Theft charge denied:

A Long Grove man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Lake County Circuit Court to felony theft stemming from the failed sale of three snowplows. Police said Michael Bernotas, 39, placed an online ad offering three trucks with snowplow equipment for sale this spring. On May 11, police said, Bernotas accepted a $5,000 down payment on an agreed upon price of $57,000 for the equipment. When the prospective buyer returned June 2 with the balance of the money, police said, Bernotas said he did not have the titles for the vehicles. The prospective buyer stormed out of the meeting, and police said Bernotas refused to return the $5,000 down payment. Circuit Judge James Booras told Bernotas he faces up to five years in prison if convicted but would also be eligible for probation. Bernotas is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 15.