SIOUX CENTER, Iowa — A Hawarden teen has been arrested on grand theft charges after an incident at the Sioux Center Walmart.
Christopher Lewis, 18, of Hawarden, is charged with theft as an employee, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Sioux Center Police Department with the Sioux County Court Clerk’s Office. He was arrested last week.
Officers said in a statement that Walmart officials provided a list of transactions and video footage of Lewis operating the register, and the store said Lewis took cash from customers for purchases on multiple occasions. He reportedly kept the cash in his pocket. Instead of putting it on the register. Store officials said the total amount stolen was $4,700, dating back to Nov. 10 and since then, but they will look back at all the times Lewis was at Walmart to determine the total amount.
The officer also said Lewis provided a written statement admitting to taking candy, drinks and approximately $6,000 to $7,000 to Walmart employees.
Lewis was charged with second-degree theft, a Class D felony. If convicted, Mr. Lewis could face up to five years in prison.
Lewis will be arraigned on December 18, 2023.
Lewis remained in the Sioux County Jail in Orange City in lieu of $5,000 cash or surety bond, according to the latest report.