Midwest Supermarket Chain Faces Backlash Over Deli Worker Arrest

A major supermarket chain in the Midwest is facing mounting criticism after recently released police bodycam footage captured the arrest of a 19-year-old autistic deli worker, James Dennison, for allegedly stealing food.

The footage has gained attention on social media, showing Dennison being confronted by police in the manager’s office of a store in Seven Hills, Ohio, on March 7, 2024.

In the video, an unnamed manager casually accuses the young employee, who is wearing a store polo shirt, of taking items like chicken and fruit cups. The manager points to him, saying, “So, here’s James,” while a peculiar smile appears on his face.

The manager claims the supposed theft totaled around $110 over three months, asserting that Dennison had consumed some food during his shifts without paying. However, Dennison explained that he simply forgot to pay for his lunch.

Throughout the encounter, Dennison remained calm as officers searched him and placed him in handcuffs. He told police he lives nearby and walks to his job daily. When questioned about the items he was accused of taking, the manager mentioned that Dennison had eaten chicken in the break room during his shift.

After the incident, Dennison was taken to a precinct, where he was booked for minor theft. While in the police vehicle, an officer attempted to reassure him, stating that their department’s approach is a bit different, as they aim to help people.

In the wake of the video’s release, a wave of public outrage has emerged, with many individuals calling for a boycott of the supermarket chain. The hashtag “BoycottMeijer” has begun trending on social media, with hundreds joining the call for action and thousands commenting on clips from the footage.

A GoFundMe campaign initiated by Kelly Campbell, a Florida nurse acting on behalf of Dennison, has already raised $28,000 to assist with his legal expenses and living costs. Meijer has yet to comment on the situation.