Lollapalooza band's stolen gear recovered

The Portland rock band whose van and trailer full of equipment were stolen after playing at Lollapalooza plans on sending the Chicago police detectives who recovered more than $80,000 worth of gear a "pile of doughnuts" in gratitude.

Thirty-nine-year-old Juan Ocampo, a Chicago mechanic, appeared in court Tuesday after police said he was caught with much of "Portugal. The Man's" stolen gear in his residence. Ocampo told prosecutors he knew the instruments and sound gear were stolen when he purchased them for $1,000 at a South Side flea market, said Assistant Cook County State's Attorney Erin Antonietti.

The band's Ford 350 van and attached trailer were stolen from a downtown garage the morning after it played a Sunday set at Lollapalooza but were recovered the following day with the gear cleared out, according to police.

The band released a statement on its website after hearing the good news late Friday night.

"Thank you Chicago PD and don't be offended when we send a pile of doughnuts over. We are understanding in its simplicity," wrote frontman John Gourley. "Its like a marathon runner eating a stack of pancakes before the run. It is much needed energy in your long days of crime solving and we appreciate this because, well, doughnuts are delicious ... All respect."

"Portugal. The Man" released a list of the 96 stolen items, including serial numbers, on Twitter just hours after the theft Aug. 8, urging Chicagoans to bring the list to pawn shops, music stores and anywhere the equipment might be sold at.

The van contained seven guitars, two bass guitars, eight amplifiers, numerous effects pedals, drums, cymbals and microphones among other equipment.

"Well, it is good news and it is more than just a win for PTM, it is also a win for twitter, the world of social media, the Chicago police, and old school journalism," the band wrote in the statement.

Ocampo was charged with one count of felony theft and is being held in lieu of $10,000 bail, according to police.

"He said he was scared to bring the items to a flea market all at once and planned to resell it a little at a time," Antonietti told Judge Ramon Ocasio III.

Ocampo also told investigators that he was afraid to sleep in his apartment while the items were there because he thought they were probably stolen, adding he was staying at his girlfriend's house, prosecutors said.

It is not clear who sold Ocampo the equipment or stole the vehicle, and the case remains under investigation, according to police.

<i> Daily Herald wire services contributed to this report</i>