Trey Franklin Mason, 25, of Nanjemoy, and David Anthony Downing, 34, of Waldorf
Trey Franklin Mason, 25, of Nanjemoy
Trey Franklin Mason, 25, of Nanjemoy, and David Anthony Downing, 34, of Waldorf, have been charged in connection with the theft of more than 100 bronze memorial vases from Trinity Memorial Gardens in Waldorf. Both men remained held without bond following separate bail reviews.
Mason, who is also listed in Maryland Judiciary information as Otto Franklin Mason, is charged with fourth-degree burglary involving theft, theft valued between $1,500 and $25,000, and malicious destruction of property valued at less than $1,000.
Downing faces seven charges: two counts of fourth-degree burglary involving theft, two felony counts of theft valued between $25,000 and $100,000, two counts of malicious destruction of property valued at less than $1,000, and one felony count of participating in a theft scheme involving $100,000 or more.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office said bronze vases were stolen from Trinity Memorial Gardens on Mattawoman Beantown Road during two periods, from June 8 through June 21, 2026, and from July 4 through July 6, 2026. The charges against Downing identify alleged offenses occurring from July 3 through July 8, 2026.
David Anthony Downing, 34, of Waldorf
Detectives conducting surveillance at about 1:30 a.m. on July 8, 2026, found a white Chevrolet Express rental van parked near a wooded area on property next to the cemetery. Patrol officers established a perimeter and approached the vehicle as investigators searched a path leading toward Trinity Memorial Gardens.
Near the path, detectives found a blue recycling container and a green trash can filled with approximately 25 bronze memorial flower vases. Investigators valued each vase at about $900, placing the estimated value of that group at $22,500.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office said the discovery disrupted a theft that was still underway.
The van displayed a Home Depot logo and was taken to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Section for a search. Investigators later recovered a white bucket hat, a flat-head screwdriver, wire cutters and other evidence from the vehicle.
Rental and GPS information showed the van parked at a motel on Crain Highway shortly after midnight on July 8. According to the investigative account, the van began moving at 12:41 a.m. and arrived near Trinity Memorial Gardens at approximately 12:53 a.m.
Detectives also reviewed motel surveillance video and reported seeing Mason enter the van before it traveled to the cemetery.
Mason was taken into custody during the investigation. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office initially reported that he was located at a Waldorf motel and arrested on July 8, while the written investigative account states that he was taken into custody on July 9.
Investigators said Mason agreed to an interview after being advised of his rights. During that interview, he allegedly admitted entering the rental van and traveling to Trinity Memorial Gardens after hours with plans to take bronze memorial vases, place them in the van and leave the area.
Mason allegedly said he ran through the woods after seeing law enforcement lights. He also described the method used to break the security chains connecting the vases to headstones as “a twist and pop.”
Mason was charged with breaking the chains securing the memorial vases, stealing vases worth between $1,500 and $25,000, and entering the cemetery property with the intent to commit theft.
Downing was arrested July 16, 2026, after an arrest warrant issued July 10 was served. His charges cover two alleged periods: July 3 through July 6 and July 8. Prosecutors also charged him with taking part in an overall theft scheme involving property valued at $100,000 or more.
Detectives determined that as many as 100 vases taken during the earlier series of thefts had been transported to a scrap metal recycling facility in another jurisdiction. Officers went to the facility and recovered the vases before they were processed or melted down.
The total value of the recovered vases was estimated at more than $100,000.
Maryland law prohibits stealing or attempting to sell bronze cemetery items. Scrap metal businesses are also prohibited from purchasing or accepting cemetery bronze, including memorial vases, markers and plaques.
The investigation involving the recycling business remains active and includes multiple law enforcement agencies. No charges against the business or its employees were identified in the information provided.
Mason was ordered held without bond at his July 10 initial appearance. A judge continued that status following a July 13 bail review. His trial, previously scheduled for August 25, 2026, was reset for August 11, 2026.
A judicial officer initially ordered Mason held after finding a reasonable likelihood that he could pose a danger to the community and might not appear for future proceedings.
Downing was ordered held without bond following his July 16 initial appearance, and a judge continued that decision at a July 17 bail review. His trial is scheduled for September 9, 2026, in Charles County District Court.
The Charles County Public Defender’s Office entered appearances for both men. Attorneys for both defendants also filed requests for speedy trials and demands for evidence from prosecutors.
