Rockford Alderman Faces Felony DUI Charges

Mark Bonne's DUI charges upgraded due to prior convictions in 2005 and 2009

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Rockford Ald. Mark Bonne, D-14, is facing felony DUI charges after prosecutors upgraded the charges from a misdemeanor. Bonne was charged with DUI and improper lane usage following a traffic stop on January 26. The felony charges stem from Bonne's previous DUI convictions in 2005 and 2009.

Why it matters

Bonne's felony DUI charges raise concerns about public officials facing repeat offenses and the potential impact on their ability to serve their constituents effectively. Repeat DUI offenses can also raise broader questions about accountability and consequences for elected officials.

The details

Bonne, 63, was charged with DUI and improper lane usage following a traffic stop on January 26. Prosecutors have now upgraded the charges to a felony due to Bonne's previous DUI convictions in 2005 and 2009. Bonne is the chief of staff for State Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Loves Park, and was first elected as an alderman in 2021.

  • Bonne was charged with DUI and improper lane usage on January 26, 2026.
  • Prosecutors filed felony DUI charges against Bonne on February 23, 2026.

The players

Mark Bonne

Rockford Ald. Mark Bonne, D-14, is facing felony DUI charges after prosecutors upgraded the charges from a misdemeanor due to his previous DUI convictions in 2005 and 2009.

Jerry Lund

Rockford defense attorney representing Ald. Mark Bonne.

Steve Stadelman

State Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Loves Park, is the employer of Ald. Mark Bonne, who serves as his chief of staff.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Bonne out on bail at a hearing scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The takeaway

Bonne's felony DUI charges raise questions about accountability for elected officials and the potential consequences of repeat offenses. This case highlights the need for public officials to be held to high standards of conduct, especially when it comes to public safety issues like drunk driving.