Lake County, IL – Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 54-year-old man from Unincorporated Antioch following an investigation into a boat theft and attempted sale of its parts.
On October 3, a business owner reported his 1995 Regal Valanti boat stolen from the 26900 block of West Grass Lake Road, where it had been parked for winterization. The next day, a marina on Route 173 reported a man trying to sell a suspiciously underpriced outboard engine. Lake County deputies linked the suspect, Barry J. Hackleman, to the boat theft through surveillance footage.
Deputies later reportedly located Hackleman’s vehicle near Route 173 and 3rd Avenue, where they discovered the stolen boat engine. Hackleman, currently out on pre-trial release for battery, was arrested and faces two felony theft charges. The Lake County State’s Attorney has filed a petition to revoke Hackleman’s release.
The victim recovered his boat’s engine, but deputies continue to search for the rest of the stolen vessel. Hackleman is due in court today.
