A 35-year-old man, Ricky William Hardman, is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail facing multiple theft charges across three jurisdictions after attempting to steal merchandise during a police-organized shopping event.
On August 4, King George County Sheriff’s Office deputies were participating in the YMCA Bright Beginnings program at Walmart, an event designed to help children shop for the new school year. Over 25 officers, mostly in uniform, were present.
While deputies gathered near the store entrance, a Walmart loss prevention employee alerted Major Patrick Weston of a suspected theft in progress. Hardman was caught trying to steal $1,014 worth of merchandise and exit through a side door. When confronted, he resisted arrest, but Major Weston subdued him and took him into custody.
Because the stolen goods exceeded $1,000 in value, Hardman was charged with felony grand larceny for this incident.
Court records also reveal Hardman faces additional charges in Fredericksburg, including misdemeanor shoplifting from April 20 and felony shoplifting and larceny with intent to distribute or sell from April 27. Moreover, a felony shoplifting charge was filed in Spotsylvania related to an incident on April 28.
