CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. – On June 21, 2024, Albert Steven Cherrico of Mechanicsville was formally charged by the District Court of Maryland for Saint Mary’s County with multiple counts of theft. Cherrico, 66, faces charges of theft between $100 and $1,500 following a series of incidents at a local ACE Hardware store in Charlotte Hall.
According to reports filed by Cpl. Smith of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Cherrico allegedly committed theft on May 14, 2024. The store manager reported that Cherrico entered the store twice that day.
During his first visit, Cherrico took two metal “L” hooks and purchased a red LED umbrella. He returned to the store later with a green umbrella, loudly claimed that the umbrella was broken, and intended to exchange it. Cherrico placed the green umbrella in the stand and took a new blue one without following the proper exchange procedure. He then entered the store again, met with the complainant in an aisle, and took four conduit clamps, but only paid for one at the register.
Surveillance footage confirmed Cherrico’s actions, showing him causing a scene by loudly claiming the green umbrella was broken and pocketing the clamps and hooks without paying for them.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle used in these thefts, a black Chevrolet Silverado, was registered to Cherrico. The store manager identified Cherrico by his distinctive physical features and previous interactions with him. Cpl. Smith also noted in his report that he had many dealings with Cherrico and his family in the past during his duties as a deputy in St. Mary’s County.
On June 14, 2024, Cpl. Smith located Cherrico at a produce stand in Mechanicsville. Cherrico denied any involvement in the thefts despite the evidence. The store manager provided additional surveillance footage linking Cherrico to the thefts.
Cherrico’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 26, 2024. If convicted, he faces penalties of up to six months in jail and/or a $500 fine for each count of theft.
