Man gets six years for Lake Co. burglaries

One of two Cook County men accused in a pair of Lake County business burglaries was sentenced to six years in prison Friday.

Chauncey Maddox, 45, of Lynwood, entered a negotiated plea of guilty during a hearing before Associate Judge Theodore Potkonjak in Waukegan.

Assistant State's Attorney Bolling Haxall said Maddox and Kevin Johnson, 48, of Chicago, were arrested June 2 after an investigation by Round Lake Park and Grayslake police.

About 8 p.m. on March 14, Haxall said, the pair broke a window and climbed into Ram Rental, 325 W. Belvidere Road in Round Lake Park.

Once inside, the two took portable generators, chain saws and other tools worth approximately $5,500, Haxall said.

About 90 minutes later, they entered Grayslake Feed Sales at 81 E. Route 120 in Grayslake, Haxall said, and stole tools valued at $3,400.

Police took security videotape from both locations and were able to get clear pictures of both suspects and the license number of Johnson's pickup truck, Haxall said.

Both were charged with two counts of burglary and have been held in the Lake County jail since their arrest.

Johnson is scheduled to appear in court again July 17, Haxall said.

Both faced sentences of up to 14 years in prison if convicted, Haxall said.