Ex-Boston Officer Avoids Prison In Gift Card Scam

A former Boston police officer who used illegally obtained gift cards to make more than $1,600 in purchases has avoided prison.

Eddie Odney was sentenced this week in federal court to three years' probation, fined $10,000, and ordered to repay the $1,600.

The 38-year-old Odney pleaded guilty in August to access device fraud and, as part of his plea, resigned from the police department.

Prosecutors say Odney knowingly purchased about $5,000 worth of gift cards through a shoplifting ring. The ring stole merchandise from stores, returned the items in exchange for gift cards, and then sold the cards for half their value.

The cards were from several stores, including T.J. Maxx, Macy's, and HomeGoods.

Odney paid cash for the cards and used them to make $1,600 in purchases last year.