Ron Alting, 70, a Republican state senator, faced repeated shoplifting accusations at Walmart stores in Lafayette, Monticello and a Florida outlet, but no formal charges have been filed.
Alting posted on Facebook that he is undergoing a comprehensive medical evaluation for deteriorating judgment, behavior and cognition, with specialists in neurology, geriatrics and mental health, as well as an MRI scan that showed typical cholesterol deposits for his age.
Elkhart County Prosecutor Vicki Becker has been asked to investigate the incidents, while Monticello police have yet to release factual details, citing open‑record law requirements.
Former Tippecanoe County health director Dr. Greg Loomis said the latest MRI did not reveal neurodegenerative disease, noting that a definitive diagnosis often requires autopsy.
Tippecanoe County Republican chair Tracy Brown called the situation "shocking" but understood Alting's decision, emphasizing the party's confidence that the vacancy process will yield a capable successor.
Alting’s resignation leaves his name on the ballot for the upcoming election; should he win, the Republican Party will convene a vacancy committee to select a replacement before the term ends.