LA PLATA, Md. — A Gwynn Oak woman and a Baltimore woman face theft charges after authorities said loss prevention personnel monitored them via security cameras as they allegedly concealed merchandise in their bags while shopping at a Charles County retail store, according to court filings. Tamika Markia Williams-Evans, 46, of Gwynn Oak, and Shermise Artavia Degrafenried, 48, of Baltimore, were both arrested following the Oct. 8, 2025, incident.
Charles County sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported theft in progress around 5:28 p.m. Court records show deputies were met at the front of the store by a loss prevention employee who was coordinating with another employee monitoring security cameras. Documents state the monitoring employee advised that the suspected individuals were still inside shopping and that personnel were waiting for them to pass all points of sale before making contact.
A short time later, loss prevention personnel notified deputies that both subjects had proceeded to the self-checkout area and were exiting the store. Documents state that as the women left, loss prevention staff stopped them near the exit and escorted them to the loss prevention office.
Inside the office, loss prevention personnel reportedly recovered various items belonging to the store from both subjects’ bags. Court records indicate both women identified which bags belonged to them, allowing staff to separate the merchandise.
Deputies made contact with both individuals and requested identification. Court filings state Williams-Evans was wearing a dark-colored jean jacket with an orange shirt and blue pants with white stripes down the sides. Degrafenried was wearing a light-colored jean jacket, a light blue shirt, gray pants and a blue head wrap.
According to court records, a loss prevention employee had been alerted by a co-worker who allegedly witnessed Williams-Evans remove a charging cord from its packaging and conceal it in her bag. Authorities said this prompted monitoring of both women via surveillance cameras as they continued shopping.
The total value of merchandise reportedly recovered from Williams-Evans was $129. Court filings indicate the total value recovered from Degrafenried was $243.07. Documents show all recovered items belonged to the retail establishment, according to court records.
Authorities verified both women’s identities through state databases. Court records show both were taken to the Charles County Detention Center and charged.
Williams-Evans and Degrafenried each face one count of theft between $100 and under $1,500, a misdemeanor carrying a maximum penalty of 18 months imprisonment and a $500 fine if convicted. Both were released on personal recognizance following their initial appearances on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9, 2025, respectively.
Court records show both defendants initially waived their right to attorneys but were later determined eligible for public defender representation. The Charles County Public Defender’s Office entered appearances on behalf of both women on Oct. 9, 2025. Documents show defense counsel for both defendants filed motions for a speedy trial and discovery inspection on the same date.
Both Williams-Evans and Degrafenried are scheduled for trial on Dec. 2, 2025, at 9 a.m. in Charles County District Court. The case illustrates coordinated loss prevention tactics, including real-time camera monitoring and waiting for suspects to pass all points of sale before intervention, according to authorities. All proceedings will take place in La Plata. The State’s Attorney’s Office for Charles County is prosecuting the case.
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Those are looks of pee-o’d…that they got caught.