OPCPD Traffic Stop Leads To 3 Arrests For Crack Cocaine

On September 26, 2012, at approximately 2:35 p.m. Ocean City Police patrol officers stopped a 2002 Nissan Altima with three occupants for a traffic violation in the area of 62^nd Street and Coastal Highway.  During the course of the traffic stop, the officers observed two occupants of the vehicle shoving an unknown object under the front seats.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Larry Dennell Floyd, Jr., 30, of Berlin.  During the traffic stop, officers checked the status of Floyd’s driver’s license and determined he was suspended.  During further investigation, officers identified the front passenger of the vehicle as Marty Edward Tankard, Jr., 33 of Berlin and a rear seat passenger as Joel Lamont Lankford, 40, of Nanticoke, Maryland.  In addition, officers determined the object being shoved under the seats was an empty beer bottle. 

While officers were checking under the front seat of the vehicle, they observed a white powdery substance they suspected to be crack cocaine.  Officers also recovered additional suspected crack cocaine from the front and rear passenger seats.  Police subsequently arrested Floyd for driving on a suspended license and Tankard and Lankford for possession of crack cocaine. 

During the arrest process, Floyd became uncooperative and would not open his mouth.  Officer suspected Floyd was concealing illegal drugs in his mouth and at which point Floyd attempted to swallow the items.   Officers attempted to get Floyd to spit the items out of his mouth, however, Floyd continued to refuse and resist arrest.  Due to the level of resistance Floyd was exhibiting and the concern that he was attempting to swallow life-threatening drug contraband, officers deployed a TASER/ECD and delivered one drive-stun to Floyd’s back to gain compliance.

Floyd immediately spit out the contents of his mouth, which was determined by officers to be a large quantity of suspected crack cocaine.  As a precautionary measure, Floyd was taken by OC EMS to Atlantic General Hospital for exposure to ECD and possible CDS consumption.  Floyd was evaluated and subsequently released from the hospital in Ocean City Police custody. 

• Larry Dennell Floyd, Jr. was charged with:
• Driving on a suspended Maryland License.
• Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (crack cocaine).
• Possession of Paraphernalia.
• Possession of CDS with the Intent to Distribute (crack cocaine).
• Resisting Arrest.
• Obstructing and Hindering Arrest.
• Various Traffic Offences (Tickets).
• Marty Edward Tankard, Jr. was charged with:
  • Possession of CDS (crack cocaine).
  • Possession of an Open Container of Alcoholic Beverage in public.
• Joel Lamont Lankford was charged with:
  • Possession of CDS (crack cocaine).

All three suspects were seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner, Lankford and Tankard were released on their own recognizance.  Floyd was release after posting a $25,000 bond.

Ocean City Police Dept. Press Release

Marylands Child Safety Seat Law Changes October 1, 2012

As of October 1, 2012, our law will drop the 65 lb weight exemption so our law will now state that children up to age 8 must ride in an appropriate child safety restraint, unless they exempt out by a height of 4’9″ or taller before their 8th birthday.

Ocean City Police Department News Release

Six People Arrested After Large Boardwalk Fight

On September 2, 2012, at approximately 6 p.m. Ocean City Police responded to the area of 709 South Atlantic Avenue in reference to a large fight, involving a subject with a knife.

Uniformed officers arrived at the scene and observed several persons actively fighting in the area directly outside of Davey Jones Locker Room restaurant. As officers began to break up the fight, several of the combatants fled into the Inlet parking lot. One suspect, later identified as Carl Ross Perry, 47, of Berlin, was wearing a t-shift indicating that he was an employee of Davey Jones Locker Room. Perry continued to actively fight, despite attempts by several employees of Davey Jones Locker Room to restrain him.

Uniformed officers at the scene attempted to have Perry stop fighting and ordered him to the ground, however, Perry did not comply and actively fought four officers until taken into custody.

Officers located five additional suspects involved in the altercation, who fled the scene in various locations in the Inlet parking lot.

The five other men who were actively fighting with Perry were identified as: Deve St. Fleur, 24, from Immokalee, FL, Jermaine Lacorey Phillips, 24, of Fort Meade, FL, William Sherman Freeman, 33, of Fort Meade, FL, Michael Fitzgerald Smith, 45, of Fort Meade, FL and Valen Joseph, 23, Legigh Acres, FL.

During the subsequent investigation, police recovered a backpack belonging to St. Fleur. The backpack was found to contain several baggies of suspected marijuana, as well as other evidence that indicated the marijuana was being sold. After the arrest of Carl Ross Perry, officers recovered an amount of Marijuana from his persons that was packaged identically to the items recovered from the backpack belonging to St. Fleur.

Witnesses told police that Perry was outside with the five suspects, but at one point went back into the restaurant and returned with an object that was later determined to be a knife. Perry threatened the suspect, at which time the fight began. The investigation concluded that the confrontation between Perry and the five additional suspects was as the result of a dispute during an illegal drug transaction involving Perry.

Based on the evidence, Ocean City Police charged the suspects as follows:

• Carl Ross Perry: common law affray, disorderly conduct, three counts of 2nd degree assault on three police officers, resisting arrest, possession of CDS (marijuana), possession of CDS paraphernalia, two counts of 2nd degree assault and two counts of reckless endangerment.
• Deve St. Fleur and Jermaine Lacorey Phillips: common law affray, disorderly conduct, possession of CDS (marijuana), possession of CDS paraphernalia, possession with the Intent to distribute CDS (marijuana).
• William Sherman Freeman: common law affray and disorderly conduct.
• Michael Fitzgerald Smith: common law affray, disorderly conduct and possession of CDS (marijuana).
• Valen Joseph: common law affray and disorderly conduct.

As a result of the altercation and arrests, three OCPD officers sustained injuries. Two officers were treated at the scene by OC EMS and one officer was transported to Atlantic General Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

All six of the suspects were arrested and seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner. Perry was released after posting a $10,000 bond. Phillips and St. Fleur were both held on $10,000 bond and transferred to the Worcester County Jail. Freeman was held on $3,500 bond and transferred to the Worcester County Jail. Smith and Joseph were both released on their own recognizance.

Ocean City Police Department News Release

Indy Comedy "Ping Pong Summer" To Shoot in Maryland This Fall

Another movie to be filmed in Ocean City!

Baltimore, MD (August 13, 2012) –  Governor Martin O’Malley today announced that independent film “Ping Pong Summer” will begin six weeks of filming in Ocean City in September. The coming-of-age comedy,  which is written and will be directed by Maryland native Michael Tully, is set in Ocean City during the 1980’s and is based on Tully’s annual vacations to the beach.

The film’s cast includes Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon (“Dead Man Walking”, “Thelma and Louise”, “Bull Durham”); Amy Sedaris (“Strangers with Candy”, “The Good Wife”); and John Hannah (“The Mummy”, “Four Weddings and a Funeral”). The Maryland Film Office estimates that this production could result in the hiring 90 local crew, actors and extras, and the purchase or renting goods and services from over 140 Maryland businesses. The direct, indirect and induced economic impact for the State of Maryland will be approximately $2 million.

“We look forward to welcoming Marylander Michael Tully and the ‘Ping Pong Summer’ production team,” said Governor O’Malley. “Working together with our partners from Worcester County and Ocean City, we were able to secure this film that will strengthen our State’s economy, create jobs and highlight one of Maryland’s most family-friendly vacation destinations.”

“For 20 years I have fantasized about making “Ping Pong Summer “in Ocean City,” said writer and director Tully. “Now, thanks to the efforts of the State of Maryland, Worcester County, Ocean City and many enthusiastic people in Maryland, the time has come.  I am grateful and excited to be able to recreate the summer vacation of my dreams on film in Ocean City.”

“A huge goal with this film was always to give it an authentic sense of place, specifically Ocean City,” said producer George Rush “The State of Maryland, Worcester County and Ocean City have been extremely supportive towards our production. To say we are pleased to be here is an understatement.”

The Netflix series House of Card continues production in Maryland and the Emmy-nominated HBO series VEEP will be returning to Maryland to shoot their second season in the fall.

Maryland’s newly enacted Film Production Employment Act of 2011 helped to secure this production. The fund offers a partial tax credit for local production expenditures and encourages producers to use local film crews.

The Maryland Film Office, located in Baltimore and part of the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, is an agency of the state's Department of Business and Economic Development. It provides location scouting and pre-production research, in addition to acting as a government and community liaison throughout film production. For more information, visit www.MarylandFilm.org
Press Release provided by Karen Glenn Hood of PressRoom Maryland of Opportunity. 410.767.6318

OCPD ARREST MAN FOR RAPE AND ASSAULT

Jason Paul Mackulin

On August 12, 2012, at approximately 10 a.m. Ocean City Police responded to the area of

120th Street in reference to a disturbance.  After arriving on scene, officers were confronted by a group of persons who advised that a male who was staying with the group in unit, had been involved in either a fight or an argument with several persons in that unit.

During the incident the male suspect, who was later identified as Jason Paul Mackulin, 31, of Littlestown, PA, displayed a TASER.  While officers were speaking to citizens in the parking lot, Mackulin came out of the unit and was detained by police.

While at the scene, officers learned that Mackulin assaulted his girlfriend and her 14-year-old son. Police further learned that the original disturbance involving Mackulin, may have been as a result of Mackulin being involved with a sexual assault of a 15-year-old female, not related to Mackulin, who was also staying in the same unit.

As a result of the investigation, which detectives responded to the scene and determined that MacKulin had sexually assaulted the 15-year-old female, OCPD Detectives charged Mackulin with: 2^nd degree rape, 3^rd and 4^th degree sex offense and 2^nd degree assault involving the 15-year-old female. Mackulin was also charged with 2^nd degree domestic assault of his girlfriend and 2^nd degree assault of her 14-year-old son.

Mackulin was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and has been held without bond.  During a bond review, Mackulin was held on $250,000 and was transferred to the Worcester County Jail.

Ocean City Police Department News Release

Armed Robbery Subject WANTED By the Ocean City Police Department

Ocean City Police Advising Citizens of Wanted Subject

Ocean City Police are advising residents and citizens about a wanted suspect who was involved in an armed robbery that occurred earlier today, August 3, 2012, at approximately 5 p.m. in the area of Rt. 50 and Rt. 589.  Charles Rich Conden fled from the vehicle in the area of 100^th Street prior to the police apprehending the other four suspects.

The Ocean City Police Department has received information that Conden is armed with a handgun.  Conden is a white male, 19-years-old, 5”09, and 150lbs and has a clown tattoo with profane words under it.

Ocean City Police are advising citizens to use caution when coming in contact with Conden.  Citizens are advised anyone coming into contact with Conden not to approach this subject and should immediately contact the Ocean City Police Department at: 410-723-6600 or call 911.

Seat Belt Violation Leads OCPD To Recovered Stolen Vehicle and Wanted Fugitive

Jimmy C. Anderson

On July 28, 2012, at about 6:30 a.m., Ocean City Police Officers attempted to pull over a 2007 four-door Dodge Magnum with Texas registration in the 10 block area of 3^rd Street near the boardwalk.

The vehicle fled police by going up the boardwalk and heading north. Numerous citizens who were on the boardwalk had to get out of the path of vehicle to avoid being struck.  Officers not wanting to pursue the vehicle on the boardwalk, maintained a line-of-sight on the vehicle as it travelled north on the boardwalk. 

Police travelled up the boardwalk in a marked police vehicle several blocks behind the fleeing car.  The suspect vehicle turned off the boardwalk at Surf Avenue, slowed down and three occupants of the vehicle bailed out of the car between the boardwalk and Baltimore Avenue. The police were able to detain the three passengers who bailed out of the fleeing vehicle.

Officers continued to follow the vehicle off the boardwalk, however, lost sight of it as it fled north on Baltimore Ave.   A description of the suspect vehicle was broadcast over the police radio, at which time another marked OCPD patrol unit spotted the vehicle on Baltimore Ave., in the area of 16^th Street.   The marked patrol unit attempted to stop the vehicle and pulled behind the car.

The suspect vehicle again attempted to flee from police and went up on the boardwalk for the second time at 16^th Street, and got off the boardwalk at 17^th Street.

Aaron L. Canterbury

Once back on Baltimore Ave., the vehicle attempted to turn north and lost control of the car and crashed into the medium strip at 17^th Street.   At this point the vehicle continued north in the southbound lane of Baltimore Ave. now being pursued by the OCPD vehicle patrol and turned west at 19^th Street where he went across Coastal Highway to Dolphin Street and then north on Marlin Drive.  At the end of Marlin Drive the vehicle crashed through a fence and continued driving through a citizen’s backyard, at which point the driver ran out of the yard and stopped short of driving into the canal.  The suspect driver exited the vehicle and attempted to flee police by jumping into the bay.  The suspect then swam toward 21^st Street and Herring Way.  The suspect climbed out of the water onto the dock and was taken into custody by waiting OCPD officers.

The subsequent investigation by OCPD determined the vehicle had been reported stolen during a burglary that occurred in York, PA. 

The driver, identified as Jimmy Carl Anderson, 22, of New Park, PA, was a wanted fugitive from Pennsylvania.  Police also recovered a quantity of suspected marijuana and prescription drugs from Anderson.  Police also located additional CDS inside the stolen vehicle.

One of the three passengers who bailed out of the car on Surf Avenue identified as Aaron Lloyd Canterbury, 30, of York, was found to be in possession of marijuana, Ecstasy and CDS paraphernalia. He was also arrested and charged accordingly.

Anderson was charged with: Theft of motor vehicle, theft over $10,000, 2-counts of malicious destruction of property over $500, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, 2nd degree escape, possession of schedule I, controlled dangerous substance (CDS), possession of schedule II, CDS, possession of schedule IV, CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, and he also received 30 assorted traffic violations.

Canterbury was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and released on his own recognizance.  Anderson was also seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was held without bond.

Ocean City Police Dept. News Release

Ocean City Police Seeking Public’s Assistance

Ocean City Police Seeking Public’s Assistance

 in Identifying Assault Suspect

The Ocean City Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating the suspect in recent attempted sexual assaults that have occurred in poorly lit, semi-secluded areas near bar establishments. The most recent occurred on July 28, 2012 during the early morning hours.

In each case, a female victim was under the influence of alcohol, alone and walking home when an unknown male initiated a conversation with the victim. After initiating conversation, the unknown male suspect then forces the victim to the ground and attempts to sexually assault them.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5’10”, approximately 170 pounds, and in his mid-20’s to early 30’s.
Ocean City Police are asking anyone with information about similar incidents, and/or the suspect involved to please contact Detective Simpson of the Ocean City’s Criminal Investigation Division at 410-520-5349. Those providing information may remain anonymous.

The OCPD is reminding residents and visitors to use the buddy-system and not walk alone, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, be aware of your surroundings, and walk in highly traveled public areas.

Ocean City Police Department News Release

Man Arrested After Assaulting Officer With Vehicle

Corey John Martini

On Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at approximately 10:51 p.m., a uniformed bicycle patrol officer initiated a traffic stop in the area of 8^th Street and Philadelphia Avenue after witnessing a traffic violation.  The officer witnessed a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was driven by Corey John Martini, 20, of Wickhaven, PA, make a right hand turn and come all the way into the far left lane, completely crossing the double yellow line.

While speaking with Martini, the officer detected alcohol emanating from his breath and noticed a plastic bag of marijuana in the center console of the vehicle.  Officers asked Martini to exit the vehicle, at which time he turned the vehicle toward the officer and accelerated.  The officer, who was struck by the passenger side of the vehicle, was knocked off his bicycle.

Martini, who proceeded to leave the area, accelerated his vehicle at a high rate of speed, traveling northbound in the southbound lane of St. Louis Avenue. As officers followed Martini, witnesses told police he had entered a condominium building in the area of 11^th Street.  Officers apprehended Martini after a foot pursuit.

Martini was arrested and charged with first and second degree assault, assault on a law enforcement officer, malicious destruction of property, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana and position of paraphernalia.  In addition, Martini was charged with 14 traffic violations, including driving under the influence of alcohol, negligent driving, reckless driving, speeding and failure to remain at the scene.

Martini was transported to the Public Safety Building where he was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner.  At the time of this release, Martini was being held on a $5,000 bond.

Ocean City Police Dept. News Release

Ocean City Police Seeking Public’s Assistance

Ocean City Police Seeking Public’s Assistance in Identifying Assault Suspect

The Ocean City Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating the suspect of an attempted sexual assault that occurred at approximately 2:45 a.m., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. On that date, Ocean City Police Department responded to the area of 4200 Coastal Highway in reference to an attempted assault that had already occurred.

OCPD officers met with a female victim who told police that she was walking home when an unknown male initiated a conversation with her.  A short time after, the male suspect pushed the victim into the bushes and attempted to sexually assault her.  During the attack, the victim was able to fight the attacker causing significant injury the suspect’s ear.

The suspect, who is a white male, is described as being approximately 5’10”, approximately 170 pounds and in his mid-20’s to early-30’s. In addition, it is believed that the suspect would have a visible injury to his ear.

Ocean City Police are asking anyone with information about this incident, or the suspect involved, to please contact Detective N. Simpson Ocean City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, at 410-520-5349.  Those providing information may remain anonymous.

OCEAN CITY POLICE IDENTIFY BODY FOUND IN BAY

NEWS RELEASE

Ocean City Police Department

 

On Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at approximately 6:20 p.m., Ocean City Police responded to the area of 32^nd Street for a report of a possible deceased body in the bay.  The body, which was recovered by the United States Coast Guard, was confirmed to be that of missing 22-year-old Lance Corey Gaines.

 

Gaines, who was visiting Ocean City with his family from upstate New York, was last seen on April 21, 2012 at approximately 1 a.m. at The Sandbar on 33^rd Street and Coastal Highway.  His body has been sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Maryland for autopsy.

 

The cause and manner of death are currently under investigation by the Ocean City Police Department.

Ocean City, Maryland

Missing Man Last Seen In Ocean City

Lance Corey Gains

Written by

Scott Muska
Staff Writer

OCEAN CITY -- Police, family and friends are searching for a 22-year-old man who has been missing for nearly a week and was last seen at an Ocean City bar.

Lance Corey Gaines of Groton, N.Y., hasn't been heard from since the night of Friday, April 20. Ocean City police said he was last seen at Sandbar on 33rd Street at about 1 a.m. Saturday, April 21. One of the 20 or so friends and relatives who have traveled to town since then to form a makeshift search group said he had gone out for a walk and to the bar alone.

Gaines is 6 feet 4 inches tall, weighs 190 pounds and has brown hair and blue eyes. When he was seen at the bar, he was wearing a dark gray hooded sweatshirt.

Gaines was on vacation with his family and was staying at the Bay Club Resort on 32nd Street for the weekend. Family members said he sent a text message to his girlfriend just after midnight.

His father, John Gaines, said his other son had spoken to a woman who works at Madison Beach Motel on North Baltimore Avenue who saw someone in the area on Monday afternoon who matched Lance Gaines' description, but that's the only additional lead they've gotten.

"My son talked to her, and she had details she couldn't really have had (if she hadn't seen him)," said John Gaines on Thursday. "So we're pretty confident, we think we have a likely sighting on Monday."

OCPD spokeswoman Jessica Waters confirmed a tip had been received from someone claiming they saw Gaines or someone who matches his description, but there hasn't been a confirmed sighting since his disappearance, despite police outreach and investigation and the hundreds of fliers and inquiries friends and family have been making into Lance Gaines' whereabouts.

CONTINUE READING

STILL MISSING

Ocean City Police are asking anyone who has seen Gaines or who has had contact with him to notify Detective Carl Perry with the Ocean City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 410.723.6604

MISSING....

OCEAN CITY POLICE SEEKING PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE LOCATING MISSING MAN

Ocean City Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 22-year-old man.  Lance Corey Gaines, who was visiting Ocean City with his family from upstate New York, was last seen on April 21, 2012at approximately 1 a.m.at The Sandbar on33rd Street and Coastal Highway.

Gaines, who was reported missing by his family, has brown hair, blue eyes and was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt.  He is approximately 6’-4” and approximately 190 pounds.

Ocean City Police are asking anyone who has seen Gaines or who has had contact with him to notify Detective Carl Perry with the Ocean City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 410.723.6604.

707 Owner’s Death Probe Continues

Written By: News Editor, Shawn J. Soper

WEST OCEAN CITY -- The investigation into the death of a West Ocean City bar owner following an altercation outside his establishment earlier this month remains open while law enforcement and prosecutors await the final report from the state Medical Examiner’s Office.

Around 2:23 a.m. on Oct. 6, a Worcester County Sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to the 707 Sports Bar and Grille in reference to a disturbance complaint. The deputy arrived and met with a Maryland State Police trooper, who advised the bar’s owner, Carey Patrick Flynn, had been assaulted.

According to police reports, Flynn, who was on the ground with visible abrasions on his knees and elbows, was complaining of shortness of breath.

Emergency Services were dispatched to the scene and Flynn was transported by ambulance to Atlantic General Hospital, where he died a short time later. Flynn’s wife advised police her husband had a heart condition and had a pacemaker in place.

The investigation revealed a suspect, later identified as Cyle Walker, 26, of West Ocean City, had been in a verbal confrontation with Flynn that had turned physical. Incidentally, Walker’s birthday is Oct. 5, the day before the incident in the early morning hours of Oct. 6. While police were still on the scene, Walker returned and spoke with the deputy, advising the officer a verbal altercation had taken place between he and Flynn.

According to police reports, Walker admitted pushing Flynn, causing him to fall to the ground. Walker was charged initially with second-degree assault.

That second-degree assault charge against Walker was dismissed on Monday, but Worcester County State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby, who was pictured on the scene of the investigation the day of Flynn’s death, said dropping the second-degree assault charge was a formality and Walker remains a person of interest.

After Walker was charged initially with second-degree assault, Oglesby took possession of the arrest warrant as the investigation developed. On Monday, the assault charge was dropped in order to leave the investigation open-ended until the medical examiner’s report comes back.

“It remains an open investigation,” he said. “We’re still waiting for the medical examiner’s report to come back to determine what, if any, new charges are appropriate. The second-degree assault charge has such a quick shelf life in District Court, he [Walker] could go to trial on that charge and have it resolved before we get the medical examiner’s report or conclude our investigation, and we don’t want it to become a double-jeopardy situation.”

Source;  http://www.mdcoastdispatch.com/articles/2011/10/21/Top-Stories/707-Owners-Death-Probe-Continues

Spray Paint Artist Rejects Plea Deal

Boardwalk- Ocean City
Baltimore Sun Photo/ Eric Doerzbach

By Luke Broadwater, The Baltimore Sun

A spray-paint artist rejected a deal from prosecutors Thursday and demanded a trial after his arrest at the Inner Harbor last month.

At Baltimore City District Court on North Avenue, Mark Chase, 29, of Baltimore's Brooklyn neighborhood, said prosecutors offered him a deal that would require him to perform community service after which they would drop the charge against him: one count of peddling without a license.

Instead, Chase pleaded not guilty Thursday, and prosecutor Patricia Deros told the judge that Chase had rejected the state's offer.

Details of the deal were not discussed in court, but Baltimore City State's Attorney spokesman Mark Cheshire said that it would have allowed Chase to avoid a conviction.

Still, Chase said the deal, in his view, would be the same thing as admitting he had committed the crime.

"I'm not going to plead guilty for doing something that's my constitutional right," said Chase, who paints science-fiction landscapes, mountains, waterfalls and American flags. "I'm not going to compromise my morals."

His trial date is scheduled for Dec. 2.

Baltimore police arrested Chase on Sept. 18 at the Inner Harbor when he attempted to set up an area where he could paint at Light and Pratt streets.

Video viewed by The Baltimore Sun shows police telling Chase that he could not paint there without a permit. The video shows Chase explaining that he had won a court injunction in U.S. District Court and had a right to paint where he was.

"It is my constitutional right to be here without prior approval," Chase said to the officer at one point.

"Your constitutional rights have nothing to do with the law," the officer said.

The arrest came two weeks after Chase temporarily won the right to paint on Ocean City's boardwalk. The injunction allows Chase to paint there for as long as his lawsuit continues against Ocean City for what he alleges are violations of the civil rights of street performers and artists by requiring permits and prohibiting them from selling their work in certain areas.

At the time of his arrest, Chase was not at McKeldin Square, a brick plaza at the southeast corner of Pratt and Light streets, which police have designated a "protest zone" where up to 25 people can gather without a permit to demonstrate. The officers said they would give him a citation, but because he refused to move, they arrested him, Chase said.

At the courthouse Thursday, Chase said he hoped to expand the area downtown where artists and protesters can demonstrate.

"We're going to try to open up the whole Inner Harbor," he said.

Source;  http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-artist-plea-20111006,0,7505699.story

Store Owner and Employee Charged With Possession and Distribution

(Sept. 30, 2011) Following an Ocean City Police raid at the Boardwalk shop May Talk, Fransisco Rico Hernandez, the shop’s owner, and store worker Blen Giday Berhani have been charged with possessing and distributing synthetic marijuana and paraphernalia.

According to the police report, Hernandez, 48, was present when Berhani, 24, sold and explained the use of a glass pipe and K-2 synthetic marijuana to an undercover police officer during a compliance check at the store on Sept. 13.

When police returned with a search and seizure warrant on Sept. 15, several contraband items seized by Ocean City Police included saliva divinorum, K-2, Bath Salts, controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia and several fixed blade fighting knives. Bath salts, also known as the drug MDPV, are stimulants that imitate the effects of amphetamines.

Hernandez was charged with possession of salvia, possession and distribution of a cannabimimetic agent, and possession and distribution of synthetic marijuana paraphernalia, according to the police report.

Giday was charged with possession and distribution of a cannabimimetic agent, and possession and distribution of synthetic marijuana paraphernalia, the police report said.

Both Hernandez and Berhani are scheduled to appear in Ocean City District Court for a preliminary inquiry on Oct. 14.

Source;  http://www.oceancitytoday.net/news/2011-09-30/Police/May_Talk_charged_for_contraband.html

Ocean City Mounted Patrol Officers Get Tip From Citizen- OC Narcotics Detectives Take Action

Even though the Ocean City Mayor and Council recently banned the sale of all synthetic drugs in the resort, some businesses are continuing to sell them anyway.

On Tuesday, undercover Ocean City Police Department detectives conducted a compliance check at the May Talk store on Atlantic Avenue.

The officers were able to purchase K-2 and an employee also told them how to use the drug in a pipe to get high.

Officers went back to the store with a warrant on Thursday and recovered several items including K-2, Salvia, bath salts, CDS paraphernalia and several fixed-blade fighting knives.

Charges are pending against all of the parties involved.

=================================================

Ocean City Police mounted patrol officers received information from a citizen regarding the sale of  “K-2” sold at “May Talk”, a boardwalk retail store located at 205 Atlantic Avenue.  

The Ocean City Mayor and City Council recently passed an emergency ordinance banning the sale of synthetic drugs including K-2.

On Tuesday September 13^th undercover OCPD narcotics detectives conducted a compliance check at the “May Talk” retail store.

Narcotics officers purchased K-2 from a “May Talk” employee who told the undercover officers the K-2 was illegal but agreed to sell it to them anyway. The store employee also sold the officers a pipe, which is considered paraphernalia.  The employee explained to the undercover officers how to use the K-2 and the pipe to get high.  The owner of the establishment was present at the time of the transaction.

On September 15, 2011, at approximately 1 p.m., OCPD personnel served the Search Warrant at “May Talk”.

As a result of the Search and Seizure warrant police recovered several items including:  Saliva Divinorum,

K-2, Bath Salts, CDS paraphernalia and several fixed blade fighting knives. 

Charges are pending against all of the parties involved.

Since the passing of the emergency ordinance, Ocean City Police have proactively educated storeowners and managers by providing copies of the ordinances as well as conducting several checks to ensure compliance of the ordinance.   Some contraband was found in a hidden compartment in a display case located next to the cash register.  The owner admitted they have been selling the saliva in spite of the ordinance enacted banning the substance last year.  

Source;  http://www.wgmd.com/?p=35092

OCPD Narcotics Detectives And Wor. County CET Shut Down Drug Ring

A few weeks ago Worcester County Sheriff Reggie Mason spoke with numerous sheriff's within the county and state lines and pledged that they would all give "110 percent" to ridding the abundance of drugs in all of our communities. 

This time they didn't have to cross a county line OR a state line...... they just entered the city. 

GREAT JOB - GREAT TEAM WORK!!

Ocean City Police in cooperation with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Criminal Enforcement Team have for the past two weeks been arresting indicted suspects in connection with the illegal distribution of drugs in south Ocean City.

The investigation into the illegal activity began last December and over the past eight months detectives have made an estimated 40 hand-to-hand drug deals in OC, from 20 different suspects.

The drugs purchased include:  crack, powder cocaine, heroin, PCP, marijuana, ecstasy, oxycodone, buprenorphine, suboxone patches and clonazepam.

As a result of the investigation, police obtained grand jury indictments for the suspects charging them with 62 criminal charges.

As of today, 19 of the suspects have been arrested and police say they hope to arrest the last person shortly.
=================================================

OCPD OBTAINS 20 GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS FOR 20 SUSPECTS

In December 2010, Ocean City Police Narcotics Unit members conducted an investigation into to the illegal distribution of drugs primarily on the south end of Ocean City. 

Narcotics detectives worked in conjunction with OCPD patrol officers who had been aggressively enforcing illegal drug activity in this area for several months.  Because of the initial information obtained by patrol officers, narcotics detectives made numerous contacts with area residents, which led them to persons believed to be selling drugs.  Undercover detectives were able to make several undercover purchases of illegal drugs from various dealers. 

Over the last eight months detectives made almost 40 hand-to-hand drug deals in Ocean City and the surrounding area, from 20 different suspects.  The drugs purchased were: crack, powder cocaine, heroin, PCP, marijuana, Ecstasy, Oxycodone, Buprenorphine, Suboxone patches, and Clonazepam.

On August 23 of this year, as a result of this investigation, OCPD narcotics  detectives obtained grand jury indictments for 20  suspects. There were 62 criminal charges in this case. The charges included CDS Distribution, Conspiracy to Distribute CDS, Possession of CDS, and Distribution of CDS in a Drug Free School Zone.

Beginning August 31 OCPD Narcotics and General Assignment detectives as well as Worcester County Sheriff’s Criminal Enforcement Team (CET) began arresting the indicted suspects. A total of 19 arrests were made during the operation.  OCPD expects to have the remaining person in custody shortly. 

The Circuit Court preset bonds on the indicted suspects ranged from $25,000 – $200,000.

Source; http://www.wgmd.com/?p=34769

Maryland Takes Multi-Million Dollar Hit For Closing Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, Md. - Maryland took a huge hit, after Hurricane Irene shut down Ocean City, and now the numbers are in to confirm it.

Wednesday, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot announced a $2,000,000 revenue loss. Tourist numbers aren't nearly where they should be right now in Ocean City, but businesses and the state will take anything they can get right now. Hurricane Irene cost the beach town an estimated 2 million dollars in revenue; most of that is sales tax. Officials estimate they lost about $60,000 in gas tax revenue because of cancelled weekend travel, more than $45,000 in uncollected tolls. Additionally, Ocean City estimates it lost about $40,000 in admission and amusement tax revenue.

Julie Warren opened a bike rental shop one week before Irene hit. The storm was a rude awakening for this new business owner. "It surely was a disappointment for us to miss 3 days worth of business, that's for sure," admits Warren. "However on the other side of it, we would much rather them be prepared, and make take the precautions and make sure.  We are a family business, so I want my family safe."

With beautiful weather, and the Labor Day holiday on the horizon, all are hoping tourists will flock back to the beach. The Pazzani's of New Jersey missed the first days of their vacation, but made it down to finish the week. "We made it!  We made it down and the weather's been beautiful." Franchot says another round of revenue estimates are scheduled to be released in mid-September.

Source;  http://www.wmdt.com/story/15372497/maryland-takes-multi-million-dollar-hit-for-closing-ocean-city