Huntsville City Councilman Devyn Keith has released a statement following his arrest Thursday afternoon on charges of shoplifting.

The District 1 councilman said in a Facebook post that he is accused of taking a $20 pair of headphones.

“Yesterday, after purchasing items at the self-checkout at Walmart, I left the store with a 20$ (sic) pair of headphones in my cart that I failed to pay for,” Keith wrote. “I respect the professionalism of the Walmart staff and law enforcement officers involved with this matter.

“I can’t express how grateful I am to have family, friends, and loved ones that have supported me, but I have to be accountable. No one is above the law and as someone who works for and aspires to devotedly represent the best of the people of Huntsville, I can’t make these type of mistakes. I know I am better than this.”

Keith thanked his supporters in District 1, calling them “amazing.

“I apologize… I am truly sorry that this time my actions have taken the spotlight off of you and placed the focus onto me. It won’t happen again,” Keith stated.

“To my greater Huntsville family and friends. I am just as sorry. I’ll work to meet the standards you’ve come to expect from me moving forward and I promise to be more responsible in the future.”

According to Madison County Jail records, Keith, 34, was arrested on fourth degree theft of property charges, covering a theft of property amounting to $500 or less. Sgt. Rosalind White of Huntsville police said officers were dispatched to Walmart at 6140 University Drive shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday on an unrelated call.

During the call, officers were notified of a suspected shoplifter. Keith was taken into custody without incident, White said.

Keith has been a member of the council since 2016