George Preston Schaffer
California, MD— On Dec.11 St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputy J. Bittner responded to the 45000 block of Miramar Way (Walmart) for the report of a theft.
While responding to the scene, Deputy Bittner was advised the suspect fled the area on foot. Deputy Bittner located the suspect, George Preston Schaffer, 34 of Mechanicsville, who left the store without paying for merchandise.
According to court documents “The defendant immediately admitted to stealing a hat, but said he purchased everything else, and he had lost the receipt.”
While being placed under arrest, a routine search was performed. During the search two pill bottles were found, a short straw with residue and half a tablet.
“A security employee advised the defendant went to self-checkout and only purchased a bag of candy, orange soda and a bag, however, the total of the defendant’s purchase was only $12.99, and the bag was valued at $39.63,” according to court documents.
Schaffer was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with CDS: possession paraphernalia, CDS: possession – not marijuana and theft less than $100.
Schaffer does not yet have a court date set. Schaffer faces a maximum jail sentence of four years and three months and or a maximum penalty of $26,000.
The investigating officer who prepared the court documents was Deputy Justin Bittner.
Contact Charles Seifert at c.seifert@thebaynet.com.