Walmart Employee Faces 2 Felonies, Joliet Police Get Arrest Warrant

JOLIET, IL — Joliet police are trying to locate a 47-year-old woman who works at the West Jefferson Street Walmart store in connection with two felony charges filed this week against her.

Melissa Vanderwall, whose last known address is on West Grand Ridge Road in Mazon, now faces a bench warrant for her arrest in Will County on charges of burglary and theft.

On Nov. 27, Vanderwall "knowingly obtained or exerted unauthorized control over" currency at the Walmart store on West Jefferson Street and "the value of the property exceeded $10,000 but did not exceed $100,000," her criminal complaint noted.

Vanderwall's burglary charge states that on Nov. 27 she "knowingly remained within a building or any part ... of Walmart ... with intent to commit ... a theft."

A Joliet police detective notified Patch on Thursday afternoon that he was unable to speak to the elements of this case right now "due to it being an ongoing, active investigation."

Vanderwall, the Joliet Walmart employee, has not been taken into custody as of Thursday evening.

According to her warrant, Vanderwall is white, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and she stands 5-foot-7 and weighs 180 lbs.

Will County Judge Ken Zelazo has set bail at $100,000 in the event that she is captured by Joliet police.