Cops: Pair stole metal from Fox Lake library site

Two men have been arrested for stealing about $8,000 worth of aluminum from the construction yard at the new Fox Lake Public Library, then selling the metal for $150, police said Friday.

Keith Wisowaty, 25, of the 200 block of Enfield Drive in Grayslake, and Jesse Pecht, 22, of the 4900 block of East Kuhn Drive in Richmond, were charged Thursday with felony theft over $300, Fox Lake Police Lt. Jeff Norris said.

Subcontractors at the construction site on Grand Avenue called police and reported the aluminum was taken overnight Wednesday, Norris said.

Officer Dawn DeServi spoke with the construction workers, who said they saw a yellow pickup truck back up to the site as crews were leaving about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Norris said. DeServi then went to A-1 Recycling on Honing Road in Fox Lake to see if the aluminum was dropped off before the theft was discovered Thursday morning.

"The owner of the plant said the aluminum was turned in at about 4:50 p.m.," Norris said. "The owner was able to identify the truck as well as one of the occupants of the vehicle."

Wisowaty and Pecht were paid $150 for the aluminum, Norris said.

Wisowaty was arrested at his home Thursday afternoon, and Pecht was picked up that evening. Each is held in Lake County jail in lieu of $10,000 bond. They are expected back in court Feb. 4, Norris said.