HOUSTON — Harris County prosecutors are asking a judge to keep a 40-year-old accused serial shoplifter locked up without bond as his case heads toward a June 18 hearing. Court records and investigators allege the man, identified as Cody Boutte, spent years hitting retailers across the Houston area and nearby counties, zeroing in on big-ticket merchandise from major chains. Prosecutors argue that even though the alleged offenses are nonviolent, the sheer volume of thefts poses an ongoing threat to local businesses.
According to FOX 26 Houston, court filings show Boutte has been charged with 16 felony theft cases in Harris County, along with four additional felony theft charges in Fort Bend and Brazoria counties, all since 2020. Investigators told prosecutors he repeatedly went after big-box stores including Target, Costco and Best Buy, allegedly walking out with high-priced items such as vacuum cleaners. One Target employee told investigators Boutte may have hit that store more than 50 times. Records also indicate he has been to prison three separate times and was jailed again after his parole ended earlier this year.
Prosecutors have asked the 183rd District Court to hold Boutte with no bond ahead of the June 18 hearing. Andy Kahan of Crime Stoppers has backed the move, calling it overdue. “This is great kudos to them for recognizing individuals, like Boutte, are a menace and wreak havoc in the community,” he said, according to FOX 26 Houston.
How Texas law treats repeat theft
Under Texas law, theft is categorized by the value of the property taken. In general, stealing $2,500 or more can be filed as a state-jail felony, and higher value thresholds bring tougher penalties, with prior convictions able to bump charges up, according to the Texas Penal Code. That structure helps explain why prosecutors may ask for stricter pretrial conditions when they believe a defendant is involved in an ongoing pattern of felony thefts across multiple counties. Judges weigh those legal classifications, the person’s criminal history and any public safety concerns when they decide on detention and bond.
What happens next
Boutte remains in custody with no bond set while the district attorney’s office pursues its no-bond motion. The 183rd District Court is scheduled to hear the request on June 18. If the judge agrees, Boutte could stay behind bars while prosecutors coordinate the felony theft charges pending in Harris, Fort Bend and Brazoria counties. If the court denies the request, the judge would set a bond amount or other conditions for release. Andy Kahan’s long-running work as a victim advocate and his role with Crime Stoppers are often cited as part of the local push to keep prolific nonviolent offenders in custody, according to the Victims Rights Reform Council.
