Not guilty plea in Libertyville club theft

A Libertyville man accused of stealing nearly $67,000 while serving as treasurer for the Libertyville Boy's Club pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake County circuit court.

Christopher Jacobsen, 43, faces up to five years in prison if convicted of felony theft but would also be eligible for probation.

Assistant State's Attorney George Pappas said Jacobsen, of the 600 block of Meadow Lane, is a CPA who served as the group's treasurer since 2009.

Club officials discovered Jacobsen had written checks to himself totaling $66,700, Pappas said, and contacted Libertyville police.

Associate Judge Christopher Stride scheduled a trial of the case for June 6 and ordered Jacobsen, who is free on $5,000 bond, to appear in court again May 25.

The club has been in existence for 77 years and sponsors a youth football program and cheerleading at Butler Lake Park.