The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office apprehended a Delavan police officer on Thursday.
Officer Joshua Bittner appeared in court in Rockford, Illinois, on Friday afternoon and was released on bond. He is charged with one count of aggravated stalking and two counts of violating an order of protection.
The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office told TMJ4 that Bittner’s arrest followed a comprehensive investigation by its investigators.
Bittner violated the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office’s instructions by contacting a woman, resulting in both sets of charges. The woman revealed a long history of harassment in court records obtained by TMJ4.
A Winnebago County judge ordered Bittner to not contact the woman and to stay away from guns and weapons until his trial begins.
Bittner has worked with the Delavan Police Department since February 2023. He was previously a police officer in Beloit, where he resigned while the department investigated his actions.
Bittner had breached the order of protection twice. This includes an incident on December 17, 2025, when he attended an event at a school knowing the woman in the order of protection would be present.
According to the Delavan Police Department, Bittner is now on administrative leave while a criminal investigation and judicial processes take place.
Bittner’s trial is scheduled to begin in Rockford on April 29.
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