LEONARDTOWN, MD (June 23, 2026) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Christina Lee Calero, 47, of Leonardtown, Maryland, was sentenced to five years with eighteen months of active incarceration for Theft: $100 to Under $1,500 as a subsequent offender.

On August 19, 2025, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the JCPenney in California, Maryland, for the report of a theft in progress. Upon arrival, deputies observed that Calero was wearing a pair of new shoes from the store with the price tag ripped off, as well as jewelry within her purse that she had not purchased. Store employees advised that Calero had selected additional items, concealed those in her purse as well, and then attempted to proceed through the checkout area without paying for them. Merchandise totaling almost $200 was recovered from Calero’s possession.

“Retail theft imposes real costs on businesses and their employees that they should not have to absorb,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “Holding offenders accountable helps protect the businesses that serve our community and promotes a safer environment for employees and customers alike while making sure those costs are not passed onto the public.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Megan Crawford prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Deputy Thomas Dewey and Deputy First Class Travis Wimberly of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were the lead investigators.

The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.