CALIFORNIA, Md. – Arlon Charles Menchion, 61, of Lexington Park, was arrested on November 19, 2024, following a months-long spree of alleged thefts across St. Mary’s County. Authorities link Menchion to repeated incidents of shoplifting at Walmart, Dollar General, Weis Markets, and Target, involving stolen goods that ranged from groceries and cleaning supplies to other everyday household items.
Menchion’s alleged theft spree began with a July 28, 2024, incident at Target on First Colony Way. Surveillance footage reportedly captured him placing a belt and Tide Pods into Target bags he had brought with him. He then walked past all points of sale without paying for the goods, valued at approximately $84.77. Employees recognized Menchion due to prior theft allegations.
On August 23, 2024, Menchion reportedly targeted Walmart on Miramar Way in California, MD, stealing Tide Pods, Gain Liquid, and various meat products valued at over $350. Less than a week later, on August 27, 2024, he allegedly returned to the same Walmart and stole a Swiffer mop and additional Tide Pods, valued at $124. Investigators say surveillance footage from both incidents, coupled with records of previous offenses, helped confirm his identity. Another incident at the same Walmart on November 12, 2024, resulted in further charges after Menchion allegedly stole a carpet cleaner and more Tide Pods, valued at $149.
Menchion’s alleged activities extended to Dollar General and Weis Markets. On September 19, 2024, he reportedly attempted to secure a refund for unpaid air fresheners he collected at Dollar General on Point Lookout Road. Employees said they recognized him from prior incidents, and surveillance footage reportedly corroborated the allegations. On October 24, 2024, Menchion allegedly stole nearly $130 worth of goods, including six canisters of Folger Instant Coffee and four bottles of Mazola oil, from Weis Markets. Surveillance footage reportedly showed him leaving the store without paying.
Authorities arrested Menchion on November 19, 2024, after a warrant was issued four days earlier. His repeated offenses and the total value of stolen goods have escalated the severity of the charges. Menchion now faces multiple counts under Maryland’s Criminal Law Article 7-104, as well as an additional charge of CDS possession (not cannabis). These charges include both misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties ranging from fines to significant prison sentences. Theft under $100 is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, while theft between $100 and $1,500 carries up to six months of imprisonment. Felony theft, involving goods valued above $1,500, can result in up to five years behind bars and fines as high as $10,000. In Menchion’s case, the courts may also consider consecutive sentencing due to the number of alleged incidents, potentially leading to substantial time behind bars if convicted.
Menchion’s legal proceedings are ongoing, with court dates scheduled for early 2025. Local law enforcement and retail asset protection teams continue to work together to address repeat offenders and protect businesses from further losses.
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I don’t normally do this but I feel compelled. This is my brother and he’s a human being that needs help. He’s an addict and has been since a teenager. We’ve tried to help him but the drugs have always been stronger. I don’t like him but I love him. It’s sad that a man with so much talent in the arts has fallen so far. He didn’t need any of the things he stole. He stole to feed a habit and that’s the bottom line. We hope that this will be the change he needs and the county houses him somewhere out of St. Mary’s County. I just wanted to speak so you’re not thinking he’s just another Black criminal. He’s broken and has been for a very long time. We will never know what demons he’s trying to silence. All this said he’s made some poor choices and he deserves the consequences. SMH
He’s a good guy. I hope he gets help