Cortney Willis Walker, 42, of Highland, has been charged in Lake Superior Court after police alleged he stole more than $27,000 from the Strack & Van Til grocery store where he worked as a manager. 

According to court documents, Highland police began investigating after loss prevention personnel at the Strack & Van Til store in the 9600 block of Cline Avenue reported an internal theft involving Walker. Investigators alleged Walker stole cash by processing fraudulent merchandise returns and then taking the refund money from the cash registers. 

Police said surveillance video allegedly showed Walker processing returns while no customers were present at the register before taking the cash. Investigators also reviewed register transaction records and receipts documenting the alleged thefts. 

According to the probable cause affidavit, investigators determined Walker allegedly carried out the scheme 39 times between April 25 and July 6, 2026. Police said the amount taken allegedly increased over time, with 18 of the incidents involving more than $750 each. Loss prevention personnel estimated the total loss exceeded $27,000.

Court documents state investigators alleged Walker exploited a weakness in the store’s register software, which allowed cash refunds without requiring a receipt or verifying whether returned merchandise had ever been purchased. Police said Walker, as a store manager, was familiar with the system and allegedly took advantage of it.

According to court records, Walker initially admitted taking $20 from the store on July 6 but denied stealing anything more, telling officers he did not understand why he was being accused because the registers always balanced out. Police said he later declined to speak with detectives after being transported to the Highland Police Department. 

Charges filed July 10, 2026:

Theft where the value of the property is between $750 and $50,000 — Level 6 Felony

Theft — Class A Misdemeanor