Melissa Rose Dobkins, 33, of Michigan City, has been charged in Porter County after police allege she stole more than $1,500 worth of liquor from a Valparaiso Walmart during a series of thefts over a 15-day period.

According to court documents, Walmart loss prevention contacted the Valparaiso Police Department on June 24 after uncovering multiple alcohol thefts allegedly committed by Dobkins between June 5 and June 19 at the Walmart in the 2400 block of Morthland Drive. Investigators reviewed surveillance video and store records documenting each incident.

Court documents allege that on June 5, Dobkins entered the store three separate times, allegedly concealing bottles of Hennessy VS Cognac, Don Julio Blanco and Patron Reposado in bags before leaving without paying. The reported loss that day was $475.42.

Police allege Dobkins returned on June 8 and stole four bottles of Patron Reposado valued at $188.48. She allegedly returned again on June 10, making two trips into the liquor department and stealing four bottles of Patron Reposado and four bottles of Patron Silver, resulting in an additional reported loss of $362.56.

According to court records, Dobkins returned to the store on June 19 and allegedly stole six bottles of Don Julio Blanco, one bottle of Casamigos Blanco and four bottles of Patron Reposado during two trips into the store. Walmart reported a loss of $545.04 from that incident.

In total, police allege Dobkins stole 34 bottles of liquor valued at $1,571.50 during the four incidents. Court documents also state she has prior Level 6 felony theft convictions in Porter County in 2018 and LaPorte County in 2019.

Lodged in the Porter County Jail.

Charges filed June 25:

Theft (Level 6 Felony)

Other pending Porter County case filed June 24:

Theft with a Prior Theft or Conversion Conviction (Level 6 Felony) (5 counts)