Aurora Alderman Charged with Second Retail Theft

An Aurora Alderman representing a Far-East side ward has been charged with her second retail theft since 2013.

Tenth Ward Alderman Lynne M. Johnson, 51, of the 400 block of Plaza Place, Aurora, was charged with misdemeanor retail theft after an incident that occurred at around 6:30 p.m., January 31, at the Meijer Store in the 800 block of North Route 59, according to a release from Aurora police.

A plain-clothes asset protection employee at Meijer allegedly witnessed Johnson concealing various markers, pencils, holiday party favors and two bottles of Ibuprofen in her purse, according to the release.

Shortly thereafter, Johnson proceeded to a checkout line, pulled a credit card from her front pocket, and paid for other items she had in her shopping cart. However, according to the Meijer employee, Johnson never opened her purse and exited the store without paying for the concealed items.

The employee made contact with Johnson just outside the store, escorted her to the asset protection office without incident, and notified Aurora Police.

The value of the merchandise was $55.21.

In August, 2013, Johnson was also charged with retail theft for taking $150.24 worth of cosmetics and food from the same Meijer store. The store is located in the ward she represents. She pleaded guilty in the case and, according to court records, was granted supervision.

Johnson posted $150 cash bond and was released. She was assigned a 9 a.m. March 7 court date at the DuPage County Judicial Center in Wheaton.