Glendale Police Arrest Registered Sex Offender for Repeat 'Butt-Sniffing' Incidents

3 min read
Source: FOX 11 Los Angeles
Glendale Police Arrest Registered Sex Offender for Repeat 'Butt-Sniffing' Incidents
Photo: FOX 11 Los Angeles
TL;DR

Calese Crowder, a 39-year-old registered sex offender, was arrested in Glendale on Friday for violating parole terms after allegedly attempting to sniff shoppers at two local stores. Police identified him through security footage from a grocery store and a Marshalls location. Crowder has a history of similar offenses in the Los Angeles area dating back to 2021, including a viral incident at a bookstore. He is currently being held without bail while the case is reviewed by prosecutors.

Key points

  • Crowder was arrested on suspicion of violating parole conditions after reports of suspicious behavior at two Glendale businesses.
  • Incidents occurred around 3:30 p.m. Friday at a grocery store on Glenoaks Boulevard and a Marshalls store near Brand Boulevard.
  • Glendale police reviewed surveillance video from both locations to identify the suspect.
  • Crowder is a registered sex offender with prior arrests for similar conduct in Burbank and Glendale since 2021.
  • He is being held without bail pending further legal proceedings.

Background

Crowder gained public attention in 2023 after a viral TikTok video showed him crouching behind a woman at a Barnes & Noble in Burbank, claiming to tie his shoe while attempting to sniff her. He has faced multiple arrests and jail sentences for parole violations and sexual harassment in the past two years. His criminal history includes burglary, robbery, and peeping, with recent incarceration for attempted burglary in 2024.

How outlets are covering it

All three outlets (Fox 11, NBC Los Angeles, and CBS News) confirm the arrest and the nature of the alleged offenses. NBC Los Angeles emphasizes the use of security camera footage to identify the suspect and details his recent parole violation history, including a 99-day sentence in December 2025. CBS News provides broader context on his criminal record, noting prior convictions for burglary and robbery, and highlights the viral nature of his 2023 incident. Fox 11 focuses on the immediate arrest and his status as a registered sex offender. There is no disagreement on the core facts, but NBC and CBS provide more detailed background on his legal history and previous sentences.

Why it matters

This arrest highlights ongoing concerns about repeat offenders and the effectiveness of parole supervision in preventing recidivism. The pattern of similar incidents in public retail spaces raises safety issues for shoppers and underscores the challenges in managing individuals with extensive criminal histories. The case may lead to further legal scrutiny of parole conditions and sex offender registration requirements in California.

What to watch

The case will be submitted to prosecutors for possible criminal charges. Crowder remains in custody without bail, and his next court hearing will determine the outcome of the parole violation and any additional charges related to the recent incidents.

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