LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – A Lexington Park man was arrested on February 13, 2025, after allegedly stealing jewelry from a local Kohl’s store and attempting to hide the stolen items inside a nearby restaurant.
At approximately 1:42 PM, Senior Trooper Allison Oyler of the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack was on patrol near Kohl’s on Lexington Village Way when a theft in progress was reported. Loss prevention officers at Kohl’s described the suspect as a Black male wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and a yellow and orange reflector vest.
The suspect, identified as Terry Antonio Wheeler, 56, allegedly concealed jewelry items on his person, bypassed the store’s checkout points, and left without paying. Store staff later reported that Wheeler may have entered the Yummys restaurant nearby.
Trooper Oyler responded quickly, parking her unmarked police vehicle before entering Yummys. She located Wheeler inside the restaurant and called him outside. Wheeler was detained while authorities conducted an investigation.
Surveillance footage from both Kohl’s and Yummys confirmed that Wheeler had concealed the stolen jewelry inside a storage cabinet at Yummys before being confronted by police. All stolen items were recovered but were marked as damaged or destroyed, with a total loss valued at $174.99.
Wheeler was issued a notice not to trespass from Kohl’s and was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center.
He faces charges of theft in the range of $100 to under $1,500 and malicious destruction of property under $1,000. Theft in this range is a misdemeanor that can result in up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, while malicious destruction of property carries a penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Court records show Wheeler was held without bond following his initial appearance on February 13, 2025. A bail review hearing on February 14, 2025, upheld the hold without bond order. Wheeler’s trial is scheduled for March 31, 2025, in St. Mary’s District Court.
This case remains open, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
