Ammons being investigated in alleged retail theft from charity thrift store

URBANA (Heartland Newsfeed) — A Democratic state representative is under investigation in relation to a retail theft incident dating back to January.

State Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) could potentially face charges of retail theft. This stems from a January 10 incident inside a charity thrift store in Urbana. Currently, Ammons is facing allegations that she stole a Coach purse worth roughly $80.

Special prosecutor assigned to investigate the incident

Judge Tom Difanis, a Champaign County circuit court judge, made an order that a special prosecutor investigates Ammons for potential prosecution. This is according to a January 24 news report from Champaign’s WCIA-TV.

Sources present at the Carle Auxiliary Resale Boutique states they did find the paper that fills out the purse for display purposes on the dressing room floor. Additionally, they did find a price tag that was on the purse.

Incident ‘a non-story and a simple misunderstanding’, according to legislative aide and husband

WCIA reporters were attempting to reach Ammons for comment. However, Ammons was not returning requests as a result. Additionally, remarks from legislative aide Jenna Sickenius called the incident a “non-story about a simple misunderstanding.”

The Champaign News-Gazette reached Ammons’ husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons for comment. He, too, called the incident “a non-story and a basic misunderstanding.” After that, Ammons would add, “That’s all you’re going to get from me.”

The News-Gazette story states that the Illinois State Police confirms an incident investigation per the request of the Urbana Police Department. That was according to remarks from Capt. Jason Henderson.

“They are reviewing a case we investigated for the possibility of prosecution,” said Henderson.

Henderson adds that it “would be inappropriate for us to release any information when it’s in their hands.”

Thrift store helps provide lodging for family members of ICU patients

Most importantly, proceeds from the boutique help fund the 12-bedroom Carle Auxiliary Guest House, which serves as free lodging for family members of ICU patients. Additionally, proceeds help with nurse scholarships, according to area chairman Marty Edwards.

Additionally, Ammons is a supporter of legislation raising retail theft felony threshold

Rep. Ammons is a chief co-sponsor of legislation raising the felony threshold for retail theft. House Bill 1614 would raise the threshold from $300 to $2,000 as a result if passed into law. Additionally, it would require that prior misdemeanors become enhanced to a felony conviction.

Currently, it currently sits in the House Rules Committee. Moreover, this is despite a 12-7 committee vote backing the bill last spring.