LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A Lexington Park man faces felony theft charges after authorities say he broke into his employer’s work truck and stole a large amount of cash from the center console. Joseph Scott Russell, 23, of Lexington Park, allegedly used a hammer to smash the vehicle’s window during a late-night burglary, according to court documents.
The victim reported the burglary on Oct. 9, 2025, after discovering his black GMC Sierra Denali had been broken into between 7 p.m. on Oct. 4 and 10:45 a.m. on Oct. 5. Court records show the passenger-side front window had been shattered and the center console lid had been raised. Documents reveal the U.S. currency contained in an orange bank bag had been stolen from inside the console.
Authorities assert none of the other vehicles on the property nor anything else within the truck appeared to have been tampered with. Court filings indicate the victim valued the broken window at $300 and believed a hammer found at the scene was used to break into the vehicle.
The victim told investigators four of his employees had knowledge of the cash location, records show. Detective Wynnyk identified Russell as one of those employees through motor vehicle records and photographs. On Oct. 9, 2025, authorities proceeded to Russell’s Wolf Trap Street residence to conduct an interview.
Court documents reveal Russell initially denied knowledge of the burglary but later allegedly admitted to his involvement, reportedly stating, “I did it.” Records show Russell, who was not detained at that time, said he used a hammer to break the window, reached into the center console, and took the bank bag of cash. Documents indicate Russell told investigators he was aware cash was inside the vehicle because he had seen it before.
Russell reportedly told authorities he committed the burglary “late” Saturday night on Oct. 4, 2025, but was unsure of the exact time, court filings state. Records show Russell said it was a “mistake” he immediately regretted. Court papers reveal Russell stated the stolen cash was located within a white Toyota RAV4 in his driveway.
Russell was placed under arrest and read his Miranda rights at 2:52 p.m., documents show. Authorities report Russell waived those rights and agreed to further questioning. Court records indicate Russell told investigators he walked down the victim’s driveway, used a hammer to break a front window, reached in, and stole the cash from the center console. Records show Russell stated he threw away the bank bag and did not count the money but observed it to be much more than he expected.
Russell faces six criminal charges including theft of $25,000 to under $100,000, theft of $1,500 to under $25,000, theft of $100 to under $1,500, theft under $100, rogue and vagabond, and malicious destruction of property under $1,000. The primary felony theft charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a $10,000 fine, while the second felony theft charge carries a maximum of five years’ imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. The malicious destruction charge carries a maximum of 60 days’ imprisonment and a $500 fine, if convicted.
Court documents indicate the Toyota RAV4 believed to contain the stolen cash was seized pending obtainment of a search warrant. Russell posted a $5,000 unsecured personal bond on Oct. 9, 2025, and was released. Records show Russell initially waived his right to an attorney at his initial appearance, but the St. Mary’s County Public Defender’s Office entered an appearance on Oct. 14, 2025.
Defense counsel filed motions for speedy trial and discovery inspection on Oct. 14, 2025. A trial is scheduled for Nov. 18, 2025, at 1 p.m. in St. Mary’s County District Court. The State’s Attorney’s Office for St. Mary’s County is prosecuting all charges.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
So a man makes a mistake, comed clean instantly and you post his pic all over the internet, insuring or trying to insure T least he doesn’t get to come back from this, shame on you editors. Well Russell I hope you have learned and good luck man keep ur head up
Why not post his picture….HELL…he even admitted to the crime and may have used some of the stolen money to post bail, definitely no sympathy here for such a damn criminal act and hopefully he will get some real jail time.