Full Notification

On 10/27/15, Greene County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a residential burglary which occurred in the 5300 block of South Hazel Drive; several items had been taken from a vehicle parked in an open garage overnight. While speaking to Deputies, the victim was notified by a local business at the Battlefield Mall of someone trying to use their credit card. The business was concerned the card did not belong to that customer and was stolen.

With the assistance of the Springfield Police Department and the store's manager, they were able to locate the female customer who attempted to use the stolen credit card. The female was identified as 48-year old KARLA R. ODOM and Deputies also located several credit cards, checkbooks, driver's licenses, debit cards and social security cards belonging to other people in Odom's possession.

At this time, the GCSO has been able to identify at least 7 victims. All of the items were stolen from unlocked vehicles parked in the driveway or open garages. There is an estimated $15,000 in unauthorized charges on debit/credit cards and personal checks.

"We can't emphasize enough how important it is to make sure your vehicle is locked, to remove any and all valuables," states Sheriff Jim Arnott. "The best way we can prevent these types of thefts and crimes from happening is by not giving criminals the opportunity. This is an on-going investigation and it is very likely we could find more victims. If that is the case, additional charges may be submitted for further review."

The Greene County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has charged Odom with:
2 - Felony counts of Trafficking in Stolen Identities
(warrant #1531-CR06612, bond amount $75,000.00)

*A charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.