PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — William Henry Barcliff III, 38, of Lusby, has emerged as the focal point in a broad constellation of criminal cases across Calvert County, with charges that span petty shoplifting and obstruction, all the way to felony narcotics distribution, repeated animal neglect and drug paraphernalia possession.
The most recent charges stem from an incident at the Walmart on North Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick on the evening of June 19, 2025, when Barcliff allegedly fled from deputies attempting to trespass him from the store. The loss prevention officer identified Barcliff as the same man seen shoplifting there on June 12. Deputies spotted him by the luggage aisle, but Barcliff ran. A foot chase ensued through multiple store aisles before he was detained near the fitting rooms.
Upon search, deputies recovered a pack of light bulbs priced at $5.13 in his front pocket. Barcliff was taken into custody and charged with theft under $100, obstruction, failure to obey a lawful order and disorderly conduct. He was released later that day on an unsecured $1,500 bond. His trial is scheduled for Sept. 5, 2025, in Calvert District Court.
But that’s only the latest flashpoint in a mounting legal pile-up.
Barcliff was already facing animal cruelty charges filed in May 2025, after authorities responded to his Horizon Court residence on March 20 following his arrest the day prior. According to charging documents, five dogs were found on the property — some tethered, others caged — with one dog reportedly suffering from visible skin conditions, infections and signs of malnourishment. Officials with Calvert County Animal Control stated that the dog had previously appeared healthy in photos shared publicly. Barcliff was charged with five counts of animal cruelty, including failure to provide food, vet care and proper shelter. That case is scheduled for trial on Aug. 5, 2025, before Judge Robyn Riddle in Courtroom 2.
Compounding matters, Barcliff was indicted in Circuit Court in late April for a felony narcotics case tied to an incident on March 18, 2025. Prosecutors allege that Barcliff distributed cocaine and possessed both Schedule II and Schedule III controlled substances — including cocaine and buprenorphine — along with paraphernalia described as a plastic bag intended for use with narcotics. The distribution charge is based on an interaction with an individual identified in court records.
The indictment, filed by Assistant State’s Attorney Lee A. Bell, includes five total counts: felony distribution of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute and three misdemeanors for possession and paraphernalia. The maximum penalties on the felony charges include 20 years and $15,000 in fines per count, while each misdemeanor carries up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines, or in the case of paraphernalia, a $500 fine.
Circuit Court records show that Barcliff is represented by the Office of the Public Defender. After an initial bond hold, Judge Mark S. Chandlee authorized release on June 26. A jury trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 30, 2025, and continue through Oct. 2 in Courtroom 1.
If convicted on all charges — and especially if sentences run consecutively — Barcliff could face over 40 years in prison, thousands in fines and a permanent felony record.
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The public should not required to foot the bill for defense attorney’s for repeat offenders.