Michael E. Steele Jr.
Prince Frederick, MD— On July 13, Calvert Sheriff’s Office Detective Mudd received a call in regards to a second-degree burglary that had occurred at Steeple Chase Drive in Prince Frederick.
The complainant is the owner of Home Town Reality. The morning of July 13, he discovered his business had been burglarized. The complainant reviewed the security footage and observed a male break and enter into the business by way of the front door.
The male rummaged through the various offices. When entering, the male was seen carrying a light blue large plastic bag. The investigator and Deputy O’Donnell of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office were summoned and conducted an investigation.
The security footage was viewed and it was seen that a male, “in his late 20s or early 30s was seen to enter by way of the front door,” according to charging documents.
Photographs were taken of the business, damage to an outside night drop box was observed and documented by photographs. The complainant was able to determine several items were stolen. The total approximate value of loss due to the theft was $3,615.50.
O’Donnell advised he knew the identity of the male suspect who was as seen in the surveillance video. Previously, on the morning of July 13, O’Donnell was dispatched to 100 Hospital Drive in Prince Frederick for the complaint of a disorderly person. Upon arrival he encountered Michael E. Steele Jr., 28 of Huntingtown.
O’Donnell advised that Steele was wearing the exact same outfit as the male seen in the surveillance footage. Further surveillance video showed who was now believed to be Steele, walking out of the business carrying a laptop.
At that time the location of Steele was unknown. However, since this incident Steele has been arrested, and charged with fourth-degree burglary, theft, second-degree burglary, theft $1,000 to under $10,000 and destruction of property.
Steele has a preliminary hearing tentative scheduled for Aug. 12 in District Court. Steele faces a maximum jails sentence of 28 years and 2 months and/or a maximum fine of $10,500.
Contact Charles Seifert at c.seifert@thebaynet.com