Troy M. Obrian, 51, of Hobart, was charged in Lake County after police alleged he arranged for three vehicles to be removed from a mobile home park without the owners’ permission and later failed to pay the towing company he hired.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the investigation began after three vehicles were reported stolen from the Ravinia Pines Mobile Home Park in the 500 block of East 37th Avenue on March 18. Witnesses told police they saw multiple tow trucks removing the vehicles the previous evening and confronted the men towing them. One of the men allegedly claimed, “these are my cars,” before later stating he was there on business for the mobile home park. Witnesses also provided police with a phone number used by the man at the scene.

Police determined the mobile home park did not authorize the vehicles to be towed and that the park only used law enforcement or approved towing companies for vehicle removals. Detectives also learned one of the men allegedly demanded hundreds of dollars as a “drop fee” to leave the vehicles and later increased the amount after the vehicles had been removed.

According to court documents, investigators used license plate reader data, surveillance video, witness statements, text messages, and phone records to identify Obrian as the person who allegedly coordinated the towing operation. Police allege Obrian contacted a towing operator, represented that he had authority to remove the vehicles, and directed where they should be taken. The towing operator later told detectives he believed Obrian had lawful paperwork authorizing the removals.

Police said the towing operator later became suspicious after the vehicle owners confronted them at the scene and told detectives Obrian never paid for the towing services as promised. According to the affidavit, Obrian declined to provide a statement after being advised he would be charged.

The affidavit states detectives determined Obrian did not have permission from any of the three vehicle owners to remove their vehicles or take possession of them. Investigators also alleged he defrauded the towing operator by failing to pay for the towing services after the vehicles were moved.

Lodged in the Lake County Jail.

Charges filed July 2, 2026:

Auto Theft, Level 6 Felony (3 counts)

Fraud, Level 6 Felony