DENHAM SPRINGS — In coordination with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies in Hancock County, Mississippi, recently arrested a man accused of stealing name-brand clothing and shoes from stores in the Juban Crossing area. The retail theft arrest followed multiple reports from local retailers, prompting an LPSO investigation.
During the investigation, Samuel E. Johnson was identified as a suspect in the Livingston Parish thefts. According to officials, Johnson would enter stores and specifically target high-end merchandise protected by anti-theft devices. He allegedly concealed the stolen items inside large suitcases from the store’s luggage display or in oversized duffle bags available for sale.
Johnson then reportedly exited the stores without attempting to pay for the merchandise.
As part of their investigation, LPSO collaborated with neighboring law enforcement agencies and discovered Johnson was connected to two other thefts in Livingston Parish, as well as similar crimes in two other jurisdictions.
Johnson, who has previous theft-related arrests in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, was located by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and taken into custody as a fugitive from Livingston Parish. He is currently awaiting extradition.
During a search of Johnson’s residence and vehicles, detectives from LPSO and Hancock County recovered the following items:
- Hundreds of detached anti-theft tags
- Six pairs of stolen tennis shoes (Adidas, PUMA, STACY ADAMS, BMW)
- One Hurley duffle bag
- One BritBag suitcase
- Four wire-cutting pliers used to remove anti-theft devices
In addition to being held as a fugitive, Johnson will face the following charges upon his return to Livingston Parish:
- 2 counts of tampering with surveillance equipment (felony)
- 2 counts of organized retail theft (felony)
An investigation is ongoing.
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