Mechanic Arrested Buying Portugal. The Man Music Gear

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 16, 2011 9:15PM

The story of Portugal.The Man and the music gear they had stolen at Lollapalooza is starting to take a turn for the better.

Mechanic Juan Ocampo was charged with buying the Portland-based band's $80,000 in stolen music equipment for a cool $1,000 at the Swap-O-Rama flea market at 40th and Ashland. (We're making a mental note of that price the next time we're at the Swap-O-Rama, looking for a Les Paul.)

Ocampo told police he knew the gear was stolen and was planning on selling it of a little bit at a time. He apparently was so afraid of being around the hot gear he started staying at his girlfriend's apartment. Ocampo was held on $10,000 bond.

Portugal. The Man's John Gourley posted his gratitude to the Chicago Police Department and everyone who spread the word about the theft on the band's Facebook page. Gourley joked, "Don't be offended when we send a pile of doughnuts over."