Calese Crowder Burbank Arrest: Registered sex offender nicknamed serial “butt sniffer” arrested again in California
Calese Carron Crowder, a 38-year-old registered sex offender from Glendale, was arrested Aug. 20 in Burbank after officers say he crouched behind and sniffed a woman’s buttocks in a store, part of a series of similar incidents.
- Suspect: Calese Carron Crowder, 38, of Glendale, California — multiple arrests for similar conduct.
- Date: Arrest reported Aug. 20, 2025; processed the following day.
- Allegation: Officers say surveillance shows Crowder following a woman, crouching near her and allegedly sniffing her buttocks.
- Legal status: Booked and held without bail due to parole status; Burbank case later dropped for an “insufficient complaint.”
Arrest details and store surveillance
Burbank police say store staff and a witness reported that a man followed a female customer and crouched near her before sniffing her buttocks. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage that reportedly captures the incident.
Timeline: Officers detained Crowder after the report; he was booked shortly after midnight the next day. Authorities described the behavior as lewd conduct and urged anyone with information to contact detectives.
“If you were targeted or have footage, please contact the Burbank Police Department’s Investigations Division,” police officials said in a public advisory.
Pattern of prior arrests
Law enforcement records and reporting show Crowder has multiple prior arrests for similar conduct dating to 2021 in Glendale and Burbank. A July 22 arrest at a Nordstrom Rack in Burbank’s Empire Center followed a report of suspicious behavior; police tracked the suspect to a nearby Walmart using surveillance footage.
The repeated nature of the alleged incidents sparked social media attention, where users dubbed the suspect the “serial butt sniffer.” Authorities caution that online nicknames do not replace official investigations or court findings.
Legal proceedings and custody status
After the Aug. 20 arrest, reporting indicates Crowder was booked at Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles. Prosecutors later dropped the Burbank case, citing an “insufficient complaint.” Because Crowder was on parole, state corrections officials held him without bail while parole holds and related reviews continued.
Local reports note he had been released from custody on Aug. 9 after serving time connected to the July arrest; the new alleged episode occurred less than two weeks later, prompting re-arrest. Reporters emphasize that a dropped case reflects charging decisions, not a determination of innocence.
Police statements and public warnings
Burbank Police described the actions as following female customers, crouching near them and engaging in lewd acts by inappropriately sniffing buttocks. Investigators asked anyone who may have been victimized or who has video or other evidence to come forward.
Advice from investigators: Preserve cellphone video, provide store surveillance when possible, and contact the Burbank Police Department’s Investigations Division with tips.
Media coverage and community reaction
Regional and national outlets have covered the story, noting Crowder’s registered sex offender status and pattern of alleged offenses. The unusual nature of the alleged acts and their repetition led to widespread online discussion on community message boards and social platforms.
Community reaction ranged from alarm over repeat lewd acts in shopping centers to calls for caution in drawing conclusions from social media. Legal experts and law enforcement reminded the public that arrests and nicknames do not replace due process.
Evidence handling and investigative steps
Investigators relied on store surveillance and witness statements in both the July and Aug. incidents. In the July episode, police tracked the suspect from Nordstrom Rack to a nearby Walmart using video footage and detained him with assistance from employees and customers.
Prosecutors said the Burbank case was dropped due to an insufficient complaint, a typical determination that the available evidence did not meet filing standards at that time. Detectives and prosecutors may continue to develop the case while multiple agencies coordinate because of Crowder’s parole status.
Implications for San Diego, California
Economic impact
Although incidents occurred in Burbank and Glendale, similar reports can affect shopper confidence across Southern California, including San Diego. Retail centers may boost security or surveillance, raising operating costs and potentially changing shopper behavior.
Political consequences
The story raises questions about public safety, parole supervision and coordination between city police and state corrections. Local officials could face pressure to review monitoring policies for registrants and parolee supervision.
Social effects and cultural relevance
Reports of repeated public lewd behavior can heighten anxiety, particularly among those who shop alone. The viral nickname reflects how social media frames unusual crimes; residents are reminded to rely on official police channels for updates.
Practical applications for residents
Residents should report suspicious behavior to local police, preserve any video or photos, and notify store managers. Retail employees should follow store protocols and involve law enforcement promptly. Victims and witnesses should be connected to victim services.
Where to get information and how to report
Burbank Police have asked anyone who believes they were a victim or who has relevant footage to contact the Burbank Police Department’s Investigations Division. Community members in San Diego should contact their local police or county victim-witness programs for support.
Reporting and source links
Reporting on the arrests and related developments can be found at the following outlets:
Media and police continue to investigate multiple incidents linked to Calese Carron Crowder. Authorities ask that anyone with information contact the Burbank Police to assist ongoing inquiries.
