Jan. 08--A Bensenville village trustee was charged with misdemeanor retail theft after she allegedly tried to leave a Wal-Mart without paying for some items on the lower rack of her shopping cart, according to police.
Susan V. Janowiak, 61, is scheduled to appear in DuPage County court Wednesday.
She was arrested Dec. 11 at the Wal-Mart in Villa Park after she allegedly failed to pay for all the items in her cart, according to police. Janowiak, authorities said, paid for some items, and then tried to leave the store without paying for merchandise on the cart's lower rack.
The items included jeans, gifts cards, bags, boxes and wreaths, according to court files. The total value was less than $300, police said.
Her husband, Greg, declined to comment on her behalf Friday and said they had retained an attorney to represent her.
According to her biography on the village website, Janowiak has been a Bensenville resident since 1974. She is a former village clerk and president of the Park Board.
Clifford Ward is a freelance reporter.
