SEDALIA MAN FACES FELONY STEALING AND TRESPASS CHARGES AFTER ALLEGED WALMART THEFT
Disclaimer: The following information is based on allegations contained in probable cause statements and court records. Criminal charges are allegations only, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
On June 25, 2026, at approximately 6:16 a.m., officers with the Sedalia Police Department were dispatched to Walmart, 3201 Broadway Boulevard, in reference to a reported shoplifting incident.
According to court documents, Walmart Asset Protection reported that Jonathan Rockett allegedly selected a bottle of alcohol valued at $23.87 and concealed it inside a backpack before attempting to leave the store without paying. When confronted by asset protection, Rockett allegedly refused to surrender the merchandise and stated, "Call the police, they won't catch me," before leaving the business.
The responding officer reported immediately recognizing Rockett from prior law enforcement contacts, including two previous arrests. Asset Protection provided surveillance video and a written statement documenting the incident through the Auror reporting system.
Investigators also learned Rockett had previously been issued a non-expiring trespass notice from the same Walmart following a separate shoplifting incident on July 11, 2025, during which he allegedly stole beer and underwear.
Later that morning, at approximately 8:46 a.m., officers were dispatched to Arby's, 2701 W. Broadway Boulevard, after receiving reports of a man yelling at the drive-thru speaker. Officers located Rockett lying face down in the grass near the business and took him into custody without further incident.
According to the probable cause statement, officers administered a preliminary breath test, which indicated a blood alcohol concentration of approximately 0.235. Medical personnel evaluated Rockett at the scene, but he declined transport to a hospital.
A search of Rockett and his backpack did not locate the allegedly stolen bottle of alcohol. However, officers later reviewed Walmart surveillance footage, which reportedly showed Rockett removing a bottle of alcohol from a shelf, walking into the men's clothing department, disappearing briefly behind a display while holding the bottle, and then emerging without it visible. The surveillance footage was collected as evidence.
Court records further state that Rockett's criminal history includes a prior stealing conviction, as well as previous burglary-related arrests. Rockett is now charged with burglary in the first degree and stealing - less than $150
