Name Game: Woman Accused Of Giving False Name During Theft Investigation At California Store

CALIFORNIA, Md. — A reported retail theft of sparkly eye serum at a California, Maryland, discount store escalated into multiple criminal charges after investigators say a suspect repeatedly provided false identifying information and was later found to have outstanding warrants, according to Maryland State Police charging documents.

Kelly Anne Martone, 35, of Mechanicsville, has been charged with fraud by false identity to avoid prosecution, false statement to an officer, obstructing and hindering, and making a false statement to a peace officer. Martone was taken into custody on Dec. 15, 2025, and is currently being held without bond. Court records indicate her trial is scheduled for Feb. 17, 2026.

According to police reports, on Dec. 13, 2025, at approximately 4:11 p.m., Maryland State Police responded to the Five Below store located in California, Maryland, for a reported theft. Officers made contact with the store manager, who was standing at the front of the store with Martone. The manager reported observing Martone allegedly walking through the store while placing items into her jacket pocket before allegedly passing the register and exiting the store without paying.

Court files state the store manager reportedly confronted Martone outside the store, at which point Martone denied stealing any merchandise. The store declined to pursue theft charges but requested that Martone be banned from the premises. When officers spoke with Martone, police reported that she initially provided a name that did not return a match through law enforcement databases. When asked again, Martone allegedly continued to provide the same name, which police later determined to be false.

Police documents show officers later identified Martone and conducted a records check, which revealed an active warrant issued by Maryland State Police Leonardtown, as well as an additional warrant through the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Police reported that Martone allegedly continued to deny taking items from the store. A search incident to arrest allegedly revealed a sparkle eye serum roller on Martone’s person, which Martone stated she did not remember placing in her purse.

According to police reports, Martone was placed under arrest, issued a notice not to trespass from the business, and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. Detention center staff later requested that Martone be transported to St. Mary’s County Hospital for a medical evaluation, according to police.

If convicted, Martone faces potential penalties under Maryland law that include incarceration and fines. The most serious charge, fraud by false identity to avoid prosecution, is a felony punishable by up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000. The remaining charges, including making a false statement to a peace officer and obstructing and hindering, are misdemeanors that each carry potential penalties of up to one year of incarceration and fines of up to $500.

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