Poker Night Disrupted: Man Charged After Purse Theft At Mechanicsville Moose Lodge

MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — A man was charged after Maryland State Police reported he entered the Mechanicsville Moose Lodge during a poker tournament, stole a member’s purse and was found carrying suspected crack cocaine and prescription pills.

Louis E. Messineo, 33, was charged with four counts of possessing a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft of $100 to less than $1,500, trespassing on posted property, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

The charges stem from an incident July 2, 2026, at the Moose Lodge in the 27600 block of Mechanicsville Road.

Charging documents state a state trooper arrived to find Messineo dressed in black and lying in the parking lot while lodge members detained him.

Witnesses reported Messineo entered the members-only lodge through an unlocked rear door that had been left ajar. Signs around the property indicated that membership and a key card were required to enter and that trespassing was prohibited.

Messineo was confronted by lodge members and instructed to leave. Charging documents state he then grabbed a member’s brown leather purse and attempted to flee before bystanders stopped him in the parking lot.

The purse contained an iPhone, several credit cards and approximately $50 in cash. Its total value was estimated at more than $100 but less than $1,500.

The theft disrupted the lodge and caused the poker tournament to stop, investigators reported.

Messineo allegedly admitted taking the purse while speaking with the trooper.

Charging documents state Messineo repeatedly told the trooper that he was struggling with addiction and had difficulty remaining awake during the encounter.

Messineo was released July 3 on a $2,000 unsecured personal bond.

A trial is set for Aug. 24, 2026, in St. Mary’s County District Court.

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