WALDORF, Md. — A Waldorf man is facing 30 theft-related charges after allegedly stealing nearly $39,000 in cash from a local Target store across multiple incidents over a two-month period.
According to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Nicholas Owen Patton, 44, was arrested on May 16, 2025, following a detailed investigation initiated by Target’s loss prevention team. Authorities say the thefts took place between February 21 and May 2, all during Patton’s closing shifts at the Target store on Western Parkway in Waldorf.
A Target asset protection executive flagged “multiple cash shortages” that consistently aligned with Patton’s work schedule. Surveillance footage reviewed by police showed Patton accessing the cash office safe, shielding his actions with his body, and appearing to conceal cash before leaving the building.
Patton was arrested in the Target parking lot, and a search warrant uncovered:
$6,150 in cash in Patton’s pants
$25,814 in cash in a black safe inside his home
Though initially silent, Patton later confessed to stealing between $250,000 and $300,000 from Target over several years, according to charging documents.
Charges Filed Against Patton Include:
8 counts of theft: $1,500–$25,000 (felony)
20 counts of theft: $100–$1,500 (misdemeanor)
1 count of theft: $1,500–$25,000 (felony)
1 count of theft scheme: $25,000–$100,000 (felony)
Confirmed thefts from the audit totaled $38,920.08, with documented incidents on dates including:
Feb 21: $1,773
Mar 3: $1,754
Mar 30: $2,185
Apr 12: $2,363
May 2: $1,446
(…plus over 20 other specific dates with cash amounts stolen)
Patton was released on personal recognizance following his initial court appearance. He waived his right to an attorney for that hearing but was advised to obtain legal counsel moving forward. The court also imposed standard release conditions, including no further criminal activity and compliance with all scheduled proceedings.
Authorities emphasized the case highlights the role of internal store audits and security in uncovering long-running theft schemes.
