Gurnee officer resigns after being charged with retail theft

A Gurnee police detective recently resigned after being charged with retail theft.

Antoine J. Smith, 32, of Round Lake, had been with the department for four years.

Gurnee police said they were called April 28 to a big-box store in the 6500 block of Grand Avenue. Smith, who was off duty at the time, was apprehended for engaging in under-ringing at the self-checkout, said Detective Shawn Gaylor, Gurnee police public information officer.

Gaylor said the loss prevention team at the store monitors self-checkout stations and witnessed the theft in real time.

Under-ringing is a deceptive practice involving deliberately scanning items at a lower price than their actual value or intentionally not scanning merchandise during the checkout process and constitutes retail theft under Illinois law.

After an investigation and in accordance with department protocols, Smith was charged with retail theft and resigned the same day.

“The Gurnee Police Department upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and any actions contrary to these principles will be met with swift and decisive action,” according to a news release from police. “The department remains committed to serving and protecting the community with integrity and transparency.”

Smith was issued a misdemeanor citation for retail theft and has a court appearance scheduled for May 28, Gaylor said.