LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – A 39-year-old Lexington Park woman, Rachel Bowles, is facing multiple charges after a series of incidents in September and November 2024. Bowles has been charged with theft under $1,500, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and providing a false identity to avoid prosecution.
The case began on September 16, 2024, when Bowles and another individual were involved in a shoplifting incident at a Dollar General store in Callaway. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Bowles concealing items under her sweatshirt and in a bag. The stolen goods, valued at $173.49, were recovered during a traffic stop later that day, along with a container of crack cocaine near Bowles. Although Bowles admitted to stealing the items, she denied the presence of drugs. She was charged with theft, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and other related offenses.
On October 17, Bowles entered guilty pleas to charges of theft and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was sentenced to six months in jail, with all but 31 days suspended, and placed on two years of supervised probation. However, her probation did not last long, and a bench warrant for violating probation was issued on November 8, 2024.
On November 25, deputies responded to a call about a suicidal individual in Lexington Park, where they encountered Bowles. During the interaction, Bowles, who was already wanted on multiple warrants, provided a false identity in an attempt to avoid arrest. Deputies, recognizing her from previous encounters, confirmed her identity through official records and arrested her. She now faces charges for fraudulently using a personal identity to avoid prosecution.
If convicted of the new charges, Bowles could face up to 18 months in jail and fines for providing a false identity. Additionally, her probation violation hearing and further court proceedings are scheduled in the coming weeks.
Bowles’ case highlights the difficulties in managing repeat offenders and the complexities of probation enforcement, especially when escalating criminal behavior is involved.
