ROCKFORD, IL — A Rockford police officer who pleaded guilty to a charge of misdemeanor domestic battery as part of a plea agreement has resigned from the department.
Michael Rhein, 28, had worked for the Rockford Police Department since January 2021.
Rhein was charged with aggravated battery with a weapon and domestic violence in connection with a March 15 incident in South Beloit. Rhein was accused of attacking a woman, pushing her against a wall and trying to force a gun into her mouth during an argument.
Rhein had been placed on leave from the department after his arrest.
As part of an April 15 negotiated agreement, the felony aggravated battery charge was dropped by prosecutors and Rhein entered a guilty plea to the domestic battery charge. As part of the agreement, he was sentenced to 180 days in jail of which he was credited with 30 days already served. He was also ordered to relinquish any firearms in his possession and his Firearm Owners Identification Card, electronic court records show.
Rhein was also sentenced to two years of probation.
Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley previously did not charge Rhein with a crime in connection with the on-duty shooting of Patrick R. Kirby on Christmas Eve in 2023. Hanley ruled that the shooting was justified. Body camera video footage showed Kirby was shot three times and killed during a welfare check at his apartment as he approached officers armed with a knife and a box cutter.
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford police officer pleads guilty to domestic battery, resigns
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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