On June 24, at 10:30 a.m., officers arrested David Eugene Gregory, 58, of Waldorf, in connection with numerous thefts from home improvement stores, optical shops and other businesses across the county. Gregory stole items including lawn mowers, ceiling fans, air purifiers, portable jump starters, eyeglasses, and frames. Officers obtained a warrant for Gregory’s arrest, and a search warrant was served at his residence in the 4700 block of Diamond Ridge Lane where detectives recovered a large quantity of suspected stolen merchandise including a large amount of clothing, boots, shoes, home goods, lawn equipment and other evidence. In addition, two firearms were recovered. Gregory is prohibited from possessing firearms due to several prior felony convictions. While conducting the search, detectives also located evidence indicating the presence of drugs, prompting narcotics detectives to respond. A secondary narcotics search warrant was served, resulting in the recovery of approximately $48,000 worth of cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl, as well as cash. Gregory was arrested and charged with theft scheme; additional drug and weapons charges are pending. On June 25, the court released Gregory from the Charles County Detention Center on a $20,000 bond.