Two Women Charged In Armed Robbery Scheme After Pepper Spray Used On Employees At Beauty Store

WALDORF, Md. — Two Washington, D.C. women are facing multiple charges, including armed robbery, after investigators say they worked together in a coordinated theft scheme that escalated when store employees were pepper-sprayed during an attempted shoplifting incident.

Amonie Lashawn Anderson, 23, of Washington, D.C., and Diamond Markevia Shepard, 31, of Washington, D.C., were both charged following the April 24, 2026 incident at a beauty supply store in the St. Charles Towne Plaza area, according to court records.

Deputies responded around 6:16 p.m. for a reported theft in progress. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed Shepard selecting hair extensions valued at approximately $390 and attempting to leave the store without paying.

Authorities say Anderson entered the store before the attempted theft and was observed interacting with Shepard, with both suspects appearing to coordinate their actions. The two were seen communicating inside the store prior to the incident, according to charging documents.

As Shepard attempted to exit, store employees intervened. Shepard allegedly pushed past workers and deployed pepper spray, striking two employees in the face before fleeing on foot.

Investigators later located Shepard at another nearby beauty supply store on Crain Highway, where she was again seen selecting similar merchandise. A black Kia sedan registered to Anderson was observed parked outside the store.

When officers attempted to detain Shepard, she allegedly resisted arrest before being taken into custody. A search of her belongings revealed a large can of pepper spray.

Anderson was also located inside the store wearing clothing consistent with earlier surveillance footage and was taken into custody without incident. Investigators determined both suspects had been working together across multiple locations as part of a theft scheme involving merchandise valued between $100 and under $1,500.

Both women were transported to the Charles County Detention Center.

Shepard faces more serious charges, including armed robbery, two counts of second-degree assault, theft scheme, and resisting arrest. Anderson is charged with theft scheme.

Court records show Shepard was initially held without bond before being released on her own recognizance following a bail review hearing on April 27, 2026, before Judge H. Richard Duden III.

Under Maryland law, armed robbery carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Each count of second-degree assault is punishable by up to 10 years, while resisting arrest carries up to three years. The theft scheme charge carries up to six months in jail and/or a $500 fine.

A preliminary hearing is set for May 20, 2026, in Charles District Court.

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