Hobart Fifth Ward Councilman William Perryman resigned from his seat late Friday afternoon.
Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun announced Perryman’s resignation on social media shortly after Perryman announced that he would announce “his position on the City Council” on February 24, also via social media. Perryman, 51, was charged in January with Class A misdemeanor theft after he got caught stealing food from a Valparaiso Walmart.
Huddlestun said Perryman told him he was resigning earlier Friday and that he “supports his decision to focus on himself and his family.”
“Sometimes, the right things to do are the tough things,” Huddlestun told the Post-Tribune Friday evening. “I applaud Mr. Perryman for respecting the Council and resigning. I wish him nothing but the best and hope he’s able to get the help he deserves.
“I understand this is a difficult time for him and his family. I have offered to help him in any capacity he needs.”
Perryman declined comment Friday evening, saying he stands behind his social media post from earlier in the day.
“On Monday, February 24, I will be announcing my position on the city council, a decision that carries significant weight for both my family and myself,” Perryman wrote. “I kindly ask for your understanding as I take the time to discuss this pivotal moment with my loved ones. Their support and insights are crucial as I outline my plans moving forward.”
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., the Post-Tribune previously reported. 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.
The charge in Valparaiso wasn’t the first time Perryman had run afoul of the law, according to two documents The Post-Tribune received Friday evening. One document was a trespass warning citation dated October 23 from the Portage Police, and the second is a summary of a ticket Perryman received from the Hobart Police January 4 that said Perryman scanned $103.51 worth of items but was stopped at the exit because all the merchandise hadn’t been paid for.
When Perryman returned the items he scanned, it was determined he attempted to under-ring $49.06 worth of merchandise, according to the document.
A caucus to fill Perryman’s seat will be held within 30 days of his resignation, Lake County Democratic Central Committee Chairman Jim Wieser said Friday. Candidates vying for the seat will need to have filed for it 72 hours prior to the caucus, the time and location of which has yet to be determined.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
