New Jersey Man Charged With $26K Theft, Bad Check Scheme In St. Mary’s County

HOLLYWOOD, Md. — A New Jersey man is facing felony charges in St. Mary’s County after investigators say he stole more than $25,000 through a bad check scheme tied to a business deal, according to court records.

Quang Kim Bui, 58, of Eatontown, New Jersey, was charged by criminal summons in connection with a February 7, 2026 incident in Hollywood, Maryland.

According to charging documents, Bui is accused of obtaining $26,000 from a victim under the pretense of helping establish a small business loan. The exchange took place at a residence on Abis Street, where the victim provided the money after being told it would be used to secure funding.

Investigators allege Bui issued multiple checks totaling $25,000 as part of the transaction, but the checks were later returned due to insufficient funds.

Authorities said the victim attempted to deposit the checks, which were drawn on a Wells Fargo account, but they were not honored. Multiple attempts to contact Bui to resolve the situation were unsuccessful.

Detectives later identified Bui through prior business dealings with the victim and confirmed his identity during the investigation.

Bui is charged with theft between $25,000 and $100,000 and issuing bad checks in the same amount range, both felony offenses.

He was issued a criminal summons on April 24, 2026, rather than being arrested.

Under Maryland law, theft between $25,000 and $100,000 carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Issuing bad checks in that amount range carries the same potential penalty.

A preliminary inquiry hearing is set for June 12, 2026, in St. Mary’s District Court.

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