Robert James Grinder, 36, of Leonardtown
Robert James Grinder

CALIFORNIA, Md. — On Nov. 5, 2025, Robert James Grinder, 36, of Leonardtown, was arrested by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) in connection with multiple theft investigations. Grinder faces charges including three counts of theft: $1,500 to under $25,000; one count of theft scheme: $1,500 to under $25,000; two counts of theft: $100 to under $1,500; one count of theft: $100 to under $1,500 in a separate case; and one count of malicious destruction of property with a value under $1,000.

According to police records, on Nov. 5, 2025, SMCSO deputies responded to Lowe’s Home Improvement in California, Md., following a report from the store’s asset protection personnel. Investigators were shown surveillance footage allegedly depicting a white male involved in multiple thefts at the location. Deputies compared the video with a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) photograph and identified the suspect as Grinder.

Police allege that the thefts at Lowe’s occurred on four separate dates. The first incident reportedly took place on Sept. 11, 2025, with merchandise valued at approximately $641. The second occurred on Oct. 7, 2025, with items worth $519 reported stolen. A third theft was reported on Oct. 31, 2025, allegedly totaling $1,798. The most recent incident occurred on Nov. 4, 2025, when a store manager confronted the suspect and asked for a receipt. According to the report, Grinder allegedly refused, used profane language, and left the store with merchandise valued at approximately $2,147.

In a separate case, SMCSO deputies responded to Target in California, Md., also on Nov. 5, 2025, regarding a reported theft of $1,348. Surveillance footage was reviewed, and investigators allege Grinder was again identified as the suspect.

Police records also note that Grinder was previously arrested in August 2025 in an unrelated theft case that remains pending in the court system.

Court records show that Grinder’s bail hearing was held on Nov. 6, 2025, and his bail was set at $75,000. If convicted, the maximum penalties range from 90 days to five years of incarceration and fines of up to $10,000, depending on the monetary value of each offense. A trial is set for Dec. 11, 2025 in St. Mary’s District Court.


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4 Comments

  1. Dude been stealing and looting his whole life. Its about time the law attention is finally taking notice of him I stead of turning a blind eye. Oh, those #2s.

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