Contractor Who Stole Valuables Worth Thousands Sentenced to Prison

>>News Alerts: Subscribe to a free email newsletter: ANNAPOLIS •EDGEWATER • ODENTON

ODENTON, MD — An Odenton contractor who stole and pawned valuable family heirlooms from a customer he threatened, and tried to forge her checks, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Jason Tyler Butler was sentenced Tuesday on charges including issuing false documentation, felony theft, and second-degree burglary. A judge also ordered Butler to pay restitution and refused to consider modifying two sentences, one for a period of ten years and the other of 15 years, which he was originally ordered to serve concurrently.

Prosecutors say Butler was hired by Leigh Lawson of Odenton to do work on her home. Over about seven months, Butler stole and pawned tens of thousands of dollars worth of Lawson’s family heirlooms, which included her grandmother’s engagement ring and her father’s wedding band and class ring.

Butler also stole checks from Lawson and tried to forge her signature to cash the checks. Butler sold Lawson’s property valued at $29,950. The victim told prosecutors that she feared for her well-being, especially when Butler was abusing drugs.

Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams said Wednesday that Butler has continuously violated court orders with seven violations of probation.

“For 17 years, Mr. Butler has skirted accountability in our criminal justice system,” Adams said. “Mr. Butler is an example of an everyday criminal who revolves through the court system and threatens the quality of life for our citizens.”

Lawson thanked Adams’ office in a statement:

“I am relieved. I can carry on finally with my life without having to be scared and victimized. I can carry on with my work, my life, and can focus again. The State’s Attorney’s Office is incredibly compassionate, understanding, and eloquent with their words in court - not just that but their professionalism and deep knowledge of the law. … I was embarrassed to even talk about it, but if anyone out there is a victim, they should come forward. Wes Adams’ office made sure I was comforted along the way.”

In a second case, Butler stole about $3,000 worth of copper wiring and other items -- including a bathtub, a furnace and a radiator -- from an unoccupied residence in Crownsville.