Police: Aurora alderman arrested, charged with retail theft

AURORA, Ill. (AP) - Police say an alderman in Aurora has been arrested and charged with retail theft.

An arrest report says Alderman Lynne Johnson was arrested Sunday evening at a Meijer store in her ward. She was accused of stealing from the same store in August 2013, and she pleaded guilty and received supervision.

Aurora police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said in a press release that a plainclothes "asset protection" employee saw Johnson hiding $55.21 worth of items in her purse Sunday evening. Ferrelli said the employee contacted Johnson outside the store, escorted her to an office and contacted police.

Records say Johnson's bail was set at $1,500 Sunday and she was released later that evening. She's scheduled to appear in court March 7.

Messages seeking comment were left at a phone number and sent to an email address listed for Johnson.