Libertyville man pleads not guilty in arsons

A 26-year-old man, accused of setting fire to four Libertyville structures in late March, pleaded not guilty to arson and burglary charges Tuesday, Lake County prosecutors said.

Kyle Kowal, of the 600 block of West Street in Libertyville, faces three counts of aggravated arson, three counts of residential arson, one count of arson and three counts of burglary, Lake County Assistant States Attorney Rod Drobinski said.

Prosecutors said the charges stem from an early morning crime spree by Kowal on March 24, in which authorities say he set two fires, tried to start two others, and burglarized a Milwaukee Avenue restaurant.

If found guilty, Kowal can be sentenced up to 30 years in prison, of which, 85 percent of the sentence must be served, Drobinski said.

Trial has been set for June 13, Drobinski said, but Kowal is expected to return to court April 26 for a status update. He remains in Lake County jail on $500,000 bond.

Drobinski said the fires took place in four homes or garages in a one-mile radius near Homewood Drive, Cook Avenue and Laurel Avenue.

Kowal's burglary charges are for breaking into the Picnic Basket restaurant in the 500 block of Milwaukee Avenue, as well as entering two of the structures he tried to torch, Drobinski said.

Overall, two houses that were set on fire suffered major damage, while two others suffered minor damage, officials said.

No one was injured in any of the fires, officials said.