From Chief P.K. Johnson
Millbrook Police Department
On February 5, 2025, Joshua O. Williams, 37, of Millbrook, surrendered himself to Millbrook Police officers, at which time he was placed under arrest on a total of (14) counts of Theft of Property 4th Degree. This resulted from warrants obtained by Walmart loss prevention personnel. Williams was processed and released upon satisfaction of bond requirements.
According to police reports on file with this agency, Williams is alleged to have entered the local Walmart on multiple occasions from December 2024 through January 2025, each time purchasing various items. Loss prevention personnel reported that the alleged offender would scan some items, while failing to scan other items, leaving the business without rendering payment for the items that were not scanned. Williams was eventually identified by Walmart loss prevention personnel, who obtained multiple warrants for his arrest.
I honestly don’t understand why people still think that they can walk into a retail business, especially a Walmart of all places, shop for whatever items they need and walk out of the business without paying for those items. With the advent of today’s technology, most businesses have installed high-end surveillance equipment to protect their property, as well as their employees and customers. Most, if not all, major retail businesses also employ loss prevention staff to monitor this equipment and patrol the store in an attempt to direct responding law enforcement officers when the crimes are actually being committed.
Even in instances, such as this alleged offender’s case, you may make it out of the business and avoid being apprehended at that time, but at some point, chances are that you’ll be identified, warrants of arrest will be obtained and eventually you’ll be apprehended, placed under arrest and face criminal charges for your actions.
Theft doesn’t just impact the business where the theft occurs. The surveillance equipment used to combat these offenses cost the business money, as do the employees they hire to help prevent thefts or assist in the offender’s identification and apprehension. There is a cost, which most certainly impacts the prices for honest customers, as well as the bottom line for the business. Therefore, this department will continue to work diligently with our local businesses to ensure that the people that commit these types of property crimes are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent.
