‘Beef bandit’ arrested after stealing hundreds of dollars’ worth of meat from Walmart in his pants

DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (WAFB/Gray News) - A “beef bandit” was arrested after stealing hundreds of dollars’ worth of meat from Walmart by stuffing it in his pants, according to police.

The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office said dispatchers received a call Wednesday morning about a man who left Walmart without paying for the concealed items, only to return and try it again.

Sheriff Jason Ard said witnesses reported that the suspect drove off in a black Honda with no license plate. The Denham Springs Police Department later spotted and stopped the vehicle on Range Avenue near I-12.

Deputies found multiple packs of hamburger meat and ribeyes in the car. Investigators determined some of the meat was also stolen from Sam’s Club. In total, about $300 worth of meat was recovered but will not be resold.

The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Michael Ardoin, was arrested and booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center. Ardoin faces felony theft charges due to his lengthy criminal record, which includes 74 prior arrests, 26 theft arrests and nine theft convictions, according to authorities.