Journal-News.com

A Batavia man was sentenced to 12 years in prison today, March 19, for his role in a string of crimes across Warren County, including a high speed car chase.

Albert Lakes, 41, was convicted in January of burglarizing two Warren County homes. On October 31, 2008, Lakes was confronted by the owner of a Harlan Twp. house he was attempting to break into. Lakes then led the Warren County Sheriff's Department on a high speed chase across the county in a stolen car. At various points during the chase Lakes left the road and led police through yards and farm fields before being stopped on Ohio 28 in Harlan Twp. Lakes is facing additional charges in Clermont and Highland counties.

"This is a serial burglar and a dangerous man," said Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel. "His actions endangered the lives of families on the road and in their homes as well as the lives of our officers."