Man Charged With Felony After Phone Threats to State Rep. Jeanne Ives

Stephen S. Bona, 49, of 903 W. Roscoe in Chicago, has been charged with a felony in connection with making threatening phone calls to Illinois 42nd District State Rep. Jeanne Ives, officials said Tuesday.

The DuPage County State's Attorney's Office said Bona was originally charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after leaving a threatening message at Ives' office Friday morning. The charges were later upgraded to a Class 3 felony of threatening a public official after Bona made a second phone call Monday, the office said.

“My office takes any threat or perceived threat against a public employee or elected official very seriously,” State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. “For our government to function properly, it is imperative that public servants be allowed to serve without having to worry about their personal safety. I would like to thank the Wheaton Police Department for their fine work on this case as well as Assistant State’s Attorney Tim Diamond for his efforts.”

Judge Michael Wolfe issued a $150,000 arrest warrant on Monday, and Bona was taken into custody late that afternoon by the Wheaton Police Department. He posted bond and was released from custody shortly thereafter. Bond was set at $150,000 with 10 percent to apply.

If convicted, Bona faces up to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. He is set to return to court April 29.

While probationable, a Class 3 Felony is punishable by up to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Bona’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 29.