Joliet Walmart Employee Arrested For Burglary and Theft

A 47-year old Romoeville woman, Melissa Vanderwall was arrested, processed, and transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility for Burglary and Theft.

On November 27, 2022, at 9:56 AM, Officers responded to Walmart (2424 West Jefferson Street) for a report of a past-tense theft. Upon arrival, Officers learned that Vanderwall, a Walmart employee, was suspected of theft. Further investigation determined that while Vanderwall was working as the night manager, she had emptied a large amount of cash from cash recyclers that are used to restock the store’s cash registers. Vanderwall emptied the cash into a shopping bag, abruptly ended her shift at the store, and left. The incident was captured on surveillance video. It is believed that Vanderwall had stolen $135,988.00.

Detectives investigating this case secured an arrest warrant on November 29, 2022, for Vanderwall for the charges of theft and burglary. Detectives continued to investigate this case and search for Vanderwall.

Vanderwall was placed into custody without incident at the Joliet Police Department on March 6, 2023, at 9:00 AM, after turning herself in on the arrest warrant. She was processed and then taken to the Will County Adult Detention Facility.