Suspects Arrested For Robbery

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, on Tuesday, November 20th at approximately 8:21 p.m., the Accomack County Sheriffs Office received a report of an armed robbery at the Stop-n-Shop Convenience Store in Painter, Virginia. Taken from the business was an undisclosed amount of money and merchandise. No injury was sustained during the robbery and further investigation led to the identity of several males who were charged with this crime.

Ricky M. Drummond, age 22 of Painter, was arrested November 23 on two counts of robbery, one count of use of firearm in commission of a felony, and one count of possession of firearm by convicted felon. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

Jonathan P. Belote, age 18 of Painter, was arrested November 24 on two counts of robbery and one count of use of firearm in commission of a felony. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

Antonio L. Brown, age 22 of Painter, was arrested November 27 on two counts of robbery. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

The Accomack County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Marine Police.

Source:

"Operation No Refill" - Ongoing Investigation Nets Arrests

GREAT WORK TO ALL DEPARTMENTS!!   Our communities are another step closer to being safer! 

According to Sheriff David Doughty and Sheriff Todd Godwin the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force, which consists of the Accomack and Northampton County Sheriff's Offices and Virginia State Police working with the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control, Drug Enforcement Administration and Worcester County Md. Sheriff's Office, obtained charges on 43 individuals for 65 felony drug charges, 5 misdemeanors and one subject has been charged federally with distribution and conspiracy to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine and 280 grams of cocaine base (crack).

Over seventy-five law enforcement officers converged on the Eastern Shore on October 6, 2011 to serve the indictments and arrest warrants and execute two search warrants.


This is an ongoing investigation that began in late 2009 with the DEA to target primarily cocaine distributors on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.


This step of this investigation was named "No Refill" due to the overwhelming number of individuals that have been charged with prescription drugs during this phase of this investigation.


The following items have been seized in connection with this phase of this investigation:


Over $5,000.00 in cash
Nine firearms
Two pound of cocaine
Over 169 marijuana plants
1263 grams of marijuana
Five vehicles
Seven grams of heroin
Assortment of prescription drugs


Total street value of the seized drugs is over 1/2 million dollars.


Agencies assisting in this investigation were the Exmore Police Department, the Cape Charles Police Department, the Parksley Police Department, the Onley Police Department, the
Onancock Police Department, the Hallwood Police Department, the Virginia Marine Police
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries-Law Enforcement Division, the Virginia Probation and Parole and the Virginia State Police Melfa barrack.


The following individuals have been arrested:


- Angelo S. Stratton, age 39, of Onley, Va,, Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, namely Cocaine.


- Ambrose A. Cuffee, age 28, of Birdsnest, Va, Charged with Aid and Abet the sale of Alcoholic Beverages without being licensed to do so


- Shane Smith, age 26, of Exmore,Va, Charged with Possess with the intent to Distribute more than ounce but less than five pounds of Marijuana.


- Zelma Kelley, age 58, of Melfa, Va, Charged with Possess with the intent to Distribute a controlled substance namely Hydrocodone.


- George Needam, age 64, of Melfa, Va, Charged with Possess with the intent to Distribute a controlled substance namely Oxycodone.


- Erik J. Burton, age 27, of Cape Charles, Va, Charged with Charged with Possess with the intent to Distribute more than 1/2 ounce but less than five pounds of Marijuana.


- Sylvia F. Jackson, age 44, Exmore, Va, Charged with manufacture, sell, give, distribute, or possess with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance classified in Schedule VI and possess with intent to sell, give, or distribute not more than 1/2 ounce of Marijuana.


- Markie Davis, age 33, of Bayview, Va., Charged with possess with the intent to distribute an imitation controlled substance.


- Devonte L. Spady, age 18, of Cheriton, Va., Charged with sell, give, distribute, or possess with the intent to sell, give, or distribute not more than 1/2 ounce of Marijuana.


- Barbara Kamara, age 72, of Exmore, Va., Charged with possess with the intent to distribute Vicodin, a schedule II drug.


- Michael A. Davis, age 42, of Capeville, Va., Charged with possess with the intent to distribute Cocaine, a schedule II drug, second offense.


- Lethon J. Williams, age 33, of Temperanceville, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.


- Robert Dillard, age 27, of Eastville, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.


- Deloris Mccaskill, age 55, of Townsend, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.


- Tommie J. McCaskill, age 50, of Townsend, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.


- Angelo B. Jones, age 43, Exmore, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.


- Richard L. Williams, age 52, of Painter, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Morphine, a schedule II drug.


- Joel N. Miller, age 21, of Hallwood, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.


- Preston Dorsey, age 34, of Temperanceville, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.

Source:  shoredailynews.com

Election Time ~

Wrong Way Driver Causes Five Car Accident

According to 911 dispatch, at approximately 2:48 Thursday afternoon an elderly woman was traveling in the wrong direction along Route 13 in Accomac causing an accident that involved 4 cars.


The accident occured in front of Fairdale Farm Tractor and Equipment.  A Maryland Transport Helicopter was called in, but was later canceled.


Four people involved in the accident were transported to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital.


Onancock, Tasley, Parksley and Onley Fire Departments responded to the scene, along with the Virginia State Police.

Source; shoredailynews

Sheriff Reggie T. Mason - Letter To The Editor

I am proud of all the law enforcement officers who recently assisted the Worcester County Sheriff's Office in making major drug arrests in Snow Hill and Pocomoke City. Their professionalism was outstanding and their departments can be proud. We will continue to pursue drug dealers, and we will return -- again and again.

This is not just a one-time sweep. All of Worcester County will be done.

On Thursday, Sheriff Mike Lewis of Wicomico County, Sheriff Todd Godwin of Accomack County, Sheriff David Doughty Jr. of Northampton and I met with Virginia State Police, DEA and other agencies in Northampton County to discuss working together to track down these drug dealers crossing state and county lines.

Helping each other and sharing our resources, we will find them.

Our job as sheriffs is to protect our counties' residents. Together, we will give 110 percent.

However, we do need residents' involvement by making a call when they see drug activity on our streets.

The Worcester County Sheriff's Office Criminal Enforcement Team consists of members of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office, Maryland State Police, Ocean City Police Department and Worcester County State's Attorney's Office. This team put many hours into this investigation and operating plan, and is to be commended for a job well done.

Special thanks to our Worcester County Commissioners, the Snow Hill Town Council and Mayor Bruce Morrison of Pocomoke City for being there with us to see what law enforcement encounters on these operations, and to the Accomack County Virginia Sheriff's Office for its participation.

Reggie T. Mason
Snow Hill

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110807/OPINION03/108070333/Sheriff-applauds-those-who-made-drug-raids-LETTERS-EDITOR

Accomack County General Election

The U.S. Attorney has given the go ahead to give Accomack County a general election, meaning Accomack County voters will be voting for all nine Supervisors this November.

The routine measure goes along with the Census every ten years and establishes the districts to be represented by Supervisors.

However, this year Tangier Island will be in District 6 due to an increase in the population. No other changes were made to last cycle's election districts.

Accomack County citizens can expect information by mail as to where their polling place will be.

source;  shoredailynews.com

Fire Destroys Barn On Eastern Shore

ACCOMACK CO. – Fire destroyed a barn and damaged an adjacent building in rural Bloxom on the Eastern Shore.

Crews from four towns responded to the fire on Mappsville Road around 9:00 a.m. and smoke could be seen for miles.

They arrived to find flames engulfing the two-story building.

Crews even pulled water from a nearby lake to help the firefight.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Stations alerted - Bloxom, Parksley, Atlantic and Saxis
Additional tankers were requested from Tasley and New Church

Photos by Hailey Berry & Cathy Johnson

Motorcycle Accident

ACCOMACK—

An Eastern Shore man died in a motorcycle accident early Sunday morning in Accomack County.


Allen Derrick Ferrell, a 52-year-old Wachapreague resident, was pronounced dead at the scene near the junction of Willis Street and Drummondtown Road. The single-vehicle accident happened around 1:45 a.m. Sunday.


Sgt. Michelle Anaya of state police said Ferrell was riding a 2000 Harley-Davidson and lost control while turning from Willis onto Drummondtown. He slammed into a tree.

The accident remains under investigation.

Source; http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-nws-eastern-shore-fatal-biker,0,4425761.story

The Rural Sign Painter

***Now in the egg business! *** He always amazes me.

"Protect Your Ground Water Day"

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Ground Water Committee, Accomack and Northampton Counties, the Towns of Cheriton, Hallwood, and Parksley, and the National Ground Water Association encourage residents to do their part in conserving and protecting our ground water supply on the Eastern Shore by participating in Protect Your Ground Water Day on Tuesday, September 14.

The Eastern Shore's water supply has been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Sole Source Aquifer, meaning that our aquifers are only replenished by rainfall that is absorbed in a recharge zone that occurs along the central portion of the Shore. Our water supply is a very limited resource that is threatened by contamination from pollution and saltwater intrusion.

Eastern Shore residents can use September 14 to begin doing their part in protecting one of our most important resources ground water. Residents are encouraged to A.C.T. - Acknowledge, Consider, and Take action by acknowledging the causes of preventable contamination, considering which apply to your ground water use, and taking action to prevent contamination. For more information on the Eastern Shore's ground water supply and Protect Your Ground Water Day, contact Curt Smith with the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission at 787-2936.
www.shoredailynews.com

Virginia School Hours

Summer vacation is over and tomorrow the students in the surrounding Virginia areas will venture back to class.

Please use caution when on the road tomorrow.

COUNTY SCHOOL TIMES

ACCOMAC -- Accomack County Public Schools has announced bus arrival and instructional day conclusion times for its schools for the 2010-2011 school year, which begins on Tuesday.

For Accawmacke, Kegotank, Metompkin and Pungoteague elementary schools, buses will arrive at school at 8 a.m. and the instructional day ends at 3:20 p.m.

For Chincoteague Elementary School, buses will arrive at school at 8:15 a.m. and the day ends at 3:30 p.m.

For Arcadia and Nandua high schools, buses will arrive at 7:45 a.m. and the instructional day ends at 3:18 p.m.

For Chincoteauge High School, buses will arrive at 7:40 a.m. and the instructional day ends at 3 p.m.

For Arcadia and Nandua middle schools, buses will arrive at 7:55 a.m. and the instructional day ends at 3:07 p.m.

Accomack County will be Declared Crop Disaster Area

Accomack County will be asking or help from the Commonwealth of Virginia as the Board of Supervisors have decided to declare the county a primary crop disaster area due to the extensive damage to crops during the high temperatures and almost non-existent rainfall in the past two months.

Officials estimate that non-irrigated corn will see a 65 percent reduction in potential yield this year. Soybean yield is expected to be down 15-20 percent. Losses in a yield reduction that large for farmers could exceed $6 million.

Accomack County is the largest producer of field corn in the State of Virginia and also is a vital supply line to Delmarvas poultry industry.
www.shoredailynews.com

Man Accused Of Stealing Vehicle and Avoiding Police Has Been Arrested

SNOW HILL -- The man accused of stealing an SUV from a Snow Hill area repair shop and driving it to Georgia has been arrested after avoiding police for more than a month.

Dennis J. Cross was arrested by officials from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office as he fled from a traffic stop in Berlin, police say.

The 19-year-old Greenbackville resident was in the passenger seat of a white Ford Explorer that was pulled over because of a broken headlight in late July. He allegedly quickly fled the scene, throwing a 12.5-ounce bag of suspected marijuana into the lap of the driver as he exited the vehicle. He was later found and served with additional warrants for his arrest. Cross faces charges of possession and intent to distribute resulting from the incident.

Authorities have been searching for Cross since he reportedly evaded police after being pulled over in an allegedly stolen car in Georgia. Charging documents filed in Worcester County District Court also accuse Cross of stealing a motorcycle from a Public Landing home and selling it to a man in the parking lot of McDonald's restaurant in Pocomoke City for $50.

On June 15, as he was walking around Public Landing, Cross allegedly stole the 2001 Honda Shadow, according to the documents.

"(He) was tired of walking and took the motorcycle for transportation," reads the statement of charges. Later that day, he allegedly reportedly went to Pocomoke City on the bike and picked up a friend, taking her for a ride, before selling it.

The following day, Cross and a 17-year-old, named in charging documents as Dylan Kelly, went to Chip's Auto Repair Shop on Shockley Road -- where Cross had at one time been employed -- and allegedly drove off in two SUVs from the lot, a GMC Yukon and a GMC Envoy.

"Kelly drove the 2003 GMC Yukon from the residence with Cross driving the Envoy," said the documents. "The GMC Yukon had mechanical problems and was abandoned on the shoulder of Route 113 (near Shad Landing). The two continued their trip in the Envoy."

Kelly, who is being charged as a juvenile, was arrested at a traffic stop in the Envoy in Fulton County, Ga., where he was accused of receiving stolen goods and later released. The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services also has charges against him, according to the documents.

Cross is charged with two counts of motor vehicle theft, two counts of theft, two counts of second-degree burglary and four counts of fourth-degree burglary from the incident. If found guilty of all charges, he could face up to 77 years in prison and a $35,000 fine.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled in Worcester County District Court on Aug. 27.

www.delmarvanow.com

Used-Car Salesman Guilty of Kidnapping

ACCOMAC -- Richard Coleman set out to buy a car on June 9, 2009, and instead was kidnapped by the seller.

Three suspects hauled Coleman to a bank and forced him to make a withdrawal from an ATM in Accomack County. But Coleman instead ran inside, freeing himself, and bank workers called police.

Richard Copes, 31, of Withams pleaded guilty in Accomack Circuit Court to the abduction of Coleman, stealing an automobile and robbery.

Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Agar said the victim spoke to Copes about buying the vehicle and the victim arrived in the family van.

Copes got into the passenger seat and two other individuals came from behind bushes and confronted Coleman, according to testimony.

They assumed the man had the $600 with him to pay for the used car.

"He did not," Agar said.

But they found $50 and an ATM card in the man's wallet. All three got in the victim's van to drive to an ATM to withdraw money.

From Withams, they drove to the NASA Federal Credit Union at T's Corner. Agar said the plan was for the man to get out of the van and withdraw money while they sat in the van. The victim told investigators he thought the men had a gun.

The victim got out of the van as directed, but instead of going to the machine, he ran inside the credit union.

The three men then reportedly sped off in the van. Two of the men made statements to police and named Copes. The victim knew the three defendants and was able to identify them to police.

Copes, however, contacted Coleman in an apparent attempt to buy his support.

"Give me a break. Is there a price I can kick at you?" Copes said, according to a transcript of the phone call, which Agar read in court. The call was recorded by the victim.

The accomplices have been convicted of the same crime -- one has been sentenced to five years and the other faces sentencing.

www.delmarvanow.com

Mother Falls Asleep At The Wheel

A Suffolk boy succumbs to his injuries after being involved in a single vehicle crash yesterday in Accomack County. On June 28, 2010 at 4:43 p.m. Virginia State Trooper S. N. Kulick was called to the scene on Route 13 northbound north of Route 764.

A 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser was traveling northbound on Route 13 when the driver fell asleep. The driver drifted to the left and jerked the wheel back, overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle. The Chrysler overturned approximately four times before coming to a rest on its roof in a ditch.

The driver of the Chrysler, Yolanda Cherese Bland, 39, suffered major injuries and had to be airlifted to Norfolk Sentara hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Her son, Yasann Clark was seated in the rear of the vehicle in a child restraint, he suffered major injuries and was flown to Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters in Norfolk, where he died later on that evening. A front seat passenger, Michael Dodlie, was treated and released at the scene.

Ms. Bland has been charged with reckless driving and other charges are pending.

Citizens Police Academy for Accomack

Accomack County Sheriff Larry J. Giddens, Sr. announced today that the Sheriff's Department will be conducting its 12th Citizens Police Academy.

Sheriff Giddens stated that the Citizens Police Academy will consist of 9 two hour classes involving classroom and practical instruction by certified instructors from the Accomack County Sheriffs Department.

The instruction will consist of an overall view of the operation of the Sheriff's Department including patrol criminal, investigations, courtroom familiarization, jail and communication. Students will receive classroom instruction of laws of arrest, patrol with uniform Deputies, work through a mock crime scene with investigators and crime scene technicians. Citizens will visit the Departments firing range with the opportunity to fire departmental issued specialized weapons. This will be with the supervision of a certified fire arm instructor. Citizens will also witness a demonstration of the Departments Swat Team and K-9 Unit.

Sheriff Giddens stated Academy Classes will be held at the Eastern Shore Community College on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM beginning March 17 and concluding May 12. Anyone interested in applying for the Academy is asked to contact Major Todd Godwin at 787-1131 or 824-5666 for more information. The class will be limited to 20 students.



www.shoredailynews.com

Representative at Chincoteague Town Office

Congressman Nye Staff Will Meet with Constituents





Tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM Congressman Glenn Nye will have a representative at the Chincoteague Town Office to meet with his constituents. Sylvia Parks, a member of Congressman Nyes Staff, will meet with anyone needing assistance with a Federal Agency or wishing to express concerns.






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Note concerning landfill tipping fees:



In response to the damage caused by the recent nor'easter, the Accomack County Board of supervisors have determined that the tipping fees at both county landfills will be waived for storm debris. This waiver will be in effect from Saturday November 14th through the 21st.
Residents should bring their storm related debris in separate loads from their regular other waste and inform the scale operator at the landfill that it is storm debris and subject to the waiver.


www.shoredailynews.com