'This was a misunderstanding': Rep. Ammons discusses theft investigation

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCCU) — After submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, FOX Illinois and Newschannel 20 learned more about a January theft investigation that involves State Representative Carol Ammons, D-Champaign.

The Urbana Police Department released police reports and security video from the Carle Auxiliary Resale Shop, where the alleged theft took place.

The FOIA was fulfilled after a request was made for "the police report and security video of the incident involving the Carol Ammons incident."

All names and personally identifiable information were redacted from the document, even the offender.

The police report stated that the incident happened at the resale shop on Jan. 7, and was reported to police on Jan. 10.

The report stated that a woman walked into the shop with a small clutch wallet and left with an $80 black Coach purse without paying for it.

Police said the security video showed a woman reaching her hand inside of a purse, and later, a white object that had not been there before was found on the ground near it.

The white object was later identified as the price tag.

Police then said that the woman went to the dressing room, paid for other items, and left the store.

Ammons shared a statement on the theft investigation after the release of the reports and video:

As I stated previously, this was a misunderstanding and I am pleased that the special prosecutor(s) saw what I said from the very beginning. I am aware that there are people in this community who have a very hard time accepting that I am a strong, outspoken, influential Black woman in a position of power but that is a problem they need to resolve, not me. The fact that this baseless attack was shared with the press before I even knew there was an issue, is proof enough that this entire situation was designed to undermine the trust people have in me and the faith they have in my leadership. However, I will not be moved. I am preparing for the lame-duck session where the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will pass our legislative pillars that aim to remove systemic racism from the criminal legal system which is in the best interest of the people of the 103rd District and the State of Illinois.

The Urbana Police Department and the Champaign County State's Attorney's Office claimed there was a conflict of interest, so they passed along the case to Illinois State Police.

Appellate Prosecutor Patrick Delfino announced in November that no charges would be pressed in the incident.