Habitual criminal behind 20 porch thefts released after judge reduces charges to misdemeanors

HOUSTON – Eddie Hightower had his huge success in the 184th Criminal District Court. We do not know whether it was the sitting judge or a visiting judge.

When we called to ask, no one answered and we couldn’t leave a message because the mailbox was full.

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Some people will look at Eddie Hightower and his latest exchange with the Harris County criminal justice system and think that being a so-called porch pirate pays off.

“He should be on a poster saying crime pays, because it pays for Eddie Hightower,” said Andy Kahan of Crime Stoppers.

“He’s a serial thief, he’s a habitual criminal,” said Ray Hunt, executive director of the Houston police officers’ union.

Hightower’s lengthy criminal record dates back to 2007.

“Over 28 different charges,” Hunt said. “I don’t know how many times he’s been arrested. That’s 28 different times he’s been accused of certain things.”

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A court document says Hightower is a known member of the Crips gang. An HPD officer says he has linked Hightower to at least 20 porch thefts.

“Basically we have a video of him, people are posting it on Nextdoor to show that this is the guy doing this,” Hunt said.

Hightower was facing three theft charges until a 184th judge dismissed all three felonies and reduced them to a single misdemeanor.

“Not only is it reduced to a misdemeanor, but you’re giving him a personal commitment, a get-out-of-jail-free card,” Kahan said.

The officer handling the theft cases, nor the people whose packages were stolen, were informed of Hightower’s big break.