LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – A Lexington Park man was arrested after allegedly stealing jewelry from a local department store and attempting to hide the stolen items inside a nearby restaurant.
On February 13, 2025, at approximately 1:42 PM, Senior Trooper Allison Oyler of the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack was on patrol near Kohl’s on Lexington Village Way in Lexington Park when a theft in progress was reported. Store loss prevention officers described the suspect as a Black male wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and a yellow and orange reflector vest.
According to police, the suspect, later identified as Terry Antonio Wheeler, 56, concealed jewelry items on his person, passed all points of sale, and left the store. Loss prevention staff reported that Wheeler may have entered Yummys restaurant nearby.
Trooper Oyler parked her unmarked police vehicle and entered Yummys, where she located Wheeler and called him outside. Wheeler was detained while an investigation was conducted. Surveillance footage from both Kohl’s and Yummys confirmed that Wheeler had concealed the stolen merchandise inside a storage cabinet inside the restaurant before being called out by police.
All stolen items were recovered but had been marked as damaged or destroyed, with a total loss valued at $174.99. Wheeler was issued a notice not to trespass from Kohl’s before being transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center.
Wheeler has been charged with theft of $100 to under $1,500 and malicious destruction of property under $1,000. Theft in this range is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, while malicious destruction of property carries a penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Court records show Wheeler was held without bond following his initial appearance on February 13, 2025. A bail review hearing was held on February 14, 2025, where the judge maintained the hold without bond order. His trial is scheduled for March 31, 2025, in St. Mary’s District Court.
This case remains open, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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