OAKLAND COUNTY, MI. (THECOUNT) — Royal Oak, Michigan Commissioner Kim Gibbs claimed in a written apology, that she was forced to choose between insulin and paying for groceries, after she was ticketed by Meijer by security workers Wednesday for retail fraud, aka shoplifting.
Gibbs, who made local headlines recently for participating in the protests against the governor’s Lansing stay-at-home order, apologized saying the lockdown has taken a “serious toll on me personally.”
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The incident occurred Wednesday at a Meijer supermarket after Gigg was approached by security in the self-check area of the store.
“She paid for about $45 worth of the items and not the others,” said Royal Oak Police Chief Corrigan O’Donohue.
“She was ticketed at the scene for a misdemeanor violation of retail fraud” and released,” O’Donohue said.
Gibbs’ apology:
I would like to apologize to my family, friends and especially my constituents for my substantial lapse in judgement on Wednesday, May 6. A combination of many external factors led to me taking items from the Meijer store without paying for all of them. The economic impact of the COVID-19 statewide lockdown has taken a serious toll on me personally.
I obviously was not thinking clearly, and I take full responsibility for my actions. Recently, I had to choose between insulin and food, and I chose the insulin, which helps me stay alive; however, that left extraordinarily little money for food after paying for medical insurance and insulin.
Thanks to the support of family and friends, I am now being treated by medical professionals for these issues and my Type 1 diabetes and I look forward to getting back to normal.
I deeply regret any issue, or concern, this has caused for my supporters. I have realized, as I have been told by friends, that I need, and am seeking help. I know that my opponent in November and the City Commission will turn this incident into more partisan politics, however kicking people when they are down should not be condoned by anyone.
Michiganders, and people around the country, are suffering with the economic and personal pain COVID has brought to every one of us. We need now, more than ever, to stand together as Americans and get back working so others do not face the same health consequences I am facing.
Thank you.
Kim Gibbs
DEVELOPING::
Geo quick facts: Oakland County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the metropolitan Detroit area, located northwest of the city. As of the 2010 census, its population was 1,202,362, making it the second-most populous county in Michigan, behind neighboring Wayne County. The county seat is Pontiac – Wikipedia.