Special prosecutor to handle case of McHenry woman charged with soliciting someone to kill ex-boyfriend

McHENRY – A special prosecutor will be hired to represent the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office in a case against a 23-year-old McHenry woman accused of trying to find someone to kill her ex-boyfriend.

Stephanie E. Linderman asked a man to kill her 24-year-old former boyfriend, according to a complaint filed by McHenry County College police.

McHenry County Judge James Cowlin granted a motion filed by State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally requesting a special prosecutor from the Illinois Office of the State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor’s office because Kenneally has a conflict of interest with the family.

Stephanie's father, Mike Linderman, donated $2,500 to Kenneally's election campaign fund Aug. 17, according to Illinois Sunshine.

The motion was granted Wednesday, and Stephanie Linderman’s bond hearing was postponed until Thursday.

Stephanie Linderman hired lawyer Dan Hofmann from the Donahue & Walsh firm to represent her.

She was charged Saturday with solicitation of murder, solicitation to commit aggravated battery and disorderly conduct for intentionally making threats to her ex-boyfriend.

She is being held in the McHenry County Jail in lieu of $1 million bond. If convicted, Linderman could face up to 30 years in prison.

In February 2016, Linderman asked a judge for an emergency order of protection against the man who police said she wanted dead. The order of protection was filed Feb. 17, 2016, and lasted until March 2, 2016. At that point, the order was vacated, according to court records.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the alleged murder plot.

MCC officials have said Stephanie Linderman is a former student.