05/19/2026

05/18/2026

Today, Sgt. Aliu and K9 Zafra had the opportunity to visit Open Bible Learning Center in Freeport. The preschool students had a chance to meet K9 Zafra, learn about the important work our K9 teams do, and ask some great questions about law enforcement and community safety.

A big thank you to the staff and students at Open Bible Learning Center for the warm welcome and hospitality! Sgt. Aliu and K9 Zafra had a great time visiting with everyone.

05/18/2026

Please join us in congratulating Correctional Officer Jacob Karakas on graduating from the Sangamon County Corrections Academy at the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center!

His hard work, discipline and commitment during the training is truly something to be proud of.

We are excited to welcome Correctional Officer Jacob Karakas to the team and look forward to his continued service to our community. Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment!!

05/15/2026

🚓☕️ THANK YOU, STEPHENSON COUNTY! ☕️🚓

We want to send a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out today to support Cop on a Rooftop! Your generosity, kindness, and community spirit truly made this event a success.

A very special thank you to Athletes from Milestone—we are so grateful for every smile, and every show of support!

⭐️ Special Shoutout & Thank You ⭐️
💙 AFSCME Local 3367 for their generous $250 donation
💙 Fischer Excavating for their incredible $1,000 donation

Because of YOU, we raised a total of $4,816.80 today!! 🎉

Thank you again for helping make a difference in our community. We couldn’t do it without you! ❤️🙌

05/15/2026

Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office K9 Zafra has received donation of body armor!

Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office, IL - K9 Zafra has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Zafra’s vest was sponsored by Carly Wolnitzek of the Wolnitzek Family Foundation and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by the Wolnitzek Family Foundation”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,513 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

05/15/2026

☕🚔 WE’RE ON THE ROOF! 🚔☕

Cop on a Rooftop 2026 is officially underway at the Freeport Dunkin’ and we’re ready to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois! 💙🔥

📍 Freeport Dunkin’
⏰ NOW until NOON!

Stop out, grab your coffee, honk your horn, cheer us on, and help support an incredible cause that changes lives across Illinois.

Can’t make it in person? You can still support the event online right now: https://support.soill.org/team/821136

Every donation helps support Special Olympics Illinois athletes and makes a real difference.

Let’s make this the BIGGEST Cop on a Rooftop yet! SHARE this post, spread the word, and come see us! 💪🍩🚓

We are proud to support Dunkin' Cop on a Rooftop and Special Olympics Illinois!