News writer
A pair of bold, grab-and-go thefts at Maryland convenience stores has now turned into a felony case after investigators say the suspect left behind more than just empty shelves.
Authorities allege thousands of dollars in Maryland Lottery tickets were stolen in two incidents just days apart, with some of those tickets later redeemed for cash. But what may have seemed like a quick score quickly unraveled, as surveillance footage, fingerprint evidence, and lottery commission records helped investigators track the trail and identify the man at the center of both thefts.
The first incident
On the first incident, which took place on February 26, 2026, deputies with the Charles County Sheriff's Office responded to a Sunoco gas station on Crain Highway in Waldorf for a reported theft, according to court documents.
Once at the scene, an employee told authorities that “the defendant entered the store and asked for Black and Mild cigarettes.” When the employee turned away to grab the Black and Milds, the man grabbed the entire Maryland Lottery scratch-off ticket display case. He then fled the store.
The employee described the suspect as wearing a “black jacket, black pants, ski mask, and gloves.” Officials said the estimated value of the stolen lottery tickets was approximately $4,250. Investigators were also able to determine that some of the stolen lottery tickets had been redeemed, which totaled $1,162.
Redeeming stolen tickets
Authorities worked with the Maryland Lottery Commission, which provided them with records that showed where the tickets were redeemed. Investigators were able to recover some of those tickets that were redeemed. They processed them for fingerprints.
According to court documents, officials found prints belonging to Timothy Lewis Jr.
The second incident
On March 2, 2026, a second robbery took place at a convenience store on Mattawoman Drive in Waldorf. During this incident, an employee told authorities that the suspect “grabbed a case of lottery tickets and fled the store.”
In this incident, the employee described the suspect as wearing a blue jacket and a white surgical mask. The suspect was seen leaving in a white Toyota Rav4.
Investigators were able to obtain surveillance footage, which showed the suspect touching the counter without gloves. They ran those fingerprints, which matched Lewis.
Officials said the value of the stolen tickets for this incident was approximately $5,750.
In total, authorities said the total value of the thefts was about $10,000. In addition, the suspect redeemed some of the stolen tickets for $2,572.
Warrant issued, arrest made
Through their investigation, authorities determined the suspect in both cases was Timothy Lewis Jr., 25, of Upper Malboro, based on surveillance video, fingerprint evidence, and rental vehicle records.
On March 11, 2026, authorities executed a search warrant at Lewis's residence. During that search, police were reportedly able to find evidence related to the thefts.
Lewis was arrested the same day. He was charged with two counts of theft involving property valued between $1,500 and $25,000, both felony charges. He was later released on an unsecured personal bond of $2,000. He is scheduled to be back in court on April 28.
Enjoy playing the Maryland Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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