Arlington Heights Man Sentenced for Choking Woman in His Apartment on Northwest Highway in 2013

After pleading guilty last month to choking a woman during an argument, Donald E. Stellato Jr., age 39, was sentenced to three years in prison Friday. Prosecutors stated that Donald Stellato and the woman were arguing about 2:00 a.m. September 22, 2013 at Stellato’s apartment in 1700 block of West Northwest Highway (near Wikle Road) when Stellato choked her. The woman broke free and drove away. A short time later, Barrington police were on a traffic stop with the woman, then age 44, and discovered she had been the victim of a domestic battery, according to prosecutors. Barrington Police notified Arlington Heights police, who investigated the case, and found the suspect at a relative’s home.

Cook County Judge Joel Greenblatt ordered Stellato to have no contact with the victim and granted her an order of protection through December 5, 2023.

In the initial report, the victim reported that Donald Stellato began striking her about her face and head with his fists. The victim reported that Stellato placed his hands on the victim’s throat and attempted to strangle her and smother her with a pillow.

At the sentencing, Cook County Judge Joel Greenblatt stated, “I saw the photographs of what you did to this woman. You’re lucky you didn’t kill her.” Judge Greenblatt, added that after a “long career of illegal activities” Stellato was at last going to the penitentiary. “It’s time,” Judge Greenblatt added.

Stellato received credit for 21 days in custody, but must complete at least 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.

Judge Greenblatt also ordered that Stellato is prohibited from possessing a firearm or a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card until the order of protection expires.

Stellato’s criminal history includes …

a 2003 conviction with two year’s probation for violating an order of protection,

a 2002 conviction for domestic battery conviction with a sentence to Cook County jail,

a 2001 violation of an order of protection with a sentence of one year of supervision,

a 1999 telephone harassment conviction with a sentence of seven months’ supervision,

and a 1999 battery charge with a sentence of two years supervision.

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