DUNKIRK, Md. — A Prince Frederick man was arrested on Dec. 13 after allegedly attempting to steal merchandise from a Walmart and later taking groceries from a nearby Giant Food store, according to Calvert County authorities.
Emmett Odyssey Harry Gantt, 65, faces multiple misdemeanor charges, including two counts of theft of $100 to under $1,500, trespassing on private property, possession of a controlled dangerous substance not cannabis, and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Authorities said a deputy responded around 7:57 a.m. to reports of suspected shoplifting in the Dunkirk shopping area. At Walmart, Gantt allegedly attempted to leave the store with about $1,065 in merchandise, including an electric scooter and four large Lego sets, without paying.
Gantt then walked to the nearby Giant Food store on Town Center Boulevard, where he was seen leaving with a shopping cart containing groceries valued at $646.01, including a $212 bone-in rib roast missing a barcode, according to charging documents.
When questioned, Gantt claimed he had paid cash for the groceries but could not provide a receipt and gave inconsistent statements about the amount paid.
Investigators noted that Gantt had previously been trespassed from the Dunkirk Walmart on Nov. 19. Deputies also discovered that he had been using a vehicle without the owner’s permission, though no separate charge was filed.
During a search incident to his arrest, deputies reportedly found a glass smoking device and 0.2 grams of crack cocaine.
Gantt was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and initially held without bond. A bail review hearing on Dec. 15 set his bond at $2,500. He is scheduled to appear in Calvert County District Court on Jan. 29, 2026, for a trial scheduling hearing.
