A McHenry man who police say stole a boat along the Fox River and filled it with loot from break-ins at riverfront properties was sentenced to four years in prison after admitting guilt Thursday to related charges.

Timothy L. Hohl, 22, pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage to state supported property in connection with the allegations, as well as later charges he damaged an electrical outlet at the McHenry County jail in September.

He also admitted that, by committing those offenses, he violated his probation sentence in a 2008 burglary case.

McHenry County Sheriff's police arrested Hohl after, charges allege, he stole a 14-foot aluminum rowboat with motor attached on Aug. 31 from a riverfront home along River Road near McHenry.

Authorities said he then broke into a garage in the 1000 block of River Road and stole tools and other items, then burglarized a truck parked in the 800 block of River Road.

Sheriff's police arrested Hohl Sept. 3 after the owner of another riverfront property in the 1000 block of River Road called to report a strange boat parked in his previously vacant boathouse.

Hohl's attorney, Senior Assistant Public Defender Christopher Harmon, said his client was homeless at the time and was living out of the boat. All of the stolen items were recovered and Hohl was cooperative when caught, Harmon added.

As part of Thursday's plea deal, Judge Joseph Condon agreed to rule that Hohl's crimes were caused by an alcohol or drug addiction, a finding that makes it more likely he will receive treatment while in prison.