Man accused of stealing sex toys minutes after proposing to girlfriend over tannoy in Walmart

Minutes after proposing to his girlfriend over the tannoy at Walmart, a Michigan man allegedly shoplifted a vibrator, an edible thong, and other sex toys from a nearby Spencer’s gift store, according to police. In advance of popping the question last Wednesday night, William Cornelius, 25, purchased a $29.62 engagement ring at the Walmart in Bay City, police report. Then, after securing the permission of a store employee, Cornelius proposed to girlfriend Sheri Moore, 20, over the store’s public address system.



Moore said yes, prompting applause from fellow shoppers. Cornelius, who had dropped to one knee, and Moore hugged and kissed following the proposal. But the couple’s engagement quickly became rocky. According to investigators, Cornelius and Moore went from Walmart to a Spencer’s store at the Bay City Mall. There, Cornelius allegedly stole items with a combined value of $80.93. Included in the haul was a “Bride-To-Be” thong, a $14.99 vibrator, “BJ Blast” oral sex candy, and a $5.99 edible thong, Undersheriff Troy Cunningham said.

Deputies responding to a theft call subsequently arrested Cornelius and Moore inside the mall. Cornelius was asleep at a food court table, having apparently nodded off while attempting to tie his shoelaces. A search of Cornelius turned up the Spencer’s merchandise. Cornelius reportedly admitted to stealing the items, saying that he pilfered the goods for his fiancée, adding that he had just proposed to Moore at Walmart. Moore was found in possession of earrings and a necklace that had been taken from Walmart. While she denied shoplifting, Walmart surveillance video captured Moore placing merchandise in her purse.



Moore subsequently told officers that Cornelius had stolen the jewellery. Deputies arrested Cornelius for retail fraud, while Moore was arrested for larceny. Both are free on bond on the misdemeanor charges. Cornelius could face additional charges since he is currently serving a three-year probation term in connection with a 2014 felony conviction for ethnic intimidation. Cornelius and a male relative were convicted of attacking three black men who walked past their Bay City residence. Moore, court records show, was arrested last September for stealing a cell phone from a Bay City man. She was released on $2,500 bond in the misdemeanor larceny case, which remains open.