Something Fishy: Charlotte Hall Woman Charged In La Plata Weis Price-Switch Scheme

LA PLATA, Md. — A Charlotte Hall woman was charged after police reported she repeatedly switched price tags on items at a Weis grocery store in La Plata, resulting in a theft scheme valued at more than $250.

Mary Ann Catterton, 63, of Charlotte Hall, was charged with theft scheme from $100 to under $1,500 and five counts of theft less than $100. The charges stem from incidents reported between April 8 and May 26, 2026, at Weis, located at 100 Drury Drive in La Plata.

Charging documents state a La Plata officer responded June 26 for a report of several thefts that had occurred earlier in the year. Store staff reported that a suspect entered the store on five occasions and stole multiple items.

The investigation began after a store manager conducted an inventory review and found discrepancies in the store’s system, charging documents state. Staff reviewed the transactions and reported that the suspect had been switching price tags from lower-priced items, then scanning the altered items at self-checkout.

Police reported the thefts occurred April 8, May 3, May 9, May 18 and May 26.

Charging documents list the stolen items as Reveal fish selection multipacks, Sparkling Ice passion fruit drinks and Whiskas/Temptations turkey treats. The reported values from each incident ranged from $43 to $72, with the total scheme valued at $257.

Store records tied the transactions to a Weis membership account under Catterton’s name, charging documents state. Police reported an MVA search later showed Catterton matched the name and information connected to the store account.

The store also provided surveillance images from the incidents, and police reported the person in the footage matched Catterton’s MVA photo.

Charging documents state Catterton was seen parking on the left side of the building, where surveillance cameras were not present, and operating an unknown vehicle.

A criminal summons was issued June 26, 2026. A preliminary inquiry is set for Aug. 10, 2026, in Charles County District Court.

---