From LensCrafters to Ross: Police Allege La Plata Man Went Store To Store Stealing Merchandise At Waldorf Shopping Center

WALDORF, Md. — A La Plata man is facing multiple theft charges after Charles County Sheriff’s Office deputies alleged he stole merchandise from several retail stores at the St. Charles Towne Center shopping area before being stopped by security and later admitting to the thefts, according to court documents.

Todd Ashley Bowe, 59, of La Plata, was charged in the District Court for Charles County with three misdemeanor counts of theft of property valued at less than $100 in connection with the July 15, 2026, incident.

According to the statement of probable cause, officers responded at approximately 5:16 p.m. July 15 to the Ross Dress for Less store at the St. Charles Towne Center in Waldorf after receiving a report of a shoplifter who had already been detained by shopping center security.

Investigators reported recovering merchandise from a trash can outside the Ross store that allegedly had been left there by Bowe. The recovered items reportedly belonged to Ross and included two men’s wallets, an umbrella, a tote bag, and a manicure set.

The total value of the Ross merchandise was approximately $61.94, according to charging documents.

Authorities said surveillance video from Ross showed Bowe entering the store shortly before 5 p.m., selecting merchandise, and leaving without paying. Security personnel detained him after he attempted to leave the scene.

A witness told deputies she first observed Bowe at LensCrafters, where she alleged he stole a pair of sunglasses valued at approximately $335. She then watched him walk to Five Below, where investigators allege he removed merchandise without paying before continuing to Old Navy and ultimately entering Ross. The witness notified shopping center security after observing his movements between the stores.

Deputies reviewed surveillance footage from the additional retailers and reported finding evidence they allege showed Bowe stealing a pair of badminton racquets and a speaker from Five Below before moving on to Old Navy. Investigators also noted Bowe was wearing an Old Navy jacket despite reportedly not entering the shopping center wearing one. Officers went to Old Navy but were unable to confirm a theft at that location.

Before Bowe was transported to the Charles County Detention Center, the arresting officer searched him and allegedly discovered additional merchandise concealed in his shorts. According to court records, the recovered property included a Ross travel vest valued at $14.99 and a pair of Nautica socks with the retail tag torn off.

Charging documents state Bowe later admitted to an intake officer that he had stolen all of the merchandise from the stores involved in the investigation. All of the alleged offenses occurred in Charles County.

Court records show Bowe appeared for a bail review on July 16, 2026, and was ordered held without bond. Bowe is scheduled for a trial-officer scheduling hearing on Sept. 2, 2026, in Charles County District Court.

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