Hal Mark Mandler, a commander with the Littleton Police Department, was arrested in Douglas County following an investigation into alleged thefts at a Target store in Highlands Ranch. Investigators indicated that Mandler stole approximately $2,000 worth of merchandise by failing to scan items at self-checkout stations, according to an arrest affidavit.
The arrest took place on Thursday after Mandler voluntarily turned himself in to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The probe began in late October when a loss-prevention supervisor at the Target location contacted investigators to report suspicious activity.
Store surveillance footage provided evidence of the alleged crimes. Sheriff’s officials noted that the videos showed Mandler engaging in what is known as skip scanning, a method where items are not rung up at the self-checkout terminal. The incidents occurred on 13 separate occasions between late September and late October.
The value of the stolen items varied significantly across the incidents. Individual thefts ranged from $4.99 to as much as $999. In total, store staff reported that Mandler took merchandise valued at $1,916.52.
According to court records, Mandler, who is 46 years old, is currently facing one count of misdemeanor theft. The specific charge relates to stealing goods valued between $1,000 and $2,000.
Mandler was released from custody on Friday following his arrest. He was granted a personal recognizance bond, which allows a defendant to be released without paying a cash amount, provided they commit to appearing at all future scheduled court dates.
In response to the arrest, Littleton police officials placed Mandler on administrative leave. The department stated in a news release that it has launched an internal investigation and is actively cooperating with the ongoing case handled by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Harvey Steinberg, Mandler’s attorney with the Denver law firm Springer & Steinberg, declined to comment on the details of the case when contacted by reporters.
The next scheduled step in the legal process is Mandler’s court appearance, which is set for December 21.
