LA PLATA, Md. — A Lusby man is being held without bond after allegedly committing multiple retail thefts across Southern Maryland, with charging documents stating the total value of stolen merchandise exceeded $2,200 from Target and Kohl’s stores. Joseph Lindsey Cranford III, 52, initially gave police a false identity before admitting he had multiple outstanding warrants, according to court records.
La Plata police responded to Target at 60 Shining Willow Way around 12:06 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2025, for reports of a shoplifting in progress. According to charging documents, a loss prevention officer contacted police about a male subject who had reportedly committed previous thefts and was currently inside the store with items in his cart.
The report states the suspect passed all points of sale without paying and fled on foot when approached. Officers spotted Cranford running in the back parking lot near the Safeway gas pumps. When he saw the marked police vehicle, Cranford reportedly reversed direction but stopped when ordered. He was described as wearing black jeans, a gray and black flannel long-sleeve shirt, tan shoes, a hat and a surgical mask.
When questioned about identification, Cranford allegedly provided the name David Wayne Cranford with a Florida driver’s license. Dispatch confirmed no driver’s license or identification card existed under that name in Florida or Maryland. Furthermore, when asked for his Social Security number, Cranford reportedly claimed he did not know it.
Officers placed Cranford under arrest for theft and inability to confirm his identity. Once in the police cruiser, he allegedly admitted to providing a false name because he had several warrants. He then gave his correct identity as Joseph Lindsey Cranford III. Police confirmed his identity through local databases and the Motor Vehicle Administration, which showed multiple active warrants through different Maryland agencies, according to court documents.
The Sept. 21 Target theft reportedly involved merchandise from several departments, including apparel, groceries, health and beauty products, home goods, sporting goods and toys. The total value of stolen items was $798.88, according to charging records. Cranford faces charges of theft $100 to under $1,500 and false statement to an officer for this incident.
The La Plata arrest connected Cranford to additional alleged thefts in St. Mary’s County. On July 28, 2025, around 11:09 a.m., Cranford allegedly entered the Target at 45155 First Colony Way in California wearing an orange striped polo shirt, blue jeans and a camouflage hat. According to charging documents, Cranford left the store approximately 11 minutes later, passing all points of sale without purchasing items in his shopping cart.
A Target asset protection specialist reportedly attempted to intercept Cranford, who ran his cart into the sliding doors and fled on foot toward Three Notch Road. The total value of stolen merchandise was listed at $605.49 and included Charmin toilet paper, multiple Stanley tumblers, Simple Modern tumblers, Dixie plates, Mountain Dew, bed sheets and other household items, according to the report.
An investigation determined Cranford allegedly committed another Target theft on July 23, 2025, around 8:23 a.m., involving a pack of Bounty paper towels valued at $33.49 and a Shark upright vacuum priced at $149.99. Store security footage reportedly showed Cranford passing all points of sale without paying. The total theft amount was listed at $183.48.
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office crime analysts later created a bulletin for the suspect. An anonymous tip provided Cranford’s name, which investigators confirmed through Motor Vehicle Administration records. These thefts resulted in two counts of theft $100 to under $1,500 and one count of theft scheme $100 to under $1,500, according to court filings.
The theft pattern reportedly continued at Kohl’s in Lexington Park. On Aug. 9, 2025, a loss prevention officer reported that Cranford entered the store at 46240 Lexington Village Way, grabbed a shopping cart and proceeded to the back of the store. Surveillance footage allegedly showed Cranford walking out with three high-value items, passing all points of sale and security, charging documents state.
Cranford allegedly placed the stolen merchandise into a black 2014 Mercedes-Benz, then entered the passenger seat before the vehicle left. The stolen items reportedly included a Shark Stratos vacuum valued at $499.99, a Kohl’s khaki bed sheet set valued at $89.99 and a Kohl’s woodblock floral bed sheet set valued at $89.99. The total theft from Kohl’s was listed at $679.97, resulting in an additional theft charge.
Judge Sally C. Chester presided over Cranford’s bail review hearing on Sept. 22, 2025, in Charles County District Court, ordering him held without bond.
Each theft charge carries a maximum penalty of 18 months imprisonment and a $500 fine under Maryland law if convicted. The theft scheme charge carries identical penalties. The false statement to an officer charge carries a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment and a $500 fine. Combined, Cranford could face potential maximum penalties exceeding seven years if convicted on all counts.
The Charles County Public Defender’s Office and St. Mary’s County Public Defender’s Office entered appearances on Sept. 22, 2025. Defense counsel filed motions for a speedy trial and discovery inspection in both jurisdictions. A trial is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2025, in Charles County District Court, with preliminary inquiries set for Oct. 31 and Nov. 14, 2025, in St. Mary’s County District Court.
All proceedings will take place in Charles County and St. Mary’s County district courts. The State’s Attorney’s Offices for both counties are prosecuting the respective cases.
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