Retail Theft Suspect Busted in Multi-Store Shreveport Operation

Shreveport Police detectives, as part of a collaborative organized retail theft operation with several local retailers, apprehended a habitual thief on Monday, October 13, 2025. Loss prevention personnel at the T.J. Maxx on Youree Drive alerted police to a male suspect actively concealing merchandise.

Suspect Identified, Stolen Goods Recovered

Loss prevention staff reported observing a black male selecting items, removing the price tags, and hiding them on his person. Detectives, who were already positioned near the front entrance, made contact with the suspect upon his exit and took him into custody without incident. The man was identified as Gerald Odom.

Stolen merchandise from T.J. Maxx was recovered, and Odom was found to be in possession of suspected stolen property from several other area retail stores as well. These additional items were seized as evidence.

Felony Charges and Extensive Habitual Theft History

A review of Odom’s criminal record revealed an extensive history of theft, including 20 prior theft arrests resulting in 18 convictions. He was booked into the Shreveport City Jail on one count of Felony Theft (Habitual).

Authorities also discovered Odom had an active warrant for Battery, adding to his charges. The Shreveport Police Department released a statement saying: The ongoing multi-store initiative aims to combat the rising trend of organized retail crime in the area.