TALBOT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE MAKE ARREST IN CRABBING AND FISHING EQUIPMENT THEFT
Talbot County, MD - A 19-year-old man from Queen Anne's County has been charged following a thorough investigation by the Talbot County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division regarding a series of thefts at Oak Creek Landing in Newcomb, Maryland.
James Maurice Coleman Lawson, of Queenstown, Maryland, is facing multiple counts of both misdemeanor and felony theft, as well as a felony theft scheme charge. The investigation began on May 21, 2025, when deputies discovered that crabbing and fishing equipment had been stolen from several boats moored at Oak Creek Landing.
The thefts continued on May 22, 2025, with another incident reported near Arcadia Shores Circle in Easton, Maryland. Items such as a boat motor, generator, and chainsaw, valued at over $6,000, were stolen from a skiff docked near Oak Creek Landing.
On May 31, 2025, officers from the Maryland Natural Resources Police (MDNRP) found Lawson crabbing from a small john boat on the Wye East River, in violation of crabbing regulations. Officers suspected that the trotline and other equipment on Lawson's boat were linked to the thefts at Oak Creek Landing. After confirming that one of the items was stolen, the MDNRP notified the Talbot County Sheriff's Office.
A search warrant was executed on Lawson's residence, conducted by the Talbot County Sheriff's Office, and led to the recovery of numerous stolen items, including the boat motor, generator, chainsaw, and crabbing and fishing equipment associated with the thefts.
The criminal summons for Lawson was served on June 3, 2025. He was released on his own recognizance, pending a future hearing in Talbot County District Court.
This investigation involved collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Maryland Natural Resources Police, the Easton Police Department's Crisis Response Unit, the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office, and the Maryland State Police S.T.A.T.E. tactical team.
For further information or to provide tips, individuals are encouraged to contact the Talbot County Sheriff's Office at 410-822-1020 or via email at sheriff@talbotcountymd.gov.
Disclaimer: This article contains content regarding an individual formally charged with a crime or traffic violation. It is important to underline that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
