LaPorte Man Charged With Felony Theft After Meijer Shoplifting Investigation
Gregory Alan Downey, 44, of LaPorte, is facing felony and misdemeanor theft charges following a shoplifting investigation at a Meijer store in Michigan City.
According to court records, officers with the Michigan City Police Department were dispatched on November 24, 2025, to the Meijer store at 5150 Franklin Street for a reported theft.
Court documents state that store asset protection personnel observed Downey enter the store at approximately 3:03 p.m. Surveillance footage reviewed by police shows Downey selecting grocery items, including a box of cereal and paper towels, before proceeding to the toy section of the store.
According to the incident report, Downey then selected multiple sports trading card products, including:
• One 24–25 Panini Select Basketball Mega Box valued at $59.99
• Two Panini Mosaic Basketball Blaster boxes valued at $39.99 each
• One Panini Select Premier League Soccer card box valued at $29.99
The total value of the merchandise was listed as $169.96.
Police reported Downey moved into the seasonal aisle, where asset protection staff observed him conceal the trading card boxes inside the cereal box. Surveillance footage reviewed by officers showed Downey then placing the paper towels and other items onto store shelves before proceeding to the self-checkout area.
Court documents state Downey scanned and paid for only the cereal box, which appeared visibly opened, and then exited the store without paying for the concealed merchandise.
Asset protection personnel made contact with Downey past all points of sale, but police reported Downey refused to return to the store and left the area. Store employees later provided surveillance footage and statements to police.
The incident report notes that a license plate reader alert notified store personnel of Downey’s arrival due to a history of theft-related incidents at Meijer locations. Police confirmed Downey’s identity by comparing surveillance footage to law enforcement records.
Court documents further state officers reviewed Downey’s criminal history and found a prior unrelated theft conviction, leading to enhanced charging.
Lodged in the Laporte County jail on January 6,2026.
Charges filed December 15,2025:
• Theft – Level 6 Felony
• Theft – Class A Misdemeanor
