One involved shoplifting, the other trespassing.
Lakota Harris Michael Anderson
(Photos From Frederick County Sheriff’s Office)
Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office says its deputies were busy late last week with more than a dozen calls for shopliftings and thefts. Two suspects were arrested.
Dakota Lee Harris, 25, of Frederick was taken into custody on Friday afternoon in the parking lot of the FSK Mall after authorities received a complaint about an individual walking out of Dick’s Sporting Goods with unpaid merchandise. Harris was observed actively dropping stolen clothing in the parking lot. Further investigation revealed that Harris had other stolen items taken from JC Penny and Zumiez.. He is charged with theft between $1,500 and $25,000; theft between $100 and to less than $1,500; theft scheme between $1,500 to less than $25,000; theft less than $100; possession of narcotics (not cannabis); three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.
Deputies also responded to the Dollar Tree at 7232 Guilford Drive on Saturday where they arrested Michael Leon Anderson, 57, of Frederick. He previously received a no-trespassing order, but entered the store on Friday and Saturday, November 24th and 25th. He is charged with trespassing; two counts of making an arson threat: disorderly conduct; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Sheriff’s Office says both men made threatening comments to deputies and correctional officers during and after their arrests.
“We are taking a very proactive strategy toward combatting the high volume of shoplifting during this increased weave of organized retail theft throughout the region,” says Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, in a statement. “As much as possible, we will have eyes on the major retail centers in the county through the Christmas shopping season to protect retailers and the public.:”
“Retail theft cost the businesses and ultimately the consumer who pays for the retail losses,” Jenkins continues. “In my view, rampant organized theft is a quality-of-life issue and very frankly, it’s an offensive to the public who is watching thieves run out the door while they stand at the register to pay.”
He concludes by saying: “It also becomes a risk to the Public as the thieves travel at high speeds fleeing through congested traffic areas to avoid law enforcement. Our goal is to protect the property of retailers and the public through proactive enforcement efforts.”
By Kevin McManus