$9K Cartier Watch Deal Turns Into Alleged Gunpoint Robbery In Waldorf

WALDORF, Md. — An 18-year-old Waldorf man is facing 15 criminal charges after Charles County sheriff’s detectives alleged two boys, ages 15 and 13, went to an apartment complex for what they believed would be the sale of a Cartier watch and were instead robbed at gunpoint of more than $10,000 in property.

Jeremiah Miquel Smoot, 18, of Waldorf, was charged in the District Court for Charles County with two counts of armed robbery, two counts of robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, felony theft, theft of less than $100, carrying a handgun on his person, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony or crime of violence and possession of a regulated firearm by a person under 21.

Investigators also identified a second underage suspect allegedly involved in the robbery.

According to an application for statement of charges filed by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at 5:50 p.m. July 31 to Amber Leaf Place for a reported armed robbery.

The two victims told investigators they had been robbed of personal belongings by two people.

Police said the 15-year-old knew one of the suspects by the nickname “Torch” and had known him for approximately one month.

According to the charging document, the boy received a call from “Torch” asking him to come to the apartment complex because Torch wanted to purchase his Cartier diamond wristwatch.

When the two boys arrived, they told investigators they found Torch standing outside a building with another male.

The 15-year-old told investigators that Torch suggested everyone go into a stairwell to complete the transaction.

Once inside, investigators allege Torch pulled a medium-sized black semiautomatic-style handgun from the front of his waistband.

According to the report, the 15-year-old told investigators the gun was placed against his rib cage while Torch demanded his belongings.

Police allege the following property was taken from the 15-year-old: a Cartier diamond wristwatch valued at $9,000, a GLD diamond chain valued at $225, Nike metallic silver, white and black shoes valued at $150, an Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max valued at $400, a Sprayground backpack valued at $200, Louis Vuitton cologne valued at $200, Burberry cologne valued at $100, an Apple cellphone charger valued at $70, a Nike balaclava valued at $40 and key fobs valued at $10.

While the alleged robbery was occurring, police said the second suspect stood in front of the 13-year-old with one hand concealed near the front of his waistband in a manner that the victim interpreted as suggesting he had a weapon.

The younger boy told police that $10 in cash was taken from him.

Investigators calculated the combined value of the property allegedly stolen from both boys at $10,405.

Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from Wakefield Terrace Apartments as part of the investigation.

According to the charging application, video showed the victims arriving at the apartment complex and entering the stairwell.

Police said the footage showed the 15-year-old wearing several of the items that were later reported stolen, including the Nike balaclava, Sprayground backpack and Nike shoes.

Investigators reported seeing the two victims exit the stairwell with their hands raised in what was described as a surrendering posture, followed closely by the two suspects.

The footage then allegedly showed the 15-year-old backing toward a rear foyer exit.

Before he could leave the building, investigators said Torch grabbed the center chest area of the boy’s hoodie and pulled him back inside.

Police wrote that Torch appeared significantly larger than the 15-year-old.

According to the charging document, Torch then allegedly forced the teenager to remove his shoes before allowing him to leave the building.

Investigators later showed surveillance images to a St. Charles High School resource officer.

According to the charging document, the officer identified the person known as “Torch” as Jeremiah Miquel Smoot, 18, whom the officer knew as a former St. Charles High School student.

Police said the school resource officer recognized Smoot’s nickname and later compared a photograph of Smoot with the person shown in the surveillance footage.

Investigators said they determined the images matched.

Police also learned from Wakefield Terrace Apartments management records that Smoot was listed as a current tenant at the apartment complex.

The school resource officer additionally identified the second suspect as another former St. Charles High School student.

Smoot’s identity was subsequently confirmed through a law enforcement database, according to detectives.

Court records show Smoot is charged with two counts each of armed robbery, robbery, first-degree assault and second-degree assault, along with seven additional charges stemming from the investigation.

An arrest warrant was issued Aug. 18 and was served Aug. 19.

Smoot was initially ordered held without bond.

A bail review was held Aug. 20 before Charles County District Court Judge Jonas D. Legum, who set Smoot’s bond at $75,000, and court records show a corporate bond in that amount was posted Aug. 21.

Smoot is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Sept. 18 in Charles County District Court.

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