Woman accused of daily shoplifting spree across Maryland arrested in Edgewood

(November 22, 2025) – The Harford County Sheriff’s Office announced yesterday that deputies arrested a woman suspected of carrying out a series of retail thefts across Maryland after two incidents surfaced at the Festival Shopping Center in Bel Air.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Deputy First Class (DFC) Younts responded on October 30 to a report of a past theft in which a female suspect stole more than $1,100 worth of apparel before fleeing in a vehicle. Younts launched an investigation using several technologies and investigative techniques.

Deputies were called back to the same store on November 8 for another theft involving the same suspect, who this time stole a high-end kitchen appliance and clothing totaling about $600.

A few days later, Younts located the suspect’s vehicle at a motel in Edgewood and made contact with the woman identified as Paulaina L. Nechay, 34, of Halethorpe, Maryland.

During the encounter, Nechay allegedly confessed that she steals $500 to $600 in merchandise from retail stores every day to support a drug habit, selling the items at gas stations for roughly half their value.

Nechay was arrested and transported to the Harford County Detention Center. She was later released on a $3,000 unsecured bond. The Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation into her activities is continuing.

We at Ace News Today hope that she can get the help and support she needs to overcome the challenges she’s facing.

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(Source and booking photo: Harford County Sheriff’s Office)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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