Accomack County Court

Richard Copes, 31, of Withams was found guilty of robbery, grand larceny and abduction. A presentence report has been ordered.

Christopher Barcroft, 21, of Cheriton was found guilty of two counts of burglary and two counts of grand larceny. A presentence report has been ordered.

Steve Kilgore, 25, of Exmore was found guilty of armed burglary, attempted robbery, use of sawed-off shotgun and firearm by felon. A presentence report has been requested.

Douglas Bragg, 26, of Painter was found guilty of possession of cocaine and was sentenced to 12 months with all but 30 days suspended.

Kerwin Mears, 25, of Accomac was found guilty of second-offense possession of cocaine with the intention to distribute and second-offense possession of marijuana. A presentence report has been ordered.

Edward Trader Jr., 28, of New Church was found guilty of credit card larceny and obstruction of justice. A presentence report has been ordered. Daniel Mains, 34, of Norfolk was found guilty of driving while habitual offender. Sentence guidelines have been requested.

Carl Wingender, 40, of Belle Haven was found guilty of credit card fraud and credit card theft. He was sentenced to 12 months with all time suspended on each count.

Davon Davis, 21, of Painter was found guilty of armed burglary, attempted robbery and possession of sawed-off shotgun. A presentence report has been requested.

Gail Byrd, 59, of Onancock was found guilty of felony shoplifting and was sentenced to 12 months, with all but 60 days suspended.

Brittany Edwards, 20, of Hallwood was sentenced to five years with all but two days suspension on each count of burglary and grand larceny, to serve concurrently.

Rahiam Hope, 21, of Tasley was sentenced to five years with all but six months suspended in each count of leaving scene of accident and eluding, to serve concurrently.

Lavar Crawford, 24, of Norfolk was sentenced to five years with three years and 12 months suspended for eluding and reckless driving. He was also sentenced to 12 months for driving without a license, to serve concurrently.

Joseph Davila, 22, of Onancock was sentenced to 30 days with all suspended for bad checks.
Charles Shields, 51, of Painter was sentenced to five years with all but seven months suspended for distribution of cocaine.

Charles Miller Sr., 61, of New Church was sentenced to five years with all but one month suspended for possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and was sentenced to five years for possession of a firearm while in possession of cocaine, to serve consecutively.

John Marshall Jr., 47, of Horntown was sentenced to five years with all but two years and four months suspended for third-offense assault and battery.

Martese Creekmore, 19, of New Church was sentenced to youthful offender program for robbery, grand larceny and abduction.

Dashon Scarborough, 25, of Atlantic was sentenced to five years with three years suspended for burglary and five years with three years suspended for grand larceny, to serve consecutively. He was also sentenced to five years with all time suspended on each two counts of conspiracy to uttering, to serve concurrently.

Christopher Phillips, 27, of Parksley was sentenced to 10 years with seven years and three months suspended for grand larceny. He was also sentenced to three years with all time suspended on each five counts of obtaining money by false pretenses, to serve consecutively.

Thomasena Capers, 39, of Oak Hall has had his probation revoked.

Robert Paskill Jr., 33, of Onancock has had his probation revoked.

Tony Linton, 48, of Sanford has had his probation revoked.

A grand jury in Accomac on Monday indicted 15 people, including three Painter men who police say have admitted involvement in a string of break-ins in that town in March and April.

James Phillips Johnson, 37, and Spencer Lee Sample, 53, both were indicted on eight counts of burglary and grand larceny related to a string of break-ins in March and April at two Painter residences and the Gravities Light clothing store.

Michael Lee Sample Jr., 25, was indicted on six counts related to break-ins at the residences.

Also indicted were:

Troy Wayne Beacham, 43, of Cheriton, maiming.

Storm Carter, 59, of Keller, grand larceny.

George G. Gaskill Jr., 45, of Onley, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Keenan S. Goodwine, 18, of Atlantic, robbery and use of a firearm.

Leroy Handy, 63, of Bloxom, grand larceny.

Shawn Lamont Harmon, 24, of Onancock, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance.

Wanda D. Stratton, no age or town given, seven counts welfare fraud.

Keith Leander Parker, 41, of Onley, grand larceny.

Victor Manuel Scott, 20, of Bloxom, carnal knowledge.

Devric Jamar Hinmon, 25, of Temperanceville, attempted burglary, felony property destruction, maliciously shooting at an occupied dwelling.

Jennie Net Tumblin, 58, of 25241 Estate Lane, Parksley, shooting at an occupied dwelling.

Joseph Lamont Washington, 33, of Exmore, grand larceny.

www.delmarvanow.com

No Identification On Body Found Floating At Johnson's Wharf

PARKSLEY — An unidentified man was found dead and floating near the dock at Johnson’s Wharf near Parksley on Sunday afternoon.
The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office responded after someone called 911 at 1:22 p.m. about the grisly find.

Identification of the victim is pending, Major Todd Godwin of the Sheriff’s Office said.

Sheriff Larry Giddens said the man’s race and other identifying characteristics need to be confirmed by a medical examiner before he releases those details.

Witnesses reported the victim was a white male with dark, curly hair.

Giddens said there have been no missing person reports filed locally in recent days.

The body was transported by Williams Funeral Home in Onancock to the Norfolk medical examiner’s office for an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death.

Investigation is continuing in the case.

www.delmarvanow.com

Body Found Floating Near Johnson's Wharf

On Sunday, August 8 at approximately 1:22 PM, the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report from the Eastern Shore 911 Center regarding a man found floating near the dock at Johnson's Wharf just south of Parksley.

The body is being transported by the Williams Funeral Home in Onancock to the Medical Examiner's Office in Norfolk for an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death.

Major Todd Godwin stated that the identification of the victim is pending at this time. The investigation is continuing.

www.shoredailynews.com

"Back To School Supply" Drive For Accomack County Students

ACCOMAC --Today, students are facing a tremendous number of obstacles when it comes to completing their education. Not having the necessary school supplies is an obstacle in which we all can help.

The Salvation Army -- Accomack County Service Unit is conducting a "Back to School Supply" drive for students in Accomack County Public Schools during the month of August.

School supplies collected will be donated to each elementary and middle school classroom.

Persons wishing to help, may drop off school supplies at the Salvation Army office located at Calvary Bible Church, 22344 Front St. in Accomac on Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Some of the items needed are: pencils (regular & colored), ink pens, pocket folders, scissors, spiral notebooks, glue (liquid & stick), pencil sharpeners, protractor rulers, notebook paper (wide ruled), compasses, pencil erasers, pencil pouch crayons (8 and 24 count), highlighters, backpacks, hand wipes, paper towels, subject dividers, graph paper and composition books

For a complete list of supplies by grade level, call 757-787-7995.

Monetary donations for this project may be mailed to Salvation Army at P.O. Box 342, Onley, Va. 23418. For additional information, call Earline Washington at 757-787-8321, Jesse Poulson at 757-87-1311, Ann Bonniwell at 757-442-9478 or Ann Dowden at 757-665-5094.

To learn more about other Accomack County Salvation Army projects, contact Julia Spickofsky at 757-302-9077 or Brenda Holden at 757-787-8590.

http://www.easternshorenews.com/

Accomack County Circuit Court

Accomack Commonwealths Attorney Gary Agar reports the follow trials and sentencings in Accomack County Circuit Court:

Richard Copes, 31 of Withams, was found guilty of robbery, grand larceny and abduction.

Christopher Barcroft, 21 of Cheriton, was found guilty of 2 counts of burglary and 2 counts of grand larceny.

Elmore White, Jr., 44 of Mappsville, was found guilty of possession of cocaine and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with all but 3 suspended.

Wilbert Watson, 47 of Bloxom, was found guilty of 3rd offense shoplifting.

Steve Kilgore, 24 of Exmore, was found guilty of armed burglary, attempted robbery, use of a sawed-off shotgun and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Douglas Bragg, 26 of Painter, was found guilty of possession of cocaine and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with all but 3 suspended.

Kerwin Mears, 25 of Accomac, was found guilty of 2nd offense possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, 2nd offense possession of marijuana.

Edward Trader, Jr., 28 of New Church, was found guilty of credit card larceny and obstruction of justice.

Charles Shields, 51 of Painter, was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with all but 7 months suspended for distribution of cocaine.

Charles Miller, Sr., 61 of New Church, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with all but 5 years and 1 month suspended for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm while in possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Martese Creekmore, 20 of New Church, was sentenced to a youthful offender program for robbery, grand larceny and abduction.

Dashon Scarborough, 25 of Atlantic, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with all but 6 years suspended for burglary, grand larceny and 2 counts of uttering.

Christopher Philips, 27 of Parksley, was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment with 7 years and 3 month to serve for grand larceny and 5 counts of obtaining money by false pretense.
www.shoredailynews.com

Three Indicted For Painter Area Break-ins

ACCOMAC — A grand jury in Accomac Monday indicted 15 people, including three Painter men who police say have admitted involvement in a string of break-ins in that town in March and April.

James Phillips Johnson, 37, and Spencer Lee Sample, 53, both were indicted on eight counts of burlary and grand larceny related to a string of break-ins in March and April at two Painter residences and the Gravities Light clothing store.

Michael Lee Sample Jr., 25, was indicted on six counts related to break-ins at the residences.

An investigator with the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office interviewed the men in June, beginning with Johnson, who according to a criminal complaint filed in the case admitted his involvement and implicated the other two men.

Johnson told the investigator the three entered a home on Big Pine Road last spring and stole a television, lockboxes, a gun and some jewelry.

He said he and Spencer Sample also broke into the Gravities Light store in April, knocking out aair conditioner to enter through a window. They took items including pocketbooks and shirts, he said.

All three men also broke into a house on Hickman Street, Johnson said.

Some of the stolen items were later recovered in a wooded area on Indian Trail Road, according to the complaint.

Michael Lee Sample when interviewed the following day admitted involvement in the break-in at Big Pine Road but denied he participated in the one on Hickman Street.

Spencer Lee Sample admitted involvement in two of the incidents, but denied breaking into the Hickman Street residence a second time and also denied breaking into Gravitys Light.

Also indicted were:

Troy Wayne Beacham, 43, of Cheriton, maiming.

Storm Carter, 59, of Keller, grand larceny.

George G. Gaskill Jr., 45, of Onley, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Keenan S. Goodwine, 18, of Atlantic, robbery and use of a firearm.

Leroy Handy, 63, of Bloxom, grand larceny.

Shawn Lamont Harmon, 24, of Onancock, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance.

Wanda D. Stratton, no age or town given, seven counts welfare fraud.

Keith Leander Parker, 41, of Onley, grand larceny.

Victor Manuel Scott, 20, of Bloxom, carnal knowledge.

Devric Jamar Hinmon, 25, of Temperanceville, attempted burglary, felony property destruction, maliciously shooting at an occupied dwelling.

Jennie Net Tumblin, 58, of 25241 Estate Lane, Parksley, shooting at an occupied dwelling.

Joseph Lamont Washington, 33, of Exmore, grand larceny.

www.delmarvanow.com

New Hospital To Be Built In Accomack County

NASSAWADOX -- The new Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital will be built in Accomack County.

The Shore Health Services Board of Directors voted to build the new facility between Keller and Parksley, while maintaining "significant outpatient, diagnostic and physician services" in Northampton, according to a prepared statement from the hospital.

The Riverside Health System Board of Directors approved the local board's decision.

Officials were not specific about exactly where the new hospital would be located within the territory proposed.

"RHS is proud to endorse the local board's decision. We are excited to support the board in expanding the availability of health care services for all Eastern Shore residents from the bridge-tunnel to the state line," said Bill Downey, Riverside Health System chief operating officer.

The new hospital will replace the existing structure in Nassawadox, which was built in 1971.

"I would look at it as a good sign," Onancock Mayor Bruce Paone said of the announcement, which came midday Thursday.

Onancock's Town Council recently appointed a committee to pursue the hospital's relocation. The town also sent a letter to Riverside Chief Executive Officer Richard J. Pearce inviting him to tour its new water and sewer facilities, which could have been a major selling point in the consideration of where to build the new hospital.

Northampton County Supervisor Spencer Murray, who has been an outspoken proponent of keeping the hospital in Nassawadox, also reacted to the announcement, saying, "Obviously, I'm very disappointed that they have decided to move north, but I don't blame our neighbors to the north for wanting the hospital."

Northampton County was to release an official statement about the announcement later Thursday.

"We have researched and evaluated our options for several months in our strategic planning and board meetings," said SHS board Chairwoman Caramine Kellam. "We sought the opinions of many stakeholders, including physicians and other health care providers and individuals from all areas of the Shore. All perspectives were systematically aired, discussed and genuinely considered."

Hospital inpatient and directly related support services will move north "to an as yet undetermined location," the statement said, while the Nassawadox location likely will include an express care center with extended hours.

The release also said that by the end of this year, $3 million in improvements to the Nassawadox site will be made, including an upgraded CT scanner and digital mammography and digital archiving systems.

www.delmarvanow.com

Rabid Foxes Attack Victims in Onley and Bloxom

Please use extreme caution with any wild animal.

ACCOMAC — Recent attacks by rabid foxes near the towns of Bloxom and Onley are reminders that residents must all keep a heightened sense of awareness regarding this deadly disease, authorities say.

So far this year there have been eight laboratory confirmed cases of rabies on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the Eastern Shore Health District is reporting.

Seven of these cases were in Accomack, near the towns of Bloxom, Hallwood, Melfa, and Onley. In Northampton County there has been one case this year near the town of Franktown.

Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that is present in the saliva of infected animals. Rabies is spread when the virus enters a fresh open wound, or through exposure of a mucous membrane of the nose, eye, or mouth.

Rabies is now endemic in our raccoon population with spillover into other species. High risk species include raccoons, foxes, skunks, cats, and bats.

The most important things citizens can do to protect themselves against rabies include:

Keep all pets vaccinated against rabies, be sure to keep vaccinations current;

Keep your pets on property;

Avoid contact with stray or unknown pets, and avoid contact with wildlife;

Report all animal bites to humans or pets to your local health department or a county sheriff's department;

Contact the Accomack County Health Department at 757-824-5886, ext. 3 during regular hours and ext. 255 during evenings and weekends.

Contact the Northampton County Health Department at 757-442-6228, ext. 3 during regular hours and ext. 266 during evenings and weekends).

Contact the Accomack County Sheriff at 757-824-5666 or 757-787-1131.

Contact the Northampton County Sheriff at 757-678-0458.

www.easternshorenews.com

HEAT ADVISORY FOR ACCOMACK COUNTY

Same old weather...........different day!

Most people are tired of this heat and high humidity. In fact they have been tired of it!

As for myself, the true lover of this high humidity and heat, would welcom a nice cool breeze and an all night steady, but gentle cool rain.

Here's a Heat Advisory Warning that continues into Friday. Please use good judgement when you are outside. And try to stay away from sodas and alcohol. Water is best.......even if you don't like it. You wouldn't like a heat stroke either!

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY FOR ACCOMACK COUNTY FROM NOON UNTIL 7 PM FRIDAY. A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF EXCEPTIONALLY HOT TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED.

THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES WILL BE POSSIBLE.

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND SPORTS DRINKS, TRY TO STAY IN BUILDINGS WITH AIR CONDITIONING, AND TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS IN THE SHADE IF YOU MUST BE OUTSIDE...

Remember: The BURN BAN IS STILL IN EFFECT IN ACCOMACK COUNTY AND NORTHAMPTON COUNTY.

Mayors Speak Out About Tipping Fees

Mayors from Saxis, Hallwood and Sanford are currently at odds with the County of Accomack over tipping fees being charged to the town by the County.

Saxis Mayor Charles Tull spoke to the Accomack County Board of Supervisors Wednesday night in Accomac calling the tipping fees illegal. Tull cited it had been ruled by the same Accomack County Board of Supervisors 10 years earlier, when only Wanda Thornton and Donald Hart were already Supervisors, that the County charging tipping fees to the townships was illegal.

Furthermore, Tull challenged the Board of Supervisors and Accomack County Attorney Mark Taylor to produce the statute or code giving the County the authority to charge fees for waste collection, where he could find none.

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors have tabled the issue until next meeting in order to gather more information about the tipping fee situation.
www.shoredailynews.com

Accomack County Sheriff Giddens To Retire

ACCOMAC — Accomack County Sheriff Larry Giddens has announced he will retire Dec. 31, 2011, at the end of his current term in office. Giddens, 54, was elected the county’s first African-American sheriff in 2007 with 49 percent of the vote, easily defeating two other men who also ran for the office after Sheriff Robert Crockett announced he would not seek a sixth term.

Giddens has served 24 years with the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, in addition to four years before that with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel police.

Among other duties over the years, Giddens was the county’s first DARE officer, a job he said was his favorite. He also served as court service deputy.

He was promoted to sergeant in 1991 and to lieutenant in charge of the patrol division in 1994 before becoming captain and the department’s chief deputy.

Giddens was instrumental in the 2003 accreditation process for the department, which was one of only 14 in the state fully accredited at the time from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standard Commission.

Despite his many years of experience with the Sheriff’s Office, Giddens said he did not fully understand the pressures that come with the top job until he became sheriff.

“I didn’t imagine the magnitude, the pressure, of the job until I stepped into it,” he said.

Giddens said the sheriff’s office has within its ranks a strong candidate to replace him.

“We have a strong chain of command that is in place that knows the business, and I feel strongly that they will continue to serve the public in the way they’ve been used to,” Giddens said, adding, “My blessings and prayers are with my major, my second in command, Todd Godwin.”

Giddens said when he became sheriff two and a half years ago he had planned to run for a second term, but has since decided to retire. In Virginia, law enforcement officers with hazardous duty can retire at age 50 with 25 years of service.

Giddens’ retirement plans include substitute teaching, coaching area youth and some traveling, as well as catching up on projects around the house.

“I’m not planning on sitting down,” he said.

And Giddens had some advice for whoever steps into the position next: “The number one thing is to continue to be honest, open-minded and put people first.

www.delmarvanow.com

NO BURNING In Accomack County UNTIL Further Notice!!

Due to the increased wildland fires and drought conditions, Accomack County Administrator Steve Miner has placed a ban on all open burning in Accomack County, according to a press release from Accomack County.

The ban will include camp fires, burn barrels, agricultural fires and prescribe forestry burning.

The emergency ban will start immediately and will remain in effect until it is reviewed at the next Accomack County Board of Supervisor's Meeting.

*******The burning ban will be enforced and monitored by the Accomack County Sheriff's Department. *******

Accomack County Sheriff's Office Search for Suspects Wanted in Carjacking

According to Sheriff Larry Giddens, on Monday, June 28 at approximately 1:08 a.m., the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report that a man had been robbed and carjacked. Further investigation revealed that the victim had given an unknown subject a ride to the Parksley area along Lankford Highway where the victim was approached by a second suspect. The victim was assaulted by the suspects and taken to a bank ATM where money was withdrawn from the victim's account. The victim was then released near Mappsville and the victim's vehicle was taken by the suspects.

The stolen vehicle is described as a 1993 Jeep Cherokee 4-door, red in color, unknown Virginia registration.

Suspect 1 is described as a black male, clean shaven, heavy build, approximately 30 to 40 years of age, wearing a blue shirt.

Suspect 2 is described as a black male, clean shaven, slim build, approximately 30 to 40 years of age, wearing a white t-shirt.

Anyone with information concerning this crime is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at 787-1131 or 824-5666.

www.shoredailynews.com

Delaware Man Found Dead At Virginia Accident Scene

Parksley, Va. — Detectives with the Virginia State Police are investigating a pickup truck crash in which a Delaware man was found dead.

The accident occurred at 7:14 a.m. June 24, southeast of Parksley, Accomack County, Va., said police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Cotten.

The dead man was identified as Anthony Wayne Wilson, 46, of the 500 block of Blaine Drive, Felton, Cotten said.

Their initial investigation, which still was under way as of 4 p.m., indicated the 1994 Chevy ran off the highway, overcorrected, hit an embankment and crashed.

Wilson’s body was discovered next to the truck, she said. He was identified through his driver’s license.

“It is not known if he was the driver or the passenger,” Cotten said. Wilson’s family has been notified of the accident, she added.

Virginia authorities have requested warrants in order to search the truck, she said.

Cotten discounted initial reports in the local press that Wilson had sustained a gunshot wound.

“He was dirty and disheveled, and we have to wait until he is examined by the medical examiner,” she said.

www.doverpost.com

Meals Tax Referendum On November Ballots For Accomack County Voters

At their monthly meeting Wednesday night, the Accomack County Board of Supervisors voted to put a meals tax referendum on the November ballots.

The measure, which was initiated by Supervisor Wanda Thornton at an earlier meeting, would put a 4 cent tax increase on all prepared food sold in restaurants which are not located in incorporated towns. In Accomack County, most incorporated towns already have a meals tax on prepared food. Northampton County has the meals tax on all prepared food in the County.

The money raised by the tax will be used to supplement costs of education within the county, according to Supervisors. The ultimate decision lies to the taxpayers and voters this November.

www.shoredailynews.com

Accomack County Sheriff's Department Makes Mutliple Attests

**The people of Accomack County don't like it when thugs break into their homes and take what they want when no one is home. They don't like it at all and refuse to tolerate it. Thank goodness Accomack County has a wonderful Sheriff and good, hardworking men in his deparment that work for the people of this county. You see, that's what your tax dollars are supposed to be paying for....... Good, hardworking men that care and are concerned about crime and the safety of its citizens. And thank goodness at the head of this great storm of men coming through to rid the community of crime in any form, is Accomack County Sheriff Larry Giddens!**

According to Sheriff Larry Giddens, an extensive investigation conducted by the Accomack County Sheriffs Office in connection with several Painter break-ins reported during the months of March and April has led to multiple arrests. The investigation involved three residential break-ins and a break-in at the Gravitys Light clothing store. A variety of items was taken during the break-ins and some of the stolen property was recovered during the investigation.

Michael Lee Sample, Jr., age 25 of Painter, was arrested June 15 on three counts of burglary & and three counts of grand larceny. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

Spencer Lee Sample, age 53 of Painter, was arrested June 15 on four counts of burglary and 4 counts of grand larceny. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

James Phillip Johnson, age 37 of Painter, was arrested June 16 on four counts of burglary and four counts of grand larceny. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

http://www.shoredailynews.com/

Rocket Trial Run Heads For NASA

Here are a couple of thumbnail photos of the "mock rocket" as it travels to NASA today.

Upon reaching Rt. 13 the rig proceeded south in the north bound lane. Once it reached the Md/Va line at Dixieland it maneuvered into the south bound lane.

No, there was NO rocket. This was just a "test" or "trial run" to give insight towards the actual rocket trip to NASA in a few months.

Even so, I bet this was an awsome sight to behold and I imagine alot of people scratched their heads and wondered "what the heck is that?"

Remember the trailer with cab measured over 100 feet long and probably 16 feet high.

If anyone was able to get any photos send them to us................

Thanks, Pat!

"Last Word Of The Week"

There seems to have been alot of heated discussions this week concerning the statement that Pocomoke Mayor Mike McDermott made this week to the Daily Times concerning the murder a few days ago in Pocomoke. And naturally because Pocomoke is my home town I hear it all!

Don't get me wrong. I like the Pocomoke Mayor. I do, however, think he would fair alot better if he would keep his comments out of the "crime business" and leave that up to his Chief of Police. There are alot of people here in Accomack County quite angry and worked up over this. I hope he left some "wiggle room" to get out of it. "Politics" or not Mr. Mayor you need to have a long talk with OUR Accomack County Sheriff! I think the apologies need to begin there and then with the rest of the law abiding people (like me) that visit your town for one reason or another.
LAST WORD OF THE WEEK Pocomoke mayor's Va. criticism is suspect as written by Ted Shockley, Eastern Shore News:

Last week a Greenbush man was fatally shot in Pocomoke City, Md. The town mayor was quoted in a report before an arrest was made that its violent incidents were the fault of Virginians

"I'm weary of the Virginia violence that pours over into Pocomoke City -- the problems that we've had in the past couple years tend to come from Accomack County, and it's really getting wearisome to our city," said Mayor Michael McDermott.

As it turned out, the man charged with murder resides in a Washington, D.C., suburb of Maryland. In fact, he lived in Pocomoke City in 1993 when he was charged with first-degree murder. The charge was later dropped.

I'm surprised that the Maryland mayor decided to paint our county as a violent badlands before a Marylander was charged with the slaying of Reginald Jerome Handy Jr., 22, of Greenbush.

Instead, maybe Accomack County should be a little wary of having such a lawless place so close to our border.

You would think the self-proclaimed "Friendliest Town on the Eastern Shore" would be a little friendlier with respect to comments about its southern neighbor.

It led me to think of everything that gets on my nerves about Pocomoke City. I could start with all of the Walmart plastic bags blowing through Accomack County. Maybe someday, those plastic bags could come from our soon-to-be-opened Walmart. Right now, they are imported from the north.

I could continue with the outrageously long wait at the traffic light at Walmart in Pocomoke City. Or the Pocomoke Christmas Parade, which I stopped attending because I don't like mixing with hooded mobs on sidewalks after dark. (If you want a much nicer after-dark Christmas parade, go to Chincoteague's or Exmore's instead.)

Or the super-long waits at the former Greene Turtle restaurant on U.S. Route 13. No wonder it's no longer in business.

Sure, all of that seems petty, but I didn't start the pettiness.

The truth is, Accomack County spends a lot of money on everything from cars to meals in Pocomoke City. Accomack County provides a lot of Marylanders jobs at the Wallops industrial complex. For two municipalities in separate states, Pocomoke City and Accomack are pretty close and cooperative siblings.

One wonders if Maryland competition for NASA-related spinoff business and new residents was behind the mayor's criticism of us. People will say anything to lure a job or two.

In reality, the issue of street shootings is more a societal issue than a geographical problem. When it comes to senseless violence, there are a lot of contributing factors that transcend state lines and municipal limits.

The mayoral thing to do would be to help find ways to fix the problem before publicly affixing blame.

NOTE: If you care to leave a comment be sure to think about what you write. I DID NOT post this so the people of Pocomoke (that seem to think they have no use for the mayor ) could have a big time with comments. I merely want everyone to know that Accomack County heard him loud and clear

Suspects Still Being Sought By Accomack County Sheriff's Office

According to Sheriff Larry Giddens, an extensive investigation conducted by the Accomack County Sheriff's Office in connection with several robberies reported during the months of March and April of 2010 has led to the identification of five suspects. The investigation involved two residential robberies in Parksley and Mappsville and a robbery at the El Remolino Store in Tasley. Felony warrants have been obtained for the following suspects and the suspects have been entered into the Virginia Criminal Information Network and the National Crime Information Center as wanted persons.

Keshawn Terrell Kellam, age 21 of 29340 Bayside Road, New Church. Description of this suspect is black male, approximately 58 and 150lbs. Kellam is wanted on charges of 1 count of Robbery and Use of Firearm in Commission of a Felony.

Juarez Dolman Barrios, age 21 of 34 Johnson Road, Onancock. Description of this suspect is hispanic male, approximately 52, small build. Barrios is wanted on a charge of Attempted Robbery.

Keyron Montrell Bess, age 27 of Beartown Road, Mappsville. Description of this suspect is black male, approximately 511, 158lbs. Bess is wanted on charges of 1 count of Robbery and Use of Firearm in Commission of a Felony.

Jermaine Curtis Blake, age 21 of 30448 Greta Road, Atlantic. Description of this suspect is black male, approximately 55, 135lbs. Blake is wanted on charges of 1 count of Robbery and Use of Firearm in Commission of a Felony.

Keenen Scott Goodwine, age 18 of 33207 Nocks Landing Road. Description of this suspect is black male, approximately 54, 125lbs. Goodwine is wanted on charges of 1 count of Robbery and Use of Firearm in Commission of a Felony.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of these suspects is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriffs Office at 787-1131 or 824-5666.

www.shoredailynews.com

Photos of suspects are a few posts back.

Some Accomack Taxpayer-funded Workers Owe Back Taxes

ACCOMAC -- Nearly 350 School Board, Social Services and county employees have had their wages garnished for back taxes this year.

Accomack County Treasurer Dana Bundick said 82 county and Department of Social Services employees who were delinquent in real estate or personal property taxes had their wages garnished.

So far $18,000 has been collected.

And 258 school employees had their wages garnished, with $85,000 collected to date.

"Some people, we took all but a few dollars of their paycheck, which got their attention," Bundick said.

Vice Chairman Donald Hart Jr., praised the efforts, saying, "If you collect a check from the taxpayers of this county" the worker needs to pay taxes.

"If you have elected officials, zap them, too," he said, adding of the number of public employees owing back taxes, "That's 300-some employees -- that's embarrassing."

The Treasurer's office also placed 900 Department of Motor Vehicle stops on delinquent taxpayers since January.

The office this year was given funding for an additional employee to help collect back taxes, according to an agreement Bundick made with the county.

The stops prevent delinquent taxpayers from renewing their vehicle registration until personal property taxes are paid. Of the stops placed, 62 accounts have been collected, amounting to more than $38,000.

Additionally, Bundick reported that she referred 76 parcels since January to tax attorney Jim Elliott for collection of delinquent real estate taxes, with 28 accounts collected so far this year, amounting to more than $127,000.

Five tax sales have been held this year, with another planned in May.

The same night Bundick gave her report, the Board of Supervisors also voted unanimously for a zoning amendment that requires evidence of payment of delinquent taxes on properties from owners applying for items including special exceptions, special use permits, variances, rezoning, building permits and erosion and sediment control permits.

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