DENHAM SPRINGS, La. — A man suspected of stealing name-brand clothing and shoes from stores in Juban Crossing has been arrested in Mississippi, following a coordinated investigation with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO) and Hancock County deputies.
Samuel E. Johnson was identified as the suspect after local retailers reported multiple incidents involving stolen high-end merchandise. Authorities say Johnson entered stores, targeted expensive items equipped with anti-theft devices, and concealed them inside suitcases and oversized duffle bags taken from the store’s own displays.
He allegedly walked out of the stores without paying, using the luggage to bypass detection.
As the investigation deepened, LPSO connected Johnson to two additional thefts within Livingston Parish and similar crimes in other jurisdictions. Law enforcement in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi had previously arrested Johnson for theft-related offenses.
He was arrested by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office as a fugitive from Livingston Parish and is currently awaiting extradition back to Louisiana.
During a search of Johnson’s residence and vehicles, detectives recovered:
Hundreds of detached anti-theft tags
Six pairs of stolen shoes (brands included Adidas, PUMA, STACY ADAMS, and BMW)
One Hurley duffle bag
One BritBag suitcase
Four wire-cutting pliers used to remove anti-theft devices
Johnson is facing the following felony charges upon his return:
2 counts of organized retail theft
2 counts of tampering with surveillance equipment
The investigation is still ongoing, and more charges may follow.
