Mark Leenerts, once a respected Kansas Highway Patrol member (2018–2023) and chaplain for the Kansas National Guard’s 190th Air Refueling Wing, experienced a dramatic downfall when surveillance revealed him shoplifting from Walmart stores in Topeka, Kansas. In full uniform—and even while on duty—Leenerts stole dozens of items during self-checkout transactions.
The “Skip‑Scan” Scheme
Between June and September 2023, Leenerts orchestrated at least 13 separate thefts, exploiting the self-checkout system. He cleverly used the “skip‑scan” method—slipping unscanned goods into bags while only scanning cheaper items—targeting everything from donuts and snacks to dog food and deodorant. Surveillance footage captured him in KHP uniform during some thefts and later wearing his National Guard attire.
Legal Consequences and Professional Fallout
After an asset‑protection officer noticed a pattern of missing items, Topeka police reviewed the video and launched an investigation. Leenerts pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor theft and one of official misconduct. In August 2024, he received:
- 12 months’ probation (with a one-year suspended jail sentence)
- A fine exceeding $300
- Court costs
Subsequently, he resigned from both KHP and the National Guard. He also had his KHP certification revoked by the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training .
Reflections on Duty, Trust, and Integrity
This case strikes at the heart of public trust. Officers and chaplains carry roles steeped in moral leadership. Leenerts’s actions—conducted in uniform, on duty—shatter the integrity expected of them. His admission of guilt and the revocation of his credentials sends a clear message: no one is above the law, especially not those sworn to uphold it.
Why This Matters Beyond a Local Offense
- Uniforms aren’t a shield: Wearing an official uniform offered no immunity—only increased betrayal.
- Self-checkout scrutiny: Retailers are using technology (like scanning analytics and video verification) to quickly flag unusual behavior.
- Reforms in officer discipline: This case may spur calls for more proactive internal audits and ethics training in law enforcement.
Final Thoughts
Mark Leenerts’s story is a stark lesson on how personal lapses can unravel a public career, especially among those sworn to serve with integrity. His case reminds us that accountability systems—legal, professional, and social—must remain robust, even for those who once wore the badge in good standing.
