Maryland Man Accused Of $9,000 In Theft In Pennsylvania

People are supposed to pay for items they want, but some think stealing the items is the easier route—until they get caught. While stealing a candy bar or other inexpensive item may not land you a trip to jail, stealing $9,000 in electronic devices from a phone store certainly will.

A Maryland man is facing multiple criminal charges after robbing two AT&T stores in Pennsylvania. The 19-year-old man from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, even displayed a gun at one of the stores.

The incidents happened on the evening of July 15. The man and an accomplice went inside the AT&T store on Wilson Avenue in Penn Township, Pennsylvania. They took 12 items from the secure displays, including cellphones, tablets, and watches. The man displayed a gun and took off. The two took off with $8,869 in merchandise.

The men then targeted another AT&T store, this one located on Springwood Road in York Township. Police were informed to be on the lookout for a tan 2000 Toyota Camry with Maryland plates. A trooper spotted the men fleeing the AT&T store in Penn Township.

The man took off in the Camry, while the accomplice took off on foot. The man ran a red light and weaved in and out of traffic to escape police. He then abandoned the vehicle on Allegheny Avenue. The man then led police on a foot chase. He was eventually caught by police.

The man is facing multiple criminal charges, including felony charges of retail theft, robbery, and receiving stolen property. He is also facing multiple misdemeanors, including reckless endangerment, fleeing from police, and criminal mischief. In addition, the man is facing several traffic violations.

The man was arraigned the next day, with bail set at $50,000 for each incident. Several days later, he was still in York County Prison, unable to post bail. Preliminary hearings have been scheduled.

Maryland Theft Penalties

In Maryland, theft can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the stolen property. When the amount is under $1,500, the criminal charge is a misdemeanor, with up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. When the amount of stolen goods is $1,500 or more, the charge is elevated to a felony. A person can face five years in prison and a $20,000 fine if the amount is under $25,000. For stolen property over $25,000, the punishment is up to 20 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Theft charges may seem minor to some people, but stealing items from stores carries a lot of consequences. It affects businesses and can lead to serious criminal charges for the theft suspect.

Don’t simply ignore theft charges. Seek legal help from the Columbia theft lawyers at The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. We have decades of experience defending clients from theft and other criminal charges. Let us help you protect your legal rights and your freedom. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling (410) 774-5987. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

yorkdispatch.com/story/news/2021/07/17/maryland-man-arrested-york-county-at-t-store-thefts/8001430002/