Gregory Alan Downey, 44, of LaPorte, is facing both 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 responded on November 24, 2025, to the Meijer located at 5150 Franklin Street after a theft was reported.
Court documents said store asset protection staff observed Downey enter the store around 3:03 p.m. Surveillance footage reviewed by police showed him selecting grocery items, including a box of cereal and paper towels, before heading to the toy section.
According to the incident report, Downey then selected several sports trading card items, 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 said Downey moved into the seasonal aisle, where asset protection personnel observed him conceal the trading card boxes inside the cereal box. Surveillance footage showed him placing the paper towels and other items back onto store shelves before heading to the self-checkout area.
Court records stated Downey scanned and paid only for the cereal box, which appeared visibly opened, and then exited the store without paying for the concealed merchandise.
Asset protection staff made contact with Downey after he passed all points of sale, but police said he refused to return to the store and left the area. Store employees later provided surveillance footage and statements to investigators.
The incident report noted 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 with law enforcement records.
Court documents also said officers reviewed Downey’s criminal history and found a prior, unrelated theft conviction, which resulted in enhanced charges.
Downey was lodged in the LaPorte County Jail on January 6, 2026.
Charges filed December 15, 2025:
-
Theft — Level 6 Felony
-
Theft — Class A Misdemeanor