Man gets probation for stealing a car

A Waukegan man was placed on probation for two years Wednesday after he admitted stealing a car from Lincolnshire.

Shane Leese, 19, is also facing charges in Walworth County, Wis., where he was arrested trying to sell the car.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Tim Niehus said Leese, 1425 North Ave., Apt. 204, was visiting relatives in Lincolnshire on Jan. 21 when he saw a parked car with the keys in the ignition.

Leese took the keys that day, then returned Jan. 25 and drove off in the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT.

He listed the car on craigslist, and a man in Elkhorn, Wis., contacted Leese with an offer to buy the vehicle.

But the man also contacted Elkhorn police to check on the vehicle, which had been reported stolen, and police were waiting for Leese when he showed up to make the sale.

Leese was charged with burglary and theft in Lake County, both of which carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

In Wisconsin, Leese is facing charges of possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Niehus said Leese will be transported to that state to face prosecution as soon as the paperwork can be completed.