Cemetery Heist: Nanjemoy Man Held Without Bond In $22,500 Bronze Vase Theft

WALDORF, Md. — A Nanjemoy man remains held without bond after investigators allege he stole dozens of bronze memorial vases from Trinity Memorial Cemetery in Waldorf.

Trey Franklin Mason, 25, of Nanjemoy, was charged July 10, 2026, with fourth-degree burglary involving theft, felony theft from $1,500 to under $25,000 and malicious destruction of property valued at less than $1,000.

According to charging documents, officers responded at approximately 1:30 a.m. July 8 to Chaney Enterprises property on Acton Lane in Waldorf after a van was found parked near the wood line leading toward Trinity Memorial Cemetery.

Investigators reportedly located a white 2023 Chevrolet Express van bearing Virginia registration and displaying a Home Depot logo.

A walk-through of the wooded path between the cemetery and the Chaney property led investigators to recycling containers filled with bronze memorial flower vases, charging documents state.

Approximately 25 vases were reportedly found in the containers, with each valued at about $900, for a total estimated loss of $22,500.

Investigators obtained rental and GPS records for the van. Those records allegedly showed the vehicle parked at the Super 8 Motel on Crain Highway shortly after midnight, then traveling to the cemetery area before the theft.

A search warrant executed on the van reportedly uncovered a hat, bucket hat, flathead screwdriver, wire cutters and other evidence.

Surveillance footage from the motel allegedly showed Mason entering the van before it traveled to Trinity Memorial Cemetery.

Mason was taken into custody July 9 and transported to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office District III Station.

Charging documents state Mason agreed to speak with investigators and allegedly admitted entering the cemetery, removing bronze memorial vases and placing them into the van on neighboring property.

He also allegedly described how to remove and damage the security chains connecting the vases to the headstones.

Mason reportedly told investigators he fled into the woods after seeing law enforcement lights during the theft.

He was ordered held without bond July 10. Judge Kenneth A. Talley continued the no-bond status following a bail review hearing July 13 in Charles County District Court.

A trial is scheduled for Aug. 11, 2026, in Charles County District Court.

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