Memphis Police have taken into custody Antonious Whitelo, who had amassed 42 warrants for thefts at various stores throughout the city over the past year.
MPD’s Fugitive Unit arrested Whitelo this past weekend. Sgt. Craig Brown, lead investigator for the shoplifting unit, told FOX13 that Whitelo’s thefts began in April and quickly escalated to multiple incidents per week.
“We first identified him at Bath & Body Works,” Brown explained. “He also targeted the New Balance store and expanded his activity across the Appling precinct and other areas. Sometimes he hit several stores in a single day.”
Since January 2025, records indicate Whitelo stole more than $6,000 worth of laundry detergent from Family Dollar and Dollar General stores. Laundry detergent is a common target in retail thefts, according to Brown, affecting stores like Walgreens, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Target.
Whitelo also allegedly stole over $5,000 in merchandise from Bath & Body Works, more than $1,000 in clothing from City Gear, and upwards of $2,000 in goods from Lowe’s and Hibbett Sports in June alone.
His frequent thefts caused concern among store employees. “Clerks were fearful because they didn’t know him and saw the volume of his thefts,” Brown said. While nonviolent, these crimes impact everyone by driving up prices at the register.
The Tennessee Department of Corrections confirmed that Whitelo has been on warrant status since July 2024 for failing to comply with probation supervision. A violation was filed with the Shelby County Criminal Court.
Whitelo is scheduled for a bond hearing Tuesday morning.