2 Men Sentenced In Lawn Care Equipment Thefts Across Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Two men have been sentenced for their role in a rash of lawn care equipment thefts that happened in the summer of 2023.

Eight small businesses were targeted in the equipment theft scheme. Both suspects pleaded guilty to the charges of theft scheme over $100,000 and second-degree burglary, according to the Howard County State's Attorney's Office.

Thomas Groomes has been sentenced to 35 years suspend all but five years in prison and Christopher Clark was sentenced to 35 years suspend all but seven years. Once released from prison, both men will be on probation for five years and must pay a restitution cost of more than $100,000 to the victims.