Texas authorities captured a convicted sex offender who topped their Most Wanted list after receiving a tip about his Houston workplace.
Dante Dewayne Odom, 52, was arrested October 9 by Texas Department of Public Safety agents, state troopers and Attorney General’s Office investigators. A Crime Stoppers reward will be paid for the tip that led to his arrest.
The capture highlights Texas’ aggressive pursuit of fugitive sex offenders through its Most Wanted program. The state has arrested 54 fugitives so far in 2025, including 22 sex offenders.
Odom had evaded authorities since June 2025 for failing to register as a sex offender. His status as October’s Featured Fugitive raised the reward for his capture to $4,000.
Odom’s criminal history dates to 1992, when he was convicted of burglarizing a home to sexually assault a 30-year-old woman. He received a 12-year prison sentence for that crime.
His record includes multiple convictions for violating sex offender registration requirements and assaulting a family member. He was last released from Texas prison in March 2022.
Texas Crime Stoppers has paid $41,000 in rewards this year through the Governor’s Public Safety Office funding. The program offers cash for tips leading to arrests of the state’s 10 Most Wanted fugitives, sex offenders and criminal illegal immigrants.
Tipsters must contact authorities through specific channels to qualify for rewards. These include calling 1-800-252-TIPS, submitting tips through the DPS website, or using the Texas 10 Most Wanted Facebook page.
All tips remain anonymous, with tipsters receiving reference numbers instead of providing names. DPS investigators warn the public not to approach these fugitives, who are considered armed and dangerous.
The Most Wanted lists, featuring photos and details, are updated regularly on the DPS website. Local law enforcement agencies work with state investigators to select fugitives for inclusion.
