Maryland Man Arrested For Shoplifting At Virginia Target

Shoplifting is a common crime that can happen anywhere, any time. Some steal items around the holidays, while others may go to different states to take part in these crimes.

A Maryland man is facing shoplifting charges after stealing $350 in items from a Target in Potomac Yard in Alexandria, Virginia. The incident occurred on November 24, the day before Thanksgiving.

Two men walked into the store, and a loss prevention manager identified one as a frequent customer. He used cameras to follow the two suspects. Both men had shopping carts and they were observed placing items into large storage bins inside the carts. One man used his blazer to cover up items in the cart.

The men then went to the self-checkout registers and scanned the two storage bins, but none of the items inside. The men then walked outside after completing their transaction. The two had stolen various items such as a gaming headset priced at $99, a quilt blanket also priced at $99, and an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker worth $60. They also stole several Pokemon items, such as trading cards and an Elite Trainer Box. The items ranged in price from $5 to $40.

Target employees saw the two men leaving the store in a car with Maryland license plates. The car and credit card both belonged to one of the men’s girlfriends. That man was charged with petit larceny in early December. His court date was scheduled for January 14. The other suspect was wearing a face mask and could not be identified.

What is Petit Larceny?

In Maryland, theft is categorized into several types. The least serious one is petit larceny. This typically refers to shoplifting when the stolen items are valued at under $100. This is considered a misdemeanor, with the penalties including a $500 fine and 90 days in jail.

When the stolen items have a higher value—up to $1,000—then it is still a misdemeanor, but it is considered theft. The penalties include a $500 fine and up to 18 months in prison.

As the value of the stolen items increases, so do the penalties. A person can face up to 25 years in federal prison for theft crimes, as well as a $25,000 fine.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Shoplifting and other types of small theft are often seen as minor crimes. However, when people steal from retailers, these businesses suffer from profit loss. Many large retailers see millions of dollars in profit loss every year, so it definitely adds up.

If you are facing shoplifting charges, seek legal help from the Columbia theft lawyers at The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. Don’t try to handle these charges on your own. They can haunt your criminal record for many years. To schedule a free consultation with our office, fill out the online form or call (410) 774-5987. We have two offices to serve you.

Source:

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