CHICAGO – Members of the Oregon-based band Portugal The Man thanked Chicago police on Tuesday, offering to send them "a pile of doughnuts," after investigators recovered thousands of dollars worth of gear stolen from the band's van following an appearance at the Lollapalooza music festival.
A mechanic was accused of buying the items — including vintage guitars and amps, keyboards, effects pedals, drums and microphones — at a flea market in Chicago even though he knew they were stolen. Police said $80,000 worth of equipment was found in his home.
On the rock band's Facebook page, front man John Gourley wrote that band members were depressed over the theft when they got a call from their tour manager that the items had been found.
"Thank you Chicago PD and don't be offended when we send a pile of doughnuts over," Gourley wrote. "We are understanding in its simplicity. It's like a marathon runner eating a stack of pancakes before the run. It is much needed energy in your long days of crime solving and we appreciate this because, well, doughnuts are delicious.... All respect."
Juan Ocampo, 39, was charged with one count of felony theft and ordered held in jail in lieu of $10,000 bond after police found about $80,000 worth of the equipment Monday in his apartment, Assistant Cook County State's Attorney Erin Antonietti said.
During his bond hearing, Ocampo said he knew the instruments and sound gear were stolen when he agreed to purchase them for $1,000, Antonietti said.
"He said he was scared to bring the items to a flea market all at once and planned to resell it a little at a time," Antonietti told Judge Ramon Ocasio III.
Ocampo also told investigators that he was afraid to sleep in his apartment while the items were there because he thought they were probably stolen, adding he was staying at his girlfriend's house, prosecutors said.
According to a police report, Ocampo said a man whose name he didn't know sold him some of the instruments for $500 and indicated he had more. Ocampo said he agreed to buy a guitar, drum and keyboard and indicated he would pay him the additional $500 after he sold some of the instruments.
Lollapalooza, a three-day music festival, was held in Chicago last weekend.
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