JEFFERSON, Md. — A Calvert County man has been arrested after authorities said a commercial burglary in Frederick County was followed by a suspected arson at the same property, leading investigators to recover about $50,000 worth of stolen equipment in Prince Frederick.
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said deputies first responded on May 3, 2026, to a reported commercial burglary at a business in the 4100 block of Lander Road in Jefferson. Numerous items were reported stolen from the property, including a skid steer, zero-turn mower, flatbed trailer, machinery, construction materials and tools.
The next day, deputies and Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services personnel were called back to the same location for a building fire. Fire marshals and detectives later determined the fire was likely intentionally set, and arson was suspected.
During the investigation, detectives learned some of the stolen property may have been taken to Calvert County. Frederick County detectives coordinated with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, which confirmed property matching the stolen items appeared to be on private property in Prince Frederick.
Investigators later developed information that the stolen property could be discarded or destroyed overnight, prompting authorities to obtain a search warrant for a property in the 100 block of Armory Road in Prince Frederick.
Around 3 a.m. on May 14, deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and detectives from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office executed the warrant. During the search, investigators recovered approximately $50,000 worth of stolen property connected to the Frederick County burglary investigation.
David Roberts, 34, of Prince Frederick, was arrested at the scene and taken to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.
Roberts is charged with second-degree burglary, second-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning and theft between $25,000 and $100,000. Court records show he was ordered held without bond following a May 15 bond review.
A preliminary hearing is set for June 11 in Frederick District Court.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Whitehouse at 301-600-1046 or submit a tip through the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 301-600-4131.
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