CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. — A Mechanicsville woman is facing theft charges after sheriff’s deputies say she was caught mid-heist inside a local grocery store, attempting to leave with more than $300 in merchandise—some of it in a bag, some under her clothes, and some on her feet.
On May 17, 2025, a deputy from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a retail theft complaint at a grocery store on Potomac Way. Upon arrival, the deputy spoke with a witness who reported observing 33-year-old Melissa Irene Richards removing price tags from several unpaid items in the store. Store staff confirmed that multiple customers had complained about the same individual.
The deputy located Richards standing beside a shopping cart. Several items in the cart were missing price tags, and Richards was wearing a pair of blue and white shoes reportedly belonging to the store. When questioned about her original footwear, Richards led the deputy to a separate aisle, where her sandals were found discarded.
While running her name through the St. Mary’s County Emergency Communications Center, the deputy learned that Richards had two active warrants. She was placed under arrest. During a search incident to arrest, deputies discovered a box of toaster strudels—along with the cream icing packet—concealed down the right leg of her pants.
Store management calculated the total value of merchandise Richards had hidden, worn, or attempted to walk out with at $332.65. Authorities noted that she had removed price tags from multiple items or concealed them in a bag or on her person.
Richards was identified by her Maryland driver’s license and confirmed her identity during the initial encounter. All events occurred in St. Mary’s County.
She was taken into custody without further incident. If convicted of theft in the amount charged, she faces a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine under Maryland law.
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Closest thing to a grocery store that seems to be on Potomac Way is the Dollar General. Attempted shop lifting over $300 from Dollar General?!!
“2 warrants and a toaster strudel!”
That’s my new jam!