Two men, Austin Leaman, 29, and Rashard Brown, 30, have been charged in connection with a retail theft incident at a WEIS supermarket in Callaway, Maryland. The alleged theft occurred on January 2, 2025, when the two men arrived at the store in a white Ford Focus with Virginia plates.
According to charging documents, surveillance footage and witness accounts show that Leaman and Brown walked together through the store, selecting multiple grocery items and placing them in a red shopping basket. As they approached the store’s front, Leaman exited the store first, while Brown stayed behind. After waiting near the exit, Brown walked out of the store with the basket, bypassing the checkout without paying for the items.
A store employee recognized the men, having been involved in previous theft incidents. Sheriff’s deputies later reviewed the surveillance footage and identified both Leaman and Brown by matching their appearances to their Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) records.
The stolen merchandise, totaling $196.57, included grocery items such as cereal, produce, frozen food, and two chicken sandwiches. Additionally, the red shopping basket, valued at $125, was taken.
Leaman has been charged with theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500, a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. Court records indicate that Leaman had an active warrant at the time of the theft, which led investigators to request a second arrest warrant for him. Leaman is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 21, 2025, in St. Mary’s District Court.
Brown is also facing theft charges for the incident. His preliminary inquiry was initially set for February 21, 2025, but was rescheduled for March 21, 2025, after authorities failed to serve his summons.
