Coffee And Cold Ones: Man Buys Beer After Alleged Starbucks Tip Jar Theft

LUSBY, Md. — A Prince Frederick man was arrested Dec. 14 after police said he trespassed at the Starbucks on Town Square Drive in Lusby and stole money from an employee tip jar, according to charging documents.

Marvin Charles Dickerson, 41, of Prince Frederick, is charged with trespassing on private property and theft of less than $100, both misdemeanors. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $500 fine under Maryland law.

According to the statement of probable cause, a Calvert County sheriff’s deputy responded around 3:27 p.m. to the store for a reported theft. Employees told police a man later identified as Dickerson left the business after passing all points of sale while wearing a black puffy jacket and a pink sweatshirt with butterflies.

The store manager reported that approximately $15 was taken from the employee tip jar and said Dickerson had previously been notified that he was not allowed on the property. Court records show he had been indefinitely trespassed from the location on Dec. 7.

While canvassing the area, the deputy located Dickerson walking nearby. Police said he was carrying an unopened 15-pack of Milwaukee’s Best Ice beer under his arm. Dickerson initially denied being inside the store but later told the deputy he planned to repay the money, according to the report.

A receipt showed an $11 purchase minutes before the call, and deputies recovered $4.47 in cash from Dickerson after his arrest. The receipt was dated earlier that afternoon and came from a nearby liquor store.

Charging documents state that Dickerson made several unsolicited statements while being transported to the Calvert County Detention Center, citing homelessness and limited access to services as factors in the incident.

Dickerson was released on his own recognizance the same day. He is scheduled to appear in Calvert County District Court on Jan. 14, 2026, for a trial scheduling hearing.

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