Libertyville Teen Busted on Burglary Charges: Faces 15 Years in Prison

The Lake County Sheriff's Office has just announced charges against a 19-year-old Libertyville man - he's suspected in a string of burglaries that were allegedly helping to support his heroin addiction. Parents - this is a great example of why it is important to talk with your kids about drugs - even in Libertyville.



Here is the press release just sent out by Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran:

Waukegan - Sheriff's investigators have charged a 19 year-old Libertyville man following a two month investigation into numerous burglaries that occurred in the incorporated and unincorporated Libertyville areas.

Eric L. Schlemm of 810 Hawthorne Lane in Libertyville was taken into custody yesterday after investigators found Schlemm at the Libertyville train station returning home after a suspected trip to Chicago to purchase Heroin. Investigators became suspicous of Schlemm when burglaries began occurring in the Libertyville area during the month of December and they realized Schlemm was out on bond for similar offenses stemming from last summer.

Prior to picking Schlemm up at the train station, detectives spoke with Schlemm's mother with whom he resides and obtained a consent to search on the residence. During the search, proceeds from burglaries were located in Schlemm's bedroom.

Schlemm was taken to the Criminal Investigations Division where he told investigators he was responsible for residentinal and car burglaries in the Libertyville area. Taken during the burglaries were several items including; approximately $200 USC, an iPhone, an iPod, several purses and a wallet. Schlemm told investigators he took the items in order to support his Heroin addiction. The iPhone, a purse, a wallet and a set of car keys were recovered and will soon be returned to their owners.

"I cannot stress enough how drug addictions drive people to commit other crimes," said Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran. "We face a battle with drug dealers each and everyday along with working to solve crimes that are committed by drug users."

Schlemm was charged with three counts of Residential Burglary, three counts of Burglary, one count of Theft, one count of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance and one count of Unlawful Possession of Hyperdermic Needles.

Schlemm appeared in front of the Honorable Judge Raymond Collins this morning where his bond was set at $500,000. If convicted, Schlemm could face up to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. He remains in the Lake County Jail.