LEONARDTOWN, Md. – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Eric Dickerson, 51, of Abell, Maryland, was sentenced to eight years in prison for stealing nearly $100,000 of cannabis from his place of employment.
The felony theft occurred in August 2023 from a business licensed with the Maryland Cannabis Administration. Dickerson was employed as a member of the custodial staff for approximately seven months at the company’s growing and processing location in Abell, Maryland. During this period, Dickerson had unfettered access throughout the entire facility.
“The Defendant leveraged his position of trust and with a nefarious purpose, removed large amounts of cannabis, concealed it into trash bags, and ultimately stole the large haul. What elevates the ugliness factor of this crime is the stolen items are controlled dangerous substances,” said State’s Attorney Sterling. “This cannabis could have contributed to broader illegal drug distribution and criminal activity. We must hold all individuals accountable at every level for the safety of our community.”
Dickerson was found guilty of felony theft and although the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines called for a sentence between six months and five years, the State requested the Court sentence the Defendant to 10 years in prison.
The Honorable Michael J. Stamm sentenced the Defendant to serve eight years in the Maryland Division of Corrections, significantly above the six months to five years guideline range, and additionally ordered the Defendant to pay $99,480 of restitution, which was executed as a civil judgment.
Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa Ridge, Chief of Narcotics, prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.
Deputy Christopher Truss of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator with the assistance of the Criminal Investigations Division, Vice/Narcotics Unit.
