May 16, 2013

Wild Ride Ends in Capture in Prince George’s County

A Waldorf gunpoint robbery ended in a high-speed chase on May 2. As reported by somdnews.com, while returning to her car after using an ATM outside a Waldorf Marketplace bank, a woman was robbed by a man with a gun. The man left the scene in an old model Honda. A woman was driving. The victim and several witnesses to the robbery were able to describe the vehicle to Charles County Sheriff’s officers.

The vehicle was spotted in Waldorf near McKendree Road on U.S. 301. When the officer attempted to pull the car over, the female driver would not stop, so officers continued pursuit of the Honda to Prince George’s County to the Brandywine Crossing Shopping Center where they were able to force the vehicle to stop. A man tried to get away on foot but was apprehended by officers. The woman driver stayed in the car and was arrested at the scene.

Diane Richardson, Charles County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, said the incident began at 11:10 a.m. when officers arrived at the scene of the robbery. She added that in the pursuit of the robbery suspects no one was injured. The man, age 27, and the woman, age 19, were charged with armed robbery. The driver was also cited with various traffic violations.

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April 23, 2013

Two Suspects Arrested and Charged in Violent Robbery

According to Calvert County Police News Briefs, two suspects in a violent assault and robbery have been arrested. Each has been charged with the following:

  • Robbery
  • Armed robbery
  • Intent to injure with a dangerous weapon
  • First degree assault
  • Second degree assault
  • Theft of less than $1,000
A vehicle belonging to one of the men arrested and charged was seized, a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. Additional search warrants were issued after the arrests which yielded more evidence. Both men were positively identified by the victim of the robbery and assault.

The initial investigation revealed that the victim had been jumped from the rear and hit with a metal object that may have been a pipe. The suspects stole $700 cash from the beating victim, took some other items and then fled the scene, Kappatos Way at Hardesty Road in Sunderland.

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April 4, 2013

Charles County Woman Charged with Theft Crimes

A 21-year-old woman who lives in Hughesville, Maryland in Charles County has been arrested and charged with theft. As reported by thebaynet.com and Southern Maryland News Net, and published on March 28, a search-and-seizure warrant was executed at a private residence in Charles County, Maryland. St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) was aided by Charles County Criminal Investigations Division officers in the execution of the warrant. The St. Mary’s County BCI is a team of investigators made up of detectives from the Maryland State Police — Leonardtown Barrack as well as detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. The investigatory unit is based in Leonardtown and was founded on the first of July, 2003.

The report of the arrest and charges issued was released to reporters by the St. Mary’s County BCI. The woman arrested at the home was charged with the following:

February 18, 2013

Virginia Jewelry Robbery Suspect Being Returned to Frederick

According to Frederick Police Department spokesman Lieutenant Clark Pennington, a Virginia man is being returned to Frederick, Friday February 8th, 2013 so that he can face burglary charges.

Police believe Alonzo Meadows, age 32, from Fairfax, Virginia is one of the three masked thieves who got away with approximately $200,000 in merchandise from Colonial Jewelers at 1 S. Market Street. As reported by Gazette.Net, Meadows waived extradition from Washington, D.C. He was being held by the Metropolitan Police Department after being arrested driving a vehicle that resembled the getaway vehicle used in the robbery—a black pickup. That truck has been towed to Frederick where it is being processed for evidence.

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December 13, 2012

Salisbury Man Steals Ambulance, Leads Police on High Speed Chase

A 19-year-old resident of Salisbury faces a variety of criminal charges after allegedly stealing an ambulance which belonged to Hart to Heart Ambulance Service, headquartered in Camden, DE. According to a report from DelMarvaNow.com, the incident began shortly before 8 a.m. on December 4 when several drivers called 9-1-1 to report that an ambulance was being driven in a reckless manner on Route 50 in Talbot County. Troopers from the Centreville and Easton barracks pursued the ambulance as it accelerated and continued west on Route 50 into Queen Anne’s County.

The high speed chase continued until, at Route 404, the ambulance drove into the park-and-ride lot on the east side of Route 50, where it struck a parked Cadillac, hit a curb, and then came to a stop in a nearby grassy area. The ambulance had significant damage to its front end and undercarriage, but fortunately no one was injured during the pursuit, which reportedly lasted about 10 minutes. The driver of the stolen ambulance told troopers he had been a patient at a Delaware Hospital and needed a ride home, which is why he took the emergency vehicle.

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September 26, 2012

What are the Penalties for Identity Theft in Maryland?

MD Identity Theft PenaltiesAccording to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), identity theft refers to any type of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, and typically is done for economic gain.

Maryland state law prohibits several types of identity theft, and the following are three forms deemed illegal under state law and the penalties for each:

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August 21, 2012

Anne Arundel, Annapolis Police Work Together to Prevent Car Thefts

Thefts from vehicles are often simply a matter of opportunity: items left in unlocked vehicles are easy to remove from the car. In order to cut down on the number of thefts from motor vehicles in and around Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, police from both jurisdictions are reminding motorists to guard their possessions more carefully.

MD Car Theft ArrestAs part of a program aimed at community education, police officers have begun patrolling parking lots in Annapolis and other areas in Anne Arundel County, peering into vehicles and checking door handles to see whether valuables are in easy reach for thieves. If they are, or if the vehicle is not locked, police will attempt to contact the vehicle’s owner to remind them that hiding valuables and locking the car is an easy to way to deter theft.

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June 4, 2012

Two Women in MD Accused of Stealing, Reselling $20,000 Worth of Cosmetics and Perfume

Two young women, who local authorities are labeling as “professional shoplifters,” have been accused of stealing and attempting to resell thousands of dollars worth of women’s merchandise, according to a news report in The Washington Post. Police report that the pair, ages 19 and 24-years-old, have walked into department stores across the region and stolen expensive, high-end makeup, lotions, and perfumes to later resell on the street, sometimes out of the trunk of their cars. The two “cosmetically-inclined thieves” are allegedly part of an organized shoplifting ring.

A JCPenney loss-prevention employee at the chain’s location in the Woodmore Towne Center in Glenarden recognized the women as suspects in previous shoplifting incidents and alerted authorities. Police seized almost $20,000 in makeup, perfume, and other beauty products. The women were carrying a third of the merchandise in large canvas shopping bags and the rest of the stolen goods were in their car. Both of the women were charged with theft over $1,000 and theft scheme.

Online court records show that both women have been released on bond since the arrest. If convicted, the penalties for theft over $1,000 in the state of Maryland can be a prison sentence of 10 years or more depending upon the value of the stolen property and fines of at least $10,000.00. Theft over $1,000 is also considered a felony charge.

If you are a Maryland resident facing shoplifting charges, contact a felony theft defense attorney in Waldorf at the law firm of Alpert Schreyer. Our experienced legal team has a successful track record of defending clients against a variety of theft charges and will work diligently to have the charges against you dismissed or reduced. To see how our legal team can assist you in your case, call (866) 444-6363 for a free case evaluation.

March 22, 2012

Instances of Tide Theft Increase in Stores across the U.S.

In what some are referring to as a “grime wave,” cases of Tide thefts have skyrocketed in recent months as the detergent has become a valuable bartering tool for drug users, according to TheGrio.com. The popular brand name laundry detergent has become “liquid gold” because of its fairly high cost and desirability, making it attractive for resale on the black market; the laundry soap can retail for as much as $20 a bottle, and a stolen bottle can be resold for $5 to $10. In addition, the detergent is instantly recognizable and doesn’t spoil. Tide is now, as a result, being targeted for organized theft at supermarkets and drug stores across the country.

TheGrio.com reports that stories have been pouring in from across the U.S. of thieves stealing thousands of dollars worth of Tide and engaging in weeks, or even months, of heists before being captured. The criminal act of Tide-swiping is relatively low risk, with few dangers and repercussions. National chains, such as drug store CVS, have attempted to electronically tag the detergent bottles as a theft-deterrent, but ultimately to no avail as robbers (who sometimes work in teams) simply run or drive away with as many bottles as they can take, removing the tags later.

Due to the ailing economy, certain consumers have become more willing to buy stolen goods at cut-rate prices; the National Retail Federation reports that the stealing of basic staples for barter or resale, such as over-the-counter medications or razor blades, has been on the rise and costs stores millions. Losses amounted to more than $3 billion in 2010 alone. Some of the Tide stealers find it profitable to resell the brand name item at steep discounts directly to consumers outside of Laundromats; however, drug dealers are beginning to accept Tide as a form of payment and even smaller retail shops, like corner stores, are also stocking up on the stolen detergent to save big.

Regardless of the item, a theft charge in the state of Maryland is a very serious offense. A person may receive harsh penalties, including incarceration, as a result. To help protect you from excessive penalties, the Waldorf theft defense lawyers of Alpert Schreyer can aid you in building an aggressive defense if you are facing Maryland robbery or theft charges. To discuss your case with a knowledgeable member of our law team, call (866) 444-6363. We offer a free consultation.

February 13, 2012

Silver Spring Man Charged in Robbery of a Maryland College Student

According to a report from NBC Washington, a 19-year-old man has officially been charged in the robbery of a University of Maryland graduate student. The robbery took place on the evening of December 11 when the 19-year-old and another suspect approached the victim as he was walking into the Graduate Gardens apartment building in College Park. One of the robbers demanded the victim’s property and pulled out a silver handgun. The victim complied, and the suspects then left the area.

The suspect, a resident of Silver Spring, is facing a number of criminal charges, including armed robbery, assault in the first and second degree, credit card theft, and use of a firearm on the commission of a felony. Maryland police are still looking for the second suspect in the case and ask any person with information on the second perpetrator to call the University of Maryland Department of Public Safety at (301) 405-6973.

Robbery is an offense that Maryland takes very seriously and can carry with it severe penalties. Any MD resident found guilty of robbery may face up to 15 years in prison, and a charge for armed robbery increases the prison sentence to 20 years. Any offenses under the category of Maryland robbery, including carjacking, all involve the taking of property by force, and property can be considered anything from money to valuables.

The knowledgeable Maryland theft defense attorneys with Alpert Schreyer are committed to defending anyone charged with a theft-related crime and will help you in every step of your case, from the arrest to the trial. We have years of experience defending those facing criminal charges and will make sure your rights are protected. For a free review of your case, call (866) 444-6363.

January 30, 2012

Convicted MD Sex Offender Now a Suspect in Three Home Invasion Cases

In a report from NBCWashington.com, a 33-year-old Maryland resident has been charged in three violent home invasions and two sexual assaults in a Bethesda case in which he allegedly committed a home invasion robbery and sexually assaulted a housekeeper. In addition, he was charged with two other home invasions in Wheaton and Temple Hills.

In the Temple Hills home invasion, the convicted man allegedly tied up six people, including a seven-year-old, and sexually assaulted a woman in the home. According to police, the offender apparently used credit and debit cards that were taken during the home invasions, and a surveillance image of the man using one of the cards led to him being identified, tracked down, and arrested in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

The man arrested in connection with these heinous crimes has a criminal record that goes as far back as 17 years. He is also a convicted sex offender who was placed on Maryland’s sex offender registry in 2005 after being convicted of a third-degree sex offense. Additionally, he had previously been charged with manslaughter in 1995 after pleading guilty to the crime. The Montgomery County States Attorney is exploring the possibility of prosecuting the 33-year-old under a repeat offender law that could lead to him being locked up in prison without the possibility of parole.

Anyone convicted of robbery in the state of Maryland will be facing serious penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. When additional charges are added, as is the case in these Maryland home invasion robberies, the punishments can be even more severe and prosecutors will likely seek the maximum penalties for each charge. Any Maryland resident who is facing criminal charges would be well advised to hire a knowledgeable Bethesda criminal defense attorney. At the law firm of Alpert Schreyer, we have years of experience defending those convicted of crimes in the state of Maryland and will work tirelessly to ensure your legal rights are protected. Please call (866) 444-6363 for a free consultation.

January 10, 2012

Maryland Identity Theft: What You Need to Know

Maryland Identity Theft CrimeThe office of the Maryland Attorney General states that identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country, affecting an estimated 10 million Americans each year. Maryland residents are unfortunately not immune and are cautioned to try and protect their personal information; in 2005, MD was ranked 11th in the country for identity theft cases.

A common example of identity theft is when an individual uses your personal information to open a credit card account in your name. Identity thieves can obtain a MD resident’s private information a number of ways, including:

  • Stealing mail;
  • Stealing wallets or purses;
  • Sifting through trash or “dumpster diving” for mail or documents with personal information;
  • Phishing (sending e-mails posing as a legitimate business asking for information); or
  • Overall using of false pretenses to obtain private information (known as pretexting).

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and law enforcement across the country take the growing crime of identity theft very seriously. Any offender convicted of the crime of identity theft will likely pay a very high price. In Maryland, identity theft charges vary based on the total amount of financial losses incurred during the crime. For a financial loss to the victim of less than $500, the crime is considered a misdemeanor and can carry a maximum 18-month prison sentence or a $5,000 fine (or both). If the financial loss is more than $500, it will be considered a felony crime and the punishments will be more severe. A person convicted may face up to five years in prison or a fine of $25,000, or both. In addition, a convicted identity thief will likely be ordered to pay both legal fees and any costs associated with the victim repairing their credit record.

A convicted identity thief in the state of Maryland will certainly face heavy fines and possibly time in prison, so hiring a skilled Waldorf theft defense lawyer can help a person avoid severe and harsh punishments. At the law firm of Alpert Schreyer, we have a wealth of experience defending MD residents charged with the crime of identity theft and we will work diligently to protect your legal rights. If you are in need of legal counsel, call (800) 489-1577 for a free consultation.

December 16, 2011

51-Month Prison Sentence for Armed Bank Robber in Maryland

CBS Baltimore reports that a St. Michaels resident convicted of armed bank robbery received a 51-month prison sentence this week. The suspect entered the Talbot Bank of Tilghman, located on Tilghman Island, in March of last year with a .22 caliber rifle. He demanded money from a teller and walked out with more than $4,700; however, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stated that the suspect was identified very quickly by the truck he was driving when he left the bank and was arrested that night. The money stolen was recovered by authorities.

Robbery with an armed weapon is considered a felony theft crime in Maryland and it is treated very seriously by the state. Robbery is defined as the obtaining of property from another person by force or through the threat of force. The “property” could be money or valuables, and the “force” could be actual physical contact or simply threatening a person. The state penalty for robbery (without a weapon) is a maximum 15-year prison sentence, and an armed robbery conviction carries with it a maximum jail sentence of 20 years. Anyone convicted of the similar crime of armed carjacking may receive up to 30 years behind bars.

Being convicted of robbery charges can have a very negative impact on a person’s future, and the penalties one may face can be severe. As the state takes this crime very seriously, hiring a knowledgeable Bethesda theft defense lawyer would be well advised as the state will do everything possible to punish you with the maximum penalty. At Alpert Schreyer, we have years of experience defending those facing robbery charges and we will help build a defense to protect your legal rights throughout your case. For a no-cost consultation, please call (866) 444-6363.

November 9, 2011

18-Year-Old Man Arrested for Pasadena, MD Burglary

According to The Baltimore Sun, an 18-year-old male resident of Pasadena, Maryland was arrested this past Saturday for suspected burglary. After responding to a call from neighbors, Anne Arundel County officers found the young suspect knocking on the door of a Leeds Drive home and peering into the windows. The suspect was arrested after climbing back over the backyard fence of the home and drugs were found in the suspect’s possession. Police officers found the back sliding glass door of the home open and items in the house “disturbed.”

The companion of the arrested man remains at large and is described as being approximately 18 years old and wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt. The suspect is charged with first, third, and fourth degree burglary, as well as possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Under Maryland criminal law, the crime of burglary is divided into four degrees. The first three degrees are felonies, but fourth degree burglary is considered a misdemeanor crime. If convicted of burglary, the penalties can be quite severe. According to a report issued by the Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy, in 2009, those convicted of burglary in the first and second degree in Maryland received an average sentence of 7 years with close to 80% incarcerated for the crime. Meanwhile, an average of a 2 year prison sentence was given to those convicted of fourth degree burglary charges with more than 60% incarcerated.

Individuals charged with a theft crime in Maryland may see a very negative impact on their future. This crime carries a negative mark on your permanent record, and a conviction might mean trouble in the future finding employment. The skilled Maryland theft defense attorneys at the law firm of Alpert Schreyer can provide aggressive legal representation and fight to get you the best outcome in your case. Please call (866) 444-6363 for a free consultation.

November 1, 2011

Maryland Court of Appeals Decides on Robbery Appeal

The Baltimore Sun reports that the Maryland Court of Appeals has sent a case back to Baltimore County Circuit Court after they found that there was insufficient evidence to convict a man of robbery. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in 2006 when the convicted man allegedly walked into a Jiffy Lube and told the clerk to “don’t say nothing.” Although the man did not brandish a weapon, the clerk immediately handed the man the money in his till and reported a robbery.

The man was convicted of robbery and, based on his two prior felony robbery convictions, was sentenced to 25 years without the possibility of parole. The man appealed his sentence and argued that the evidence was not sufficient to support his third felony robbery conviction. The judges on the appeals court discussed what robbery actually means and came to the conclusion that an ordinary, reasonable person would not have felt apprehension that the suspect was about to apply force since he did not use a weapon or make any threats. The judges ruled that something more than the man’s statement is needed to meet the legal standard for robbery.

In a case like this, having the right Maryland criminal defense attorney is crucial. An experienced attorney will know how to handle this type of appeal and may help get a conviction overturned or at least have a case sent back to a lower court. The criminal defense attorneys in Maryland at Alpert Schreyer have extensive experience helping those charged with robbery and other felonies. If you need help defending yourself against criminal charges, contact us at (866) 444-6363 to schedule a free review of your case.

October 25, 2011

Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Harbor East Bank Robbery

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that a 37-year-old man has a received a 20-year prison sentence for his role in a Harbor East bank robbery. Reportedly, the convicted robber jumped over the bank counter and forced the tellers to open the bank vault by threatening them with a gun. The man and his accomplice also used a fake bomb to delay police response to the robbery. The robbery netted the men $157,000, far more than the average amount of money taken in a Maryland bank robbery.

The man will spend 20 years in prison for his conviction on charges of armed bank robbery, conspiracy to commit bank robbery, and possessing, using, and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime. The man received an enhanced sentence based on his two prior robbery convictions. His accomplice was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Anyone facing a bank robbery or firearms charge in Maryland during the commission of a violent crime needs to seek legal representation immediately. These are serious charges that can lead to long prison sentences and steep fines if convicted. In addition to prison time and probation, a robbery conviction can make it difficult to find or maintain employment, enroll in educational programs, and participate in community activities. An experienced Maryland defense attorney can help you build a strong defense against these charges.

If you have been charged with armed robbery, contact the Maryland theft defense lawyers of Alpert Schreyer. We have extensive experience representing those charged with Maryland crimes and will work hard to help you defend yourself against these serious charges. Call us at (866) 444-6363 or (301) 262-7005 to schedule a confidential review of your case.

April 14, 2011

Parents Are Often Behind Child Identity Theft in Maryland, According to Police

In today’s digital, information-heavy world, many people take steps to protect themselves from identity theft. But many people don’t realize that children can also be victims of identity theft.

In fact, stealing a child’s identity can be even easier than stealing an adult’s, according to the Baltimore County police. Since children don’t have credit cards, mortgages, or other loans, they and their parents rarely check to see if someone is using credit in the child’s name. By the time the child reaches adulthood, he or she may discover that bad credit is already attached to their name - often, by being turned down for a student loan or other financial necessity.

According to the Baltimore County police, the most common thieves of a child’s identity aren’t complete strangers. Rather, they are people who know the child well, such as parents or other close adult relatives. Often, a parent will try to fix a debt-heavy financial situation by getting credit in the child’s name. The parent may have the best intentions of using the credit just enough to get the family out of a tough financial spot. However, if the debts rack up on the child’s account, he or she can literally be stuck with the bill.

If you’ve been charged with identity theft in Maryland, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Maryland identity theft defense attorney like those at Alpert Schreyer. We will examine the details of your case carefully and fight for the best possible outcome for your particular situation. Call 866-444-6363 today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

December 30, 2010

Maryland Man Arrested for String of Robberies in Delaware and Maryland

A Maryland man was recently arrested for a series of armed robberies in Maryland and Delaware, according to DelawareOnline.com.

The 31-year-old man was charged with 12 counts of first-degree robbery as well as possessing a deadly firearm, and one count of theft of a firearm in Delaware. Maryland police were also seeking the man as a suspect for an alleged armed robbery and carjacking near Elkton. The police claim that the suspect forced an elderly man to drive him into Wilmington, where he robbed a restaurant. The suspect was captured at a McDonald’s in Newark as he was getting into his girlfriend’s van.

The suspect has been accused of committing 12 robberies in businesses in Glasgow, Wilmington, and Christiana. The suspect is being held in jail after failing to post bond. He is awaiting extradition to Maryland to face robbery charges there.

Robbery charges can be very serious. Individuals who are facing any type of theft charges, including identity theft, burglary, robbery, embezzlement, petty theft, or grand theft need to obtain a skilled attorney as quickly as possible to determine their legal options. If you end up with a theft on your record, employers may be reluctant to hire you in the future.

If you are facing theft charges in Maryland, contact the skilled Maryland criminal defense attorneys at Alpert Schreyer. We have experience in a variety of theft cases, and we can help explain your legal rights and options to you so you can make an informed decision. Contact us today at 1-866-444-6363 to schedule a free consultation.

November 24, 2009

Maryland Library Theft Ring: 12 Charged with Stealing Books Worth $87K

A recent wjz.com report discussed the arrest of twelve people for being alleged participants in a library theft ring in Maryland. According to the article, police discovered the suspects by tracking overdue books, uncollected fines and missing hardbacks worth thousands of dollars on the Internet. It appears to Police that all twelve suspects played a role in the alleged library theft ring. The twelve suspects allegedly checked out expensive library books, failed to return them, and then sold them online or to used book stores. The value of the 822 stolen library books amounted to more than $87,000.

Police stated that the library book thefts began in November 2008 and went undetected for so long due to each library system allowing up to 75 books to be checked out simultaneously. In addition, prosecutors believe that the ring began checking out books in Prince George’s County Library and then made its way to Harford, Baltimore, Baltimore City, and Carroll counties.

Based on the article, even with the twelve suspects behind bars, this is not a closed case and more indictments may be issued. Prosecutors indicted the group for aggregate theft over $500 which may result in each suspect serving a 15-year sentence if convicted.

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August 25, 2009

Maryland Bank Robber Sentenced to 56 Plus Years in Prison

An article published in the Northern Virginia Daily recently discusses the case of a Winchester man convicted of robbing a Maryland bank with his grandson. The 54-year-old must serve more than 56 years in prison for robbing one bank in 2007 and attempting to rob another lending institution a month later. The official sentence handed down by Judge Catherine C. Blake sentences the man to 56 years and eight months according to information provided in a press release issued by the office of U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.

When the sentence was announced in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, the accused made no statement. A federal jury found the man guilty of various firearms violations and armed bank robbery in March 2009 stemming from a robbery that occurred on October 22, 2007. According to the press release, the man robbed the M&T Bank in Hagerstown of $33,888. In the course of committing the robbery and fleeing the scene, the man fired a shotgun at a police vehicle, stole a handgun, and held a mother and daughter hostage at gunpoint for several hours while he eluded law enforcement officials.

According to testimony from the man’s trial, the 56-year-old enlisted his 18-year-old grandson to assist with the robbery. The grandson, who was 17 at the time the robbery took place, wore pantyhose to conceal his identity during the robbery while his grandfather wore a mask. The grandson was charged in connection with his role in the robbery but agreed to cooperate with investigators. Through a plea bargain with his criminal defense attorney and prosecutors, the grandson’s case was kept in juvenile court.

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August 6, 2009

Police Looking for Three Armed Men in Dry Cleaner Robbery

Law enforcement authorities are looking for three men in connection with an armed robbery that took place on June 20, 2009. An article published in the University of Maryland’s independent daily student newspaper Diamondback Online, claims that three armed men robbed a dry cleaning business on Route 1 as the store was opening for business. According to a University of Maryland crime alert report, three men entered the rear door of the dry cleaner located in the 7200 block of Baltimore Avenue as it opened for business around 6:30 in the morning. The report said that each of the men displayed a handgun during the robbery, allegedly took money from the cash register and personal property from the employees, and then fled in a burgundy Jeep Cherokee with Maryland license plate 545M727.

At the time the article was published, law enforcement officials investigating the robbery had not yet found the Jeep Cherokee and did not know whether or not the Jeep had been stolen for the purpose of committing the robbery. They also did not release how much money had been taken from the dry cleaner’s register or what personal property had been stolen from the store’s employees. The suspects are described as 18-to 25-year-old black men around 5’8” to 5’10” in height wearing dark clothing with medium to dark complexions.

If apprehended, the men face very serious criminal charges and if they are convicted of committing the armed robbery, they could be subject to severe criminal penalties. Under criminal law, the men could receive the following criminal penalties for robbery and weapons charges in Maryland:

  • Many years and even decades in prison

  • The inability to lawfully own a firearm

  • Probation

  • Parole

  • Steep fines

  • The inability to obtain certain types of employment

  • A permanent mark on their record that can have a negative impact for the rest of their life

  • And other life-changing criminal penalties

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