CLARKSTON, WA – A man was arrested in Clarkston on Wednesday afternoon on multiple burglary charges following a reported trespass and attempted theft at Walmart, according to court documents.
Clarkston Police arrested Aaron Scott Cornell, a 35-year-old Clarkston resident, at about 1:20 p.m. Cornell was booked into the Asotin County Jail on three counts of second-degree burglary, a Class B felony in Washington State.
According to court documents, police were called to the store after loss prevention staff reported that Cornell — who had previously been trespassed from Walmart locations.
Store personnel alleged that Cornell concealed multiple items and switched clearance tags onto higher-priced merchandise. Loss prevention staff attempted to stop Cornell before he passed the point of sale, at which time the merchandise was allegedly abandoned. A receipt provided to police listed the total value of the items at $448.12.
Cornell denied stealing the items, stating he intended to purchase them. While being transported to jail, Cornell made a voluntary statement that he stole because he was homeless, according to the report.
Court documents also reference prior incidents involving Cornell at the same store. On Sept. 24, 2025, loss prevention staff documented an alleged theft totaling $71.14, with some merchandise recovered. Another incident on Nov. 24, 2025, involved Cornell allegedly leaving the store without paying for items valued at $23.88.
Cornell is expected to make his initial court appearance on Thursday. A Class B felony in Washington carries maximum penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both.
