Karen J. Senodenos, 61, of Portage, is facing multiple charges, including Level 2 felony dealing in a narcotic drug, after a shoplifting investigation at Walmart allegedly led police to fentanyl, cocaine, prescription medication, a scale and drug paraphernalia.
According to court documents, Portage Police responded around 11:50 a.m. August 7, 2026, to Walmart on U.S. Highway 6 regarding a reported shoplifting incident. Police made contact with Senodenos and, after speaking with her, placed her under arrest for theft.
Court documents allege Senodenos exercised unauthorized control over a pack of socks and two sets of sheets worth $111.30, and a Walmart employee reported seeing her pass all points of sale without paying.
According to the probable cause affidavit, police searched Senodenos’ purse before she was transported to jail and allegedly found a clear bag containing a pink powdery substance, three straws containing pink powdery residue and a small scale.
Police also reported finding two prescription bottles belonging to Senodenos’ husband. One was empty, while the other contained 22 morphine sulfate pills.
When asked about the pink powder, Senodenos allegedly told police it was crushed Adderall that had been prescribed to her. Police asked where the prescription bottle was located, and Senodenos reportedly said it was in her vehicle and consented to officers checking the vehicle.
An officer located a prescription for amphetamine-dextroamphetamine in the vehicle and reported the pills resembled the pinkish powder found in Senodenos’ purse. Police also reported finding clear sandwich-style bags in the vehicle.
When questioned about the straws and scale, Senodenos allegedly told police they belonged to her son’s friends and that she had found them in the basement. When asked why she had crushed Adderall, Senodenos reportedly said she did not crush it and that it had gotten wet, which was why it was in that form.
Senodenos was then transported to the Porter County Jail. During the intake process, jail staff allegedly located a clear bag containing a white powdery/rock-like substance inside her bra.
According to court documents, the substance was subsequently tested using cocaine and fentanyl test kits and tested positive for both cocaine and fentanyl. Police reported the substance weighed 11 grams.
Lodged in the Porter County Jail.
Charges filed August 10, 2026:
• Dealing in a Narcotic Drug — Fentanyl — Level 2 Felony
• Possession of a Narcotic Drug — Level 4 Felony
• Theft — Class A Misdemeanor
• Possession of a Controlled Substance — Class A Misdemeanor
• Possession of Paraphernalia — Class C Misdemeanor
