Three Southern Maryland residents are facing felony theft and forgery charges following a Calvert County Sheriff’s Office investigation that allegedly uncovered multiple stolen vehicles, altered vehicle identification numbers (VINs), and fraudulent registration documents across Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles counties.
Terrance Aaron Thomas, 40, of Lexington Park; LeTroy Shaun Kent, 38, of Lusby; and Portia Chantel Brown, 38, of Lexington Park were all accused after the July 2 inquiry. Thomas and Kent face various felony theft and forgery charges, while Brown is charged with possessing a fake private document.
According to the records, the investigation began about 8:49 a.m. on July 2, 2026, when Sgt. Kelly stopped a blue 2022 Acura TLX on Solomons Island Road near Creston Lane in Solomons. Deputies claimed the Virginia temporary registration displayed on the vehicle did not belong to it, and a preliminary investigation found the VIN listed on the dashboard was incorrect.
Investigators discovered a hidden secondary VIN that they claimed identified the Acura as a vehicle reported stolen in New York. Brown, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested after detectives discovered the vehicle’s genuine identity. According to court filings, she was taken to CalvertHealth Medical Center after being arrested and then interviewed at the sheriff’s office.
Brown reportedly told detectives she bought the Acura for around $14,000 and had no idea it had been reported stolen. She also informed investigators that Thomas handled all communications linked to the acquisition, according to the charge documents.
The inquiry then focused on Thomas, who authorities said had previously been seen driving a black Jeep Gladiator with Virginia temporary registration. Investigators claimed that the VIN shown on the Jeep had been altered, and a hidden secondary VIN identified it as a vehicle reported stolen from Gaithersburg on January 16, 2026.
After being pulled over while driving a different vehicle, Thomas was arrested and interviewed by authorities. According to the criminal documents, Thomas allegedly informed investigators that he obtained vehicles from Kent, who provided them with registration paperwork and titles. He also allegedly admitted serving as a “middleman” in additional vehicle transactions for profit, but denied stealing any vehicles himself.
While Thomas was being interviewed, officers pulled over Kent, who was driving a 2020 Ram 2500 with Pennsylvania registration. According to investigators, the VIN indicated on the application yielded no authentic records, and a concealed secondary VIN identified the truck as a stolen vehicle from Riverdale.
According to criminal documents, Kent allegedly told investigators that he had been providing vehicles to others after learning that the prior owners no longer desired them. Detectives claimed Kent admitted he believed several of the vehicles were “probably stolen” due to the relatively low purchase costs. Kent reportedly informed police that he obtained the vehicles from an individual with whom he spoke over Telegram.
Calvert County Circuit Court Judge Mark S. Carmean issued search warrants for homes in Lexington Park, Lusby, and Callaway based on evidence gathered throughout the investigation.
During the search, officers discovered another vehicle, a 2024 Honda Civic with altered VINs, parked outside a Lusby property. Investigators discovered a disguised secondary VIN that identified the Honda as a stolen vehicle from Hyattsville. Detectives also found several reportedly stolen registration plates, including two Maryland plates and one New York plate. According to court filings, new evidence has been obtained, and the investigation is ongoing.
Thomas was charged with two charges of theft ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, two forgery-related offenses involving private and public papers, and possessing a counterfeit vehicle title. Kent was charged with two counts of theft ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, two charges of possession of counterfeit private documents, and one act of forgery of a public document. Brown was charged with one count of possessing a counterfeit confidential document.
Thomas posted a $5,000 corporate bond after being placed in default. Kent was released after a bail review, while Brown was released on her own recognizance. All three are slated to stand trial on August 5, 2026, in Calvert District Court.
Leave a Comment