Walmart Manager's Arrest Prompts Joliet Police Press Release

JOLIET, IL — Joliet police announced that Melissa Vanderwall, 47, of Romeoville, turned herself in at the Joliet police station on Monday morning —three-and-a half months after detectives say she left the Jefferson Street Walmart where she worked carrying a shopping bag of $135,988.

"Detectives were actively investigating this case, and it was believed she had left the area," Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English informed Joliet Patch.

Patch also asked how much of Walmart's money was recovered in connection with the crime.

" I cannot speak on the status of the money, as it is an integral part of this case. Doing so might interfere with the prosecutorial integrity of the case," English replied in an email.

Vanderwall was booked into the Will County Jail mid-morning, and she is charged with theft and burglary. Her bail is listed at $100,000.

According to Joliet Police Sgt. Dwayne English:

• Officers were notified of a past-theft, around 10 a.m. on Nov. 27 at 2424 Jefferson St.
• Officers learned that Vanderwall, a Walmart employee, was suspected of theft. 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. Police believe Vanderwall stole $135,988.00.
• Detectives obtained 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 arrested at the Joliet Police Department at 9 a.m. Monday after turning herself in on the arrest warrant.