Indiana Republican State Senator Ron Alting has announced plans to resign amid a growing shoplifting scandal, including new allegations involving a Walmart in Florida, while publicly acknowledging concerning changes in his mental functioning.
The longtime Republican lawmaker, who has represented the Lafayette area in the Indiana Senate for 28 years, says he has been undergoing extensive medical evaluations after experiencing troubling changes in his judgment, behavior and cognitive functioning.
The announcement comes after Alting was linked to suspected shoplifting incidents at Walmart stores in Lafayette and Monticello, Indiana, along with a newly reported allegation involving a Walmart in the Naples, Florida, area.
The Florida allegation has not been confirmed as a new criminal charge.
In a statement released Wednesday, Alting acknowledged his behavior and apologized to the people affected.
“During this time, I did things that were wrong and completely out of character for me. I take responsibility for my actions,” he wrote.
Alting revealed that doctors have conducted neurological, geriatric and mental health evaluations, along with an MRI and additional testing.
He says physicians are still working toward a definitive diagnosis.
Despite announcing the end of his nearly three-decade political career, Alting’s name will remain on the November 3 election ballot because voting is already underway.
If reelected, he says his successor will be selected through the Republican Party’s vacancy process.
That means voters could elect a senator who has already announced he will not serve another term, leaving party officials to choose who ultimately represents Senate District 22.
The developments raise difficult questions about political accountability, cognitive health and whether an elected official facing allegations of wrongdoing should remain in office while undergoing medical evaluations.
Sources: Senator Ron Alting’s public statement, Lafayette Journal & Courier, WFYI and ABC57.