A man from unincorporated Barrington, Illinois, was arrested Thursday after authorities uncovered 71 stolen LG appliances and suspected homemade explosives at his home. The arrest follows an investigation by Lake County Sheriff’s detectives into suspicious online sales.
Detectives began probing after reports surfaced of a man selling brand-new LG appliances at unusually low prices on social media. Undercover officers purchased an LG oven from 36-year-old Jeffery L. Hendon Jr., whose appliance’s serial number matched items reported stolen in a February cargo theft at a Lockport distribution center.
Following the undercover purchase, detectives obtained a search warrant and raided Hendon’s residence, recovering dozens of stolen ovens and dryers. They also discovered a significant quantity of suspected homemade explosives, prompting the Waukegan Bomb Squad to safely dispose of the hazardous materials.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Hendon with Theft Over $10,000 (Class 2 felony), Online Sale of Stolen Goods (Class 2 felony), and Unlawful Possession of Explosives (Class 3 felony). Hendon appeared in court Friday morning, with officials indicating additional charges may be forthcoming.
Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg emphasized the impact of such thefts on businesses and consumers alike, praising the detectives’ diligent work and the cooperation between law enforcement agencies in recovering stolen property and removing dangerous explosives from the community.
