Hobart’s Fifth Ward Councilman William Perryman was arrested in Valparaiso Thursday night for shoplifting at Walmart, according to court records.
A probable cause affidavit said that at around 10:30 p.m. January 16, Perryman, 51, was caught on surveillance tape bagging multiple grocery items before scanning them at self-checkout at the Walmart at 2400 E. Morthland Dr. He then rang up one lower-priced item several times instead of everything in the bag, court records said.
At one point, Perryman had two steaks in a bag but only rung up one of them, the affidavit said. In all, his bill totaled $98.71.
Upon questioning, Perryman admitted he knew there were two steaks in the bag, according to the affidavit.
Perryman was charged with Class A Misdemeanor theft, court records said. Perryman told the Post-Tribune Friday, “This is still an ongoing investigation, and my attorney is handling it.”
Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun told the Post-Tribune Friday that he doesn’t believe Perryman has to step down from his council seat for a misdemeanor crime, but that’s a question for him to answer.
“This does not reflect the Hobart City Council as a whole,” Huddlestun said. “The other six members work tirelessly for our community and remain committed to doing what is best for the city.”
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
