Georgia man accused of stealing from Kansas liquor stores could face felony charges

TOPEKA, Kansas (KWCH) – A Georgia man accused of stealing from liquor stores across Kansas made his first court appearance Monday.

A press release from Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach's office said Demetrius Odom waived an extradition hearing to face charges related to a retail crime in Lyon County.

“Odom, along with an alleged accomplice, is alleged to have stolen from several liquor stores throughout Kansas. His co-defendant, Dwayne Rhoden, was arrested in Kentucky in July on other offenses. Rhoden refused to waive extradition and the state is seeking a warrant from the governor,” Kobach's office said.

The attorney general's office said the case against Odom is the first for retail crimes. Last year, the Kansas Legislature passed a law allowing prosecutors to bring serious felony charges in retail crimes and organized retail crimes, rather than just petty theft.

“Fortunately, the legislature has given the Attorney General's office the authority to prosecute this widespread form of crime. This prosecution is a significant milestone,” Kobach said.

A preliminary hearing in the case against Odom is scheduled for October 21 in Lyon County.

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