Donald Anthony Williams Jr., 69, of Chicago, has been charged with eight theft counts after allegedly stealing more than $1,400 in merchandise during repeated visits to a Schererville Menards.
According to court documents, Schererville Police investigated four reported thefts involving the same suspect in October and November 2025.
A loss-prevention employee told police Williams had allegedly been stealing from the store for approximately three months before he was identified and detained during another alleged theft Dec. 20.
On Oct. 30, Williams allegedly arrived in a tan Honda Odyssey and concealed two 24-packs of Energizer batteries and a thermal hat inside his jacket before leaving without paying. The reported loss was $45.73.
Williams allegedly returned Nov. 6 in the same van and concealed two pairs of Wrangler utility pants beneath his jacket. He then allegedly left without paying, resulting in a reported loss of $85.98.
On Nov. 19, Williams allegedly used an electric shopping cart to travel to the drill aisle, where he selected two Masterforce impact wrenches valued at $199.99 each.
According to the affidavit, Williams placed the tools on the cart’s footrest and covered them with his jacket before passing through a register and leaving without paying.
Williams allegedly loaded the tools into his van and returned to the store on the electric cart. He then reportedly selected two floor jacks valued at $46.99 each, placed them in the cart and covered them with his jacket.
Williams allegedly left the store a second time without paying. The total reported loss from the Nov. 19 incidents was $493.96.
Williams returned the following day and allegedly selected two jump starters valued at $199.95 each. He reportedly placed the jump starters between his legs on the electric cart, covered them with his jacket and exited without paying.
After loading the jump starters into his van, Williams allegedly returned to the store and selected two Masterforce 4.0 lithium batteries valued at $119.99 each and two Masterforce 2.0 lithium batteries valued at $78.64 each.
Williams allegedly concealed the batteries between his legs, covered them with his jacket and again left without paying. The total reported loss from the Nov. 20 incidents was $797.16.
The four documented visits resulted in a combined alleged loss of $1,422.83.
Police said the tan Honda Odyssey involved in the earlier incidents matched the vehicle stopped Dec. 20. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and identified Williams as the man allegedly involved in the four previous thefts.
According to the affidavit, police stopped Williams as he was fleeing after another alleged theft from the store Dec. 20.
The affidavit states that Williams’ criminal history includes eight previous guilty convictions involving similar incidents. His most recent theft conviction was entered in Cook County in May 2019.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail on August 28,2026.
Charges filed March 27,2026:
- Theft With a Prior Theft or Conversion Conviction, Level 6 felony — five counts
- Theft, Class A misdemeanor — three counts
