TIPPECANOE COUNTY, ind. -- Indiana Sen. Ron Alting announced his resignation from the via his official Facebook page Wednesday.

This announcement comes after shoplifting allegations stemming from incidents at Walmart.

The Republican senator has served eastern Tippecanoe County and Carroll County for nearly 30 years.

Alting noted in his announcement that since voting in this year's election has already begun, his name will remain on the ballot. If he is elected, Alting says his successor will be chosen through the Republican Party's vacancy process.

Elkhart County Prosecutor Vicki Becker has been named as the special prosecutor in Alting's shoplifting case

Alting's full statement reads as follows:

"Twenty-eight years ago, I asked the people of this community for the privilege of representing them in the Indiana Senate. It has been the greatest honor of my life.

Over the past several weeks, I have been undergoing extensive medical evaluation for concerning changes in my judgment, behavior and cognitive functioning. That evaluation has included specialists in neurology, geriatrics and mental health, as well as an MRI and other testing. That work is continuing as my doctors seek a definitive diagnosis.

During this time, I did things that were wrong and completely out of character for me. I take responsibility for my actions. I am deeply sorry for the hurt and disappointment I have caused my family, friends, colleagues, constituents and the store employees involved.

After many difficult conversations with my family, my doctors and people I have trusted for many years, I have concluded that I need to bring my time in public office to an end and devote my attention to my health and my family.

I have informed Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray of my decision to resign from the Indiana Senate.

Because voting in this year's election is already underway, my name will remain on the ballot. If I am elected, my successor will ultimately be chosen through the Republican Party's vacancy process. I have great confidence that this process will produce an outstanding leader who will serve Senate District 22 and its people well.

For nearly three decades, the people of Tippecanoe County have entrusted me with something very precious: the opportunity to represent them. I will never be able to adequately express my gratitude for that trust.

There will be time in the days ahead to say more. Tonight, I simply want to say thank you.

As I continue through this medical evaluation and we work toward answers, I ask that you keep me, my family and the doctors caring for me in your prayers.

When I first ran for the Indiana Senate in 1998, we made this short film about my family, my community and why I wanted to serve. I haven't watched it in many years. As this chapter of my life comes to a close, I thought it was appropriate to share it again."