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Round Lake man denies role in residential burglary

A Round Lake man who was arrested last month while wearing shoes that police say he stole in a home burglary, pleaded not guilty to charges in Lake County court Thursday.

Dakota Koch, 23, faces up to 14 years in prison if found guilty at trial on one count of residential burglary, Assistant Lake County State's Attorney Dan Kleinhubert said.

Koch remains held in Lake County jail on $25,000 bail, authorities said.

Authorities said the victim was getting ready to order food at a Round Lake Beach restaurant when he noticed Koch wearing a familiar pair of expensive red and white sneakers. The shoes, which had unique markings that enabled the victim to identify them, were stolen days earlier during a burglary at his house in the 38300 block of North Fairfield Road in Lake Villa Township, authorities said.

The victim confronted Koch at the restaurant and called 9-1-1.

Police used evidence recovered at the crime scene and information collected from Koch during about an hour of questioning to determine he had possession of the victim's handgun, iPad, other electronics, clothing and shoes, authorities said.

The iPad and electronics were recovered from Koch's residence on the 0-100 block of North High Point Road, and the .40-caliber handgun was recovered at a residence that Koch went to after the burglary, authorities said.

Koch's trial is set for April 30. He is due back in court March 15.

Police make burglary arrest after victim spots his stolen shoes

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