Boston Police Officer Pleads Guilty in Gift Card Scam, Resigns

BOSTON, MA — A Boston Police officer accused of returning stolen merchandise to obtain thousands of dollars' worth of gift cards pleaded guilty Monday, and agreed to resign his position on the force.

Eddie Odney, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud, according to the U.S. District Attorney's office. He is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 3. Odney also agreed to resign his position as a Boston Police Officer, effective Monday, according to the DA's office.

According to the DA's office, Odney spent the past 18 months returning stolen merchandise to stores like T.J. Maxx, Macy's, and HomeGoods, exchanging it for an estimated $5,000 in gift cards. Odney paid cash for the cards and used them to make over $1,600 in purchases, according to the DA's office statement.

The Boston Herald reports Odney is a nine-year veteran of the force, and that he obtained the stolen merchandise through a shoplifting ring. The Boston Globe reported in February that Odney, who most recently served in Mattapan, was placed on paid, administrative leave as federal authorities explored a possible corruption case.

As a result of his guilty plea, he could face up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine, according to the DA's office.