08/28/2026
Great job by all of our Officers involved‼️
Crown Point Man Accused of Stealing Sewage Pipes and Basins From Construction Site
Aaron Leon Hacker, 47, of Crown Point, was charged Thursday after police allegedly caught him transporting sewage pipes and basins taken from a construction site.
At approximately 11:39 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, a Schererville police officer was traveling north on Cline Avenue toward U.S. 30 when he observed a black Ford F-250 leaving the construction site of a new Family Express in the 700 block of U.S. 30 in Crown Point.
The truck was pulling a trailer loaded with several large pieces of piping commonly used in new construction. Court documents state that every business in the complex was closed at the time.
The trailer allegedly had no taillights or license plate. The Ford traveled east on U.S. 30 before turning south on Harvest Drive. The officer believed the driver was attempting to avoid his presence and stopped the truck for the reported equipment violations.
Hacker was identified as the driver. When asked where he was coming from, Hacker allegedly said he had been performing epoxy flooring work at a Strack’s in Schererville.
The officer found Hacker’s response unusual because his truck and trailer were loaded with large sewage pipes. Police also observed that the truck’s license plate had been bent so that it was partially concealed.
A records check showed Hacker’s Indiana driver’s license was suspended due to an infraction but that he had no outstanding warrants, according to the affidavit.
When asked why he had the pipes if he had been performing epoxy work, Hacker allegedly said he had a sewage project scheduled for later. The officer then asked why he had been behind the new Family Express building.
According to court documents, Hacker paused and looked directly at the pipes on his trailer. After being told to be honest, Hacker allegedly said he had been “loading” the sewage pipe.
When specifically asked whether he had stolen the pipe, Hacker allegedly confirmed that he had just taken it. He was placed in handcuffs and advised of his rights.
Hacker reportedly denied planning to sell the materials. He allegedly said he had a project at his home for which he needed the pipe. Hacker also denied having any other stolen or illegal property inside the truck.
Officers searched the vehicle and located numerous tools from several different brands, along with other miscellaneous items. Hacker claimed ownership of everything inside the truck and continued to deny stealing anything else.
Police also discovered an unsecured door at the construction site. Officers checked the building but did not locate anyone inside. Hacker denied entering the building.
The owner of the excavation company working at the site confirmed that the sewage pipes and basins belonged to the company.
After inspecting the recovered property, the company owner valued the sewage pipes and basins at approximately $3,900. The owner confirmed that no tools or other property were missing.
Court documents state that Hacker was previously convicted of theft in Wauwatosa Municipal Court on Jan. 20, 2021.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed August 27, 2026:
Theft With a Prior Theft or Conversion Conviction, Level 6 felony
Theft of Property Valued Between $750 and $50,000, Level 6 felony
