Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak has announced his retirement from the bench.
His friends, family and fellow judges recently gathered to honor Potkonjak for his long legal career, which included 22 years as an associate judge.
“You have been a model for many of us with your vigorous advocacy as an attorney, and your equal administration of justice from the bench. You are truly going to be missed,” Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes said.
Potkonjak was born and raised in Waukegan, and graduated from Waukegan High School. He graduated from MacMurray College and California Western School of Law. After being accepted into the bar in 1982, he worked for five years in the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. He then entered private practice.
He became a judge in 2002, and has presided in a number of courtrooms. Most recently, he has served in bond court, or first appearance court as it is now known.
“When I started, I was told that being a judge is the greatest job in the world, and I found that to be very true. It is hard to believe 22 years have come and gone,” Potkonjak said. “I am fortunate because getting a judgeship is something very few lawyers can obtain.
“When you leave the bench, you leave a part of yourself here and take part of the job with you,” he said.
Stolen boat
Police have charged an Antioch-area man in connection with the theft of a boat from in front of a marina.
Barry J. Hackleman, 54, was charged with theft after a Lake County sheriff’s deputy found an outboard motor in the back of Hackleman’s pickup truck.
Police said the boat, a 1995 Regal Valanti, and its trailer were reported stolen on Oct. 3 from a marina in the Antioch area. The owner had brought the craft to the marina to have it winterized. Security footage showed someone in a white pickup truck driving away from the marina with the boat and trailer.
The next day a different marina reported to police that someone had tried to sell a boat motor for far less than its market value. Police said security footage showed the seller was driving a white pickup truck that matched the one seen in the original theft.
Police said they identified Hackleman as the driver. Later on Oct. 4, a deputy stopped Hackleman’s truck and found the motor in the bed. The owner of the stolen boat identified the motor, as well as other items. Hackleman did not disclose the boat’s location to police.
Hackleman, who was on pretrial release on a battery charge, was ordered detained.
Distinguished alum
Lake Zurich police Sgt. Randall Witt was recently named a distinguished alumnus of Lake Zurich High School.
Witt, of the LZHS class of 1996, has served in the Lake Zurich Police Department for 23 years as a patrol officer, detective and training instructor. He also serves in the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group, a countywide police organization that fights drug trafficking.
An outstanding high school athlete, Witt has also been active in youth sports and served as a volunteer coach for football, basketball and baseball teams.
“Randall Witt’s unwavering dedication to public safety and his profound impact on youth in the community exemplify the highest standards of excellence,” LZPD said.
Child pornography
A North Chicago man has been arrested for possessing and disseminating child pornography, according to Lake County authorities.
Johnny M. Stewart, 18, of the 1500 block of Lincoln Avenue, was taken into custody earlier this month.
Lake County prosecutors and the sheriff’s office both received tips that led to a joint investigation. In July, police and prosecutors executed a search warrant at Stewart’s residence and seized electronic devices.
Investigators discovered several hundred files of child sexual abuse material on Stewart’s phone, authorities said.
