Man held in weapons cache case found unfit for trial

One of two Antioch Township men charged with hoarding explosives, guns and drugs in his house was found unfit for trial Tuesday in Lake County Circuit Court.

A report from a court-appointed psychologist said Burl Thomas, 56, suffers from some symptoms of dementia, but it also suggested he may be malingering and exaggerating his symptoms.

Thomas and his son, John Thomas, 24, were arrested Sept. 2 when police raided their home in the 25000 block of West Linden Lane.

Inside the house, police discovered more than 30 weapons, including a live military AT4 rocket launcher, semiautomatic rifles and handguns and shotguns. They also found a half-pound of dynamite, blasting caps and detonator cord.

Two ounces of cocaine, about a pound a marijuana and 500 pills of prescription drugs were also seized during the raid.

Assistant State's Attorney Scott Hoffert recommended sending Burl Thomas for treatment in a secure facility operated by the state Department of Human Services.

Hoffert said he was unsure of the level of treatment the elder Thomas needs, but felt doctors at a DHS facility would be better able to evaluate him.

Circuit Judge Fred Foreman, who also expressed reservations about the severity of Thomas' psychological problems, asked Thomas if he understood he was being placed in a treatment program.

Thomas replied "Will they fix me," and Foreman said that would be the goal of the treatment program.

Under the law, DHS doctors can treat Thomas for up to a year or can send him back to Lake County at any time they believe his fitness to stand trial has been restored.

John Thomas remains in the Lake County jail on $1 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 29.

Both men are charged with armed violence, possession of explosives, cocaine and marijuana and unlawful use of a weapon.

They each face prison terms of 15 to 30 years if convicted.