New Orleans Man Arrested for Stealing Thousands of Dollars in Merchandise from Covington Store
COVINGTON, LA – Basil Martin Jr., 25, of New Orleans, was recently arrested by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) deputies for allegedly stealing over $3,700 worth of high-end items, including curling irons, styling tools, and perfumes, from a Covington store.
The thefts occurred on March 7 and March 10, 2025, when Martin was captured on store surveillance cameras stealing items valued at $2,203.89 during his first visit and then returning with an accomplice, Keith Gutter, on March 10 to steal $1,571.91 worth of products. Deputies also reported that the pair allegedly stole $65.98 worth of items from a neighboring business.
Martin was featured in the “Whodat Wednesday” video series by STPSO, which helps local authorities identify suspects. After further investigation, deputies identified Martin and his accomplice, Gutter, who is from Chalmette. With the assistance of the New Orleans Police Department, Martin was found and booked as a fugitive into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on April 22, for similar crimes committed in Hammond.
On April 29, Martin was transferred to the St. Tammany Parish Jail, where he was charged with one count of theft under $1,000 and two counts of theft between $1,000 and $5,000. Deputies are still actively searching for Keith Gutter, who is wanted on similar charges.
The STPSO continues to encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, as part of their ongoing efforts to curb local thefts and other crimes.
