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

DENHAM SPRINGS, La. – A man was arrested after allegedly attempting to steal hundreds of dollars’ worth of meat from a Walmart by concealing it in his pants, according to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say the incident occurred Wednesday morning when dispatchers received a report of a man leaving the Denham Springs Walmart without paying for concealed merchandise. The suspect reportedly returned shortly afterward to attempt a second theft.

Witnesses told deputies the man fled in a black Honda without a license plate. Officers with the Denham Springs Police Department later located and stopped the vehicle on Range Avenue near Interstate 12.

Inside the vehicle, deputies discovered multiple packages of hamburger meat and ribeye steaks. Investigators later confirmed that some of the stolen meat came from Sam’s Club. In total, approximately $300 worth of meat was recovered. Due to health and safety concerns, the products will not be resold.

The suspect was identified as 57-year-old Michael Ardoin. He was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center and is facing felony theft charges. According to authorities, Ardoin has a lengthy criminal history, including 74 prior arrests, 26 of which were for theft, and nine theft convictions.

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