Bagged At Target: Waldorf Man Charged In Shoplifting Case

WALDORF, Md. — A Waldorf man has been charged with misdemeanor theft after Charles County sheriff’s deputies investigated a shoplifting incident at a Target store in Waldorf, according to charging documents.

Court records identify the defendant as Craig Isaiah Townsend, 28, of Waldorf. The incident occurred on Dec. 17, 2025, at the Target store located on Western Parkway.

Deputies were contacted by Target loss prevention after an employee observed Townsend conceal numerous items inside a black container obtained from the store. Records indicate Townsend walked past all points of sale without paying for the items and exited the store.

Loss prevention staff followed Townsend outside and then returned him to the store, where deputies later made contact. Investigators reported Townsend admitted he did not feel like purchasing the items due to a long line and decided to leave the store believing he would not be noticed.

Townsend was taken into custody and transported to the Charles County Detention Center. The value of the stolen merchandise was listed as at least $100 but less than $1,500, according to court documents.

Townsend was charged with theft of $100 to under $1,500, a misdemeanor. He was released on his own recognizance the same day.

Court records show a trial scheduling hearing is set for Feb. 10, 2026, in Charles County District Court.

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