Prince Frederick, Maryland – Two Washington, D.C. men have each been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty in connection with a convenience store robbery that took place in Calvert County in 2025. The case stems from an armed-style theft in which masked suspects targeted a local market and fled with stolen merchandise and cash.
Incident Overview
The convictions are connected to a robbery at the Town Center Market in Dunkirk, Maryland, where two masked individuals entered the store and confronted an employee. Authorities later identified the suspects as Samuel Giles, 55, and Darnell Marquis Atchison, both residents of Washington, D.C.
Investigators determined that the crime involved coordinated actions by both men, leading to charges of robbery under Maryland law.
Timeline of Events
The robbery occurred on May 4, 2025, when the suspects entered the store during business hours. According to court records, the men concealed their identities with masks and immediately approached the store clerk.
After grabbing merchandise and cash, the suspects exited the store and fled the area before law enforcement arrived. The incident triggered a multi-agency investigation led by Calvert County authorities.
Details From Police and Prosecutors
Detectives from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspects through investigative leads and evidence collected following the robbery. Both men were eventually located and arrested in Washington, D.C., several miles from the scene of the crime.
The case was prosecuted in Calvert County Circuit Court, where Samuel Giles entered a guilty plea on January 30, 2026. He was sentenced to five years of incarceration in the Maryland Division of Corrections.
His co-defendant, Darnell Marquis Atchison, had previously pleaded guilty to the same robbery charge and received an identical five-year active sentence.
The prosecution was handled by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Christopher J. Monte, who represented the state throughout the proceedings.
Key Facts of the Case
- Defendants: Samuel Giles (55) and Darnell Marquis Atchison
- Residence: Washington, D.C.
- Crime Date: May 4, 2025
- Location: Town Center Market, Dunkirk, Maryland
- Items Stolen: Boxes of cigarettes and rolls of quarters
- Sentencing Date: January 30, 2026
- Sentence: 5 years incarceration each
- Prosecutor: Christopher J. Monte
Additional Context on Retail Robberies
Convenience store robberies remain a significant concern for small business owners, particularly in suburban and semi-rural communities. These businesses often operate with limited staff and late hours, making them vulnerable targets for theft-related crimes.
Law enforcement agencies emphasize the importance of surveillance systems, employee safety training, and prompt reporting to help reduce risks and improve clearance rates for such cases. Successful prosecutions like this one rely heavily on coordinated investigations and cross-jurisdiction cooperation.
According to court reporting and official statements shared through local Maryland judicial coverage, prosecutors highlighted the seriousness of the offense and the impact on retail workers and the community Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Conclusion
With both defendants now sentenced, the case brings closure to a robbery that disrupted a local business and endangered an employee. Authorities say the outcome reflects ongoing efforts to hold offenders accountable and deter similar crimes in Calvert County.
Residents and business owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement when suspicious activity is observed.
If you have insights about crime prevention or experiences related to local safety concerns, share your experiences in the comments below.
