4 Baltimore Women Charged With Shoplifting


Many people view shoplifting as a form of petty theft that should not lead to serious penalties, but when the value of the stolen items exceeds a certain value, the charges can be elevated. Stealing thousands of dollars in merchandise is a lot different than stealing a candy bar.

Four women from Baltimore have all been charged with theft after stealing items from Old Navy and DSW stores in Virginia in September. The women—ages 26, 27, 41 and 48—each face two counts of theft of $1,500 to $25,000. While at DSW, surveillance video showed the women putting items in their bags while trying on multiple pairs of shoes. They then walked out of the store without paying for them. One woman even commented to an employee that they were not going to pay for anything.

The women then took off in a black Chevrolet sedan. A store employee provided descriptions to police. A deputy was viewing the surveillance footage when they received a call about another theft—this time at the Old Navy store across the street. The description of the women matched that of the women who had just shoplifted at the DSW store.

The deputy met a Maryland State Police trooper at the Old Navy. An employee told police that the women were hiding items in their bags in the corner of the store. The women saw the officers and ran to the front of the store carrying bags filled with Old Navy merchandise. Police arrested the four women.

In all, the women took more than $5,600 of merchandise—$2,663.20 from Old Navy and approximately $3,000 from DSW. One woman was released on her own recognizance, while the three other women face bail amounts ranging from $2,500 to $7,500.

One woman had just been charged with theft in July after she and another woman shoplifted at Bath and Body Works and Victoria’s Secret.

Penalties for Maryland Theft Crimes

Theft is a crime that is not usually violent, but costly. Businesses lose millions of dollars every year due to shoplifting and other forms of theft. The penalties you will face for theft depend on the value of the items stolen.

Theft of property valued at under $100 is considered a misdemeanor. Penalties include a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. If the value of the stolen property is valued at between $100 and $1,500, it is also a misdemeanor. A person can face a $500 fine and up to six months in jail.

If the value of the stolen property is between $1,500 and $25,000, a person can face felony charges. The penalties include a $10,000 fine and five years in prison. If the value is above $25,000, a person can face a $25,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Shoplifting is no minor crime. Stealing thousands of dollars from a store is considered a felony offense. Such a charge can haunt you for many years.

The Columbia theft lawyers at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can provide you with the help you need to secure a favorable outcome. Contact our aggressive lawyers today for assistance with your theft case. To schedule a free consultation, call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form.

Resource:

baltimoresun.com/maryland/harford/aegis/cng-ag-four-charged-in-store-thefts-0913-20190912-w6lodchsxjflnlldjmrtahxrii-story.html

https://www.marylandlawhelp.com/2-arrested-for-theft-from-maryland-navy-exchange-store/

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