Woodstock man stalked ex-wife, violated restraining order

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. (WIFR) – A Woodstock man is accused of violating a protection order and stalking a Pecatonica woman.

Brandon Smith, 40, faces three counts of violating a protection order, three counts of intimidation, stalking and aggravated stalking.

The investigation began on Tuesday October 15.

According to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, Smith made several attempts to make contact and obtain information about his ex-wife, Lauren Pruitt. Smith allegedly contacted the sheriff’s office, Pruitt’s former workplace, and NIU Rockford, the site of an event at which the sheriff and Pruitt were scheduled to speak about domestic violence awareness and prevention.

Smith is accused of using intimidation tactics when he contacted the campus. Organizers canceled the event to ensure the safety of Pruitt and other attendees.

On Friday, October 18, the Sheriff’s Office received a warrant for Smith’s arrest. He was found at work and Crystal Lake police arrested him.

Smith is in the Winnebago County Jail awaiting the outcome of a detention hearing. An initial court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 19, according to online court records.

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