An Oskaloosa man is facing a misdemeanor theft charge following an investigation into a reported shoplifting incident at a local Walmart late last year.
On December 5 at approximately 4:44 p.m., the Oskaloosa Police Department received a call from Walmart in Oskaloosa regarding a reported theft.
According to court filings, law enforcement reviewed store surveillance footage and observed Cory Houser, 39, of Oskaloosa, scanning multiple items at a self-checkout with the barcodes facing upward. After completing the transaction, Houser exited the store with his children and left in his vehicle. The total value of the unpaid merchandise was reported to be $39.41.
Police contacted Houser by phone on December 23 at approximately 6:00 p.m. to question him about the incident. During the conversation, Houser stated that he did not pay attention to what rang up during checkout and said he did not intentionally steal the items. He told officers he was in a hurry because his children were with him and offered to pay back the amount owed.
Officers informed Houser they could meet at Walmart to see if the store would be willing to accept repayment. Houser told police he was out of town but would return on Sunday, December 27. A meeting was then agreed upon for Saturday night at Walmart; however, Houser failed to appear.
A warrant was later issued, and on January 13, Houser was taken into custody by the Oskaloosa Police Department. Bond was set at $300, and Houser was subsequently released from the Mahaska County Jail.
Houser is charged with Theft in the Fifth Degree, a simple misdemeanor. A pretrial conference is scheduled for February 18.
