WACO, Texas (KWTX) - The Baylor softball player who was arrested this week on charges she shoplifted more than $1,200 from a Target store in Waco has been suspended and will not play in this weekend’s games, Baylor officials confirmed Friday.
Baylor Associate Director of Communications Katy Gilmore said Friday that McKenzie Wilson, 23, the team’s lead-off hitter and center fielder, will not play in a home double-header Saturday and a game Sunday against Morgan State. Baylor officials did not say if the suspension will last beyond this weekend’s games.
Wilson was arrested this week on allegations she stole more than $1,200 worth of cosmetics during 11 visits to a Waco store. She was released from the McLennan County Jail after posting $1,000 bond Monday following her arrest on a Class A misdemeanor charge of theft of more than $750 but less than $2,500.
The senior broadcast journalism major from Long Beach, CA., is charged with stealing a total of $1,209 worth of cosmetic items during trips to Target from May 13, 2023, to Feb. 5, 2024, according to an arrest affidavit.
“We are aware of the reported situation, and based on the available information, we have taken the appropriate action.” said Brent Ingram, Baylor assistant athletic director for communications. “We will continue to handle this matter internally and in accordance with university protocols. We will have no further comment.”
Waco attorney Chris Bullajian, who was hired Thursday to represent Wilson, declined comment, saying he could not discuss pending matters.
“On May 13, 2023, McKenzie Wilson failed to scan and pay for multiple Hero Cosmetics items valued at $119.41 at the Target Retail Store …” the affidavit alleges. “The theft of Hero Cosmetics items was captured by security cameras. Target Loss Prevention also had provided video evidence of 11 other thefts that occurred throughout the rest of 2023 and some in 2024 where McKenzie failed to scan and pay for Hero Cosmetics items.”
The affidavit lists 10 other dates of alleged thefts by Wilson that range from a high of $136.87 on Feb. 5, 2024, to $11.99 on Sept. 23, 2023.
According to Baylor’s web site, Wilson earned first-team Academic All-Big 12 honors last year and was only one of two players to start all 58 games last season. She hit .322 last year with a team-high 59 hits, while scoring 53 runs and compiling a 35-game on-base streak.
She also played in all 56 games in 2022, while starting 55 games and being named to the All-Big 12 first team.
Wilson transferred to Baylor from Fresno State after suffering a season-ending injury before the 2021 season opener.
A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
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Baylor Associate Director of Communications Katy Gilmore said Friday that McKenzie Wilson, 23, the team’s lead-off hitter and center fielder, will not play in a home double-header Saturday and a game Sunday against Morgan State. Baylor officials did not say if the suspension will last beyond this weekend’s games.
Wilson was arrested this week on allegations she stole more than $1,200 worth of cosmetics during 11 visits to a Waco store. She was released from the McLennan County Jail after posting $1,000 bond Monday following her arrest on a Class A misdemeanor charge of theft of more than $750 but less than $2,500.
The senior broadcast journalism major from Long Beach, CA., is charged with stealing a total of $1,209 worth of cosmetic items during trips to Target from May 13, 2023, to Feb. 5, 2024, according to an arrest affidavit.
“We are aware of the reported situation, and based on the available information, we have taken the appropriate action.” said Brent Ingram, Baylor assistant athletic director for communications. “We will continue to handle this matter internally and in accordance with university protocols. We will have no further comment.”
Waco attorney Chris Bullajian, who was hired Thursday to represent Wilson, declined comment, saying he could not discuss pending matters.
“On May 13, 2023, McKenzie Wilson failed to scan and pay for multiple Hero Cosmetics items valued at $119.41 at the Target Retail Store …” the affidavit alleges. “The theft of Hero Cosmetics items was captured by security cameras. Target Loss Prevention also had provided video evidence of 11 other thefts that occurred throughout the rest of 2023 and some in 2024 where McKenzie failed to scan and pay for Hero Cosmetics items.”
The affidavit lists 10 other dates of alleged thefts by Wilson that range from a high of $136.87 on Feb. 5, 2024, to $11.99 on Sept. 23, 2023.
According to Baylor’s web site, Wilson earned first-team Academic All-Big 12 honors last year and was only one of two players to start all 58 games last season. She hit .322 last year with a team-high 59 hits, while scoring 53 runs and compiling a 35-game on-base streak.
She also played in all 56 games in 2022, while starting 55 games and being named to the All-Big 12 first team.
Wilson transferred to Baylor from Fresno State after suffering a season-ending injury before the 2021 season opener.
A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Baylor softball player suspended after arrest on charges she stole more than $1,200 during multiple Target visits
McKenzie Wilson, 23, was released from the McLennan County Jail after posting $1,000 bond Monday
