Metal Thieves Are Working Hard

Citizens of Accomack County please keep your eyes and ears open.

There seems to be alot of recent activity in the surrounding local areas concerning the theft of metal.

According to Major Todd Godwin on the evening of February 7th and 8th metal was stolen from three Accomack County tower sites. The thefts occured at the Oak Hall Cell tower, the Mappsville County Tower and the Melfa Cell tower.

According to Godwin, metal theft is increasing due to the rise in value.

Not only has been taken from the three tower sites but thieves don't seem to mind coming onto your property for into your home and helping themselves. They have also been known recently to remove metals, including copper, from abandoned properties, businessess and roadside locations.

If you see anything suspicious or have any information please contact the Accmoack County Sheriff's Department at 757-787-1131.

Isn't it amazing how these thugs will go to great lengths to steal to get money? I would imagine that planning to take something that does not belong to you requires a great amount of time. The actual taking of the property, I would imagine, it would require a great deal of energy. It probably takes these thugs more time to plan, steal, then cash in than it would to work a 40 hour week.

Please call the Sheriff's Office if you know or see anything.

Let's get these thugs out of our area.

Jury Deliberates For Over An Hour Before Verdict Is Given

SNOW HILL -- A jury of Sherrick Martel Handy's peers deliberated for slightly more than an hour Thursday before rendering a not guilty verdict on all charges.

Handy had been charged with first- and second-degree rape, first- and third-degree burglary, second-degree assault and false imprisonment in the alleged attack of his former fiancee during June of last year.

Testimony in the two-day trial concluded Wednesday, with closing statements being delivered to the jury Thursday morning.

Assistant State's Attorney Diane Cuilhe urged jurors to look at the consistency of the victim's statement and the fact the defendant denied he had been at her apartment at the time of the attack to police when first questioned. DNA evidence, she said, later forced him to admit his presence.

Cuilhe also pointed to inaccuracies in Handy's testimony and reason for being at the victim's house at an odd hour.

"Why did he find it appropriate to call her up and have a chat at 4 in the morning?" Cuilhe said. "The mere fact he was crouching next to the door and hiding shows he was there for nefarious purposes."

Handy's defense lawyer, David Resnick, picked apart the state's case during his closing statement to the jury of four women and eight men.

"I don't think in this case you saw the best of the criminal justice system," Resnick said.

He then began to question why police had not fingerprinted the victim's door, the pepper spray she tried to use on Handy or the kitchen knife she says she used to try to get Handy to leave her alone.

Resnick said he didn't believe the photographs of the victim's apartment showed enough of a struggle took place.

"We are claiming she staged the scene," he said.

Resnick also cast doubt on the testimony of police officers and a sexual assault forensic examination nurse. He claimed there were "glaring inaccuracies" in the timeline of when police officers were called and arrived, and when the victim was examined at the hospital.

www.delmarvanow.com

Crippen Will Try To Seek New Trial

SNOW HILL -- Since being convicted of attempted murder in December, Alexander Crippen has been awaiting his sentencing -- so he can appeal his case, with a new attorney.

The 36-year-old Crippen was found guilty in Worcester County Circuit Court in December of first-degree attempted murder. He is biding time until a Feb. 28 court hearing, hoping Judge Richard R. Bloxom will grant his request for a new trial instead of imposing a sentence.

If he is not granted the new trial -- a life sentence is a possibility instead -- he has already begun to plan his next move, Crippen said in an interview at the Worcester County Jail, where he is being held.

He has looked into hiring a lawyer who specializes in criminal appeals, declining to comment on what specific parts of the trial he plans to contest, saying he will leave that decision to his lawyer.

"The whole investigation was about homicide... every paper states homicide. Every witness says they saw me shoot Reginald Handy," said Crippen, who maintained his innocence during the interview. "At the beginning, no one said anything about attempted murder."

Crippen was first charged in the death of Reginald Handy Jr. in June, after witnesses swore they saw him shoot and kill Handy. Those charges were vacated just before trial began, and replaced with attempted murder charges. Prosecutors said forensic evidence would have made it impossible to prove Crippen was the murderer.

The attempted murder case against Crippen relied in part on testimony from Torrance Davis, a cousin of Handy's. Davis stated he saw Crippen shoot Handy, and then try to shoot him.

Crippen recalled that during the trial, Davis invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination when asked about a prior shooting in Virginia, referred to as a "ranch party" in court questioning by Crippen's attorney, Arthur McGreevy.

During the two-day trial, numerous police officers and community members took the stand to testify against Crippen. But a handgun Crippen was supposed to have fired, nor the one reportedly on Handy at the time he was killed, were never recovered, Crippen said.

Police searched the Pocomoke River but were unable to locate the two handguns. Police did recover an assault rifle yards away from where Handy was shot and determined it was the murder weapon.

At the time of Crippen's arrest, Pocomoke police chief J.D. Ervin said Crippen and Handy "had a history with each other; they didn't get along." Crippen disputed that, saying he knew Handy by name but wasn't feuding with him.

Murder charges were later filed against Skylor Harmon, 18, of Cedar Street in Pocomoke, accusing him of being Handy's killer. Harmon is Crippen's nephew, Crippen said and Harmon's trial is scheduled to begin March 14.

www.worcestercountytimes.

One Of Virginia's Most Wanted Nabbed By Md. State Police

ABERDEEN, MD) – A Maryland state trooper was forced to use his patrol car to end a multi-jurisdictional pursuit and capture a fugitive who tried to run down deputies this afternoon in Harford County.

The accused is identified as Brandon L. Pegram, 23, of Stoney Creek, Va. Prior to the pursuit this afternoon, he was wanted for robbery, felony assault, and kidnapping. He is now being charged by Maryland State Police with first and second degree assault, vehicle theft, reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property, and numerous traffic violations.


Shortly before 3:00 p.m. today,(Wednesday) the Harford County Sheriff's Office received a lookout from the United State's Marshal's Service for a stolen silver Ford Taurus driven by Pegram, who was believed to be armed with a handgun and shotgun. Pegram reportedly held his family hostage yesterday and had allegedly threatened to harm any law enforcement officers who attempted to apprehend him.

Sheriff's deputies spotted the vehicle at Rt. 40 and Gateway Drive and a pursuit ensued that continued into Baltimore County, where troopers from the Bel Air Barrack joined the pursuit, along with Baltimore County police officers. The pursuit continued onto Whitemarsh Blvd., then to northbound I-95.

Just before the entrance to the Maryland House on I-95, the suspect attempted to ram citizen vehicles. Two sheriff's deputies were on foot after deploying stop sticks. Pegram nearly struck the first deputy, then lost control and traveled across I-95, nearly striking the second deputy. The suspect then appeared to deliberately drive his car directly at the second deputy, who was able to dive out of the way before being hit.
Upon observing these deliberate assaults on citizens and the deputies, a State Police sergeant used his patrol car to impact the suspect's vehicle, using a "pit maneuver" to force the suspect's vehicle to the side of the interstate and up against the guardrail. The sergeant then impacted the driver's side door of the stolen vehicle to prevent the fugitive from escaping on foot.

Police officers approached Pegram and he resisted arrest. Pegram was taken into custody, after sustaining minor injuries. He was taken to an area hospital, where he remains under State Police guard.

No firearms were found in the stolen vehicle being driven by Pegram. No one else was in the vehicle with him.

No citizens or police officers were injured in the incident. The suspect is expected to be treated and released. Upon his release, he will be taken to the Harford County Central Booking Center where he will have an initial appearance before a court commissioner.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the pursuit included the Harford County Sheriff's Office, Baltimore County Police Department, both patrol and air units, the US Marshal's Service, and state troopers from the Bel Air and JFK Memorial Highway barracks.

Questions regarding why Pegram was originally wanted should be referred to the US Marshal's Service. The investigation is continuing.
www.wtvr.com

Murder Trial Postponed

SNOW HILL — The trial for the man charged with the death of Christine Sheddy was postponed this morning.

A motion filed by the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office stated that outstanding DNA evidence was not available to prosecutors nor the defense 30 days prior to the trail dates, as is required.

Judge Thomas C. Groton III granted the motion, citing other factors, such as State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby having only been in office for five weeks as reasons to push the trial date to June.

Justin Michael Hadel was charged with first-degree murder in the case, after Sheddy, a 27-year-old mother of two, went missing in November of 2007.

www.delmarvanow.com

Two Arrested For Burglary and Related Charges

POCOMOKE CIT>, Md.- Two Pocomoke City men are facing burglary and related charges after being accused of stealing copper from 11 different locations throughout the city.

Pocomoke City police say that on Friday, Jan. 28, an officer on patrol in 800 block of Clarke Avenue observed two men carrying copper tubing in a bed sheet. Authorities say that when the pair noticed the officer, they abandoned the copper and entered a home.

The officer located both suspects, who after questioning were arrested for stealing copper from the following locations in Pocomoke City between November 2010 and January 2011:

• 109 Willow St.



• 618 Clarke Ave.



• 508 Market St.



• 406 2nd St.



• 600 Young St.



• 812 Clarke Ave.



• 714 5th St.



• 405 5th St.



• 622 Cedar St.



• 407 Market St.



• 606 2nd St.

The suspects, identified as 45-year-old Kevin Roger Fisher (top) and 51-year-old Edgeforth Waters,(below) were charged with several counts of burglary, theft and malicious destruction of property. They are being held in lieu of $15,000 bond each.

www.wboc.com

Thefts From Unsecured Cars In Pocomoke

I found this article in the Salisbury Daily Times yesterday:

"POCOMOKE CITY — Police say they are investigating four reported incidents of thefts from "unsecured" cars on Jan. 20.

The thefts occurred in the areas of Cedar Street, Lynnhaven Drive and Walnut Street, police said.

Items taken include iPods, MP3 players, wallets and loose change, according to police.

Anyone with information on these thefts is asked to contact the Pocomoke City Police Department at 410-957-1600."

Come on Pocomoke people!! Unless you live under a rock you KNOW that this is happening frequently around Pocomoke. And it's not just in Pocomoke! It's everywhere. No matter where you live or who you are there is always someone that wants what you have and will take it with a clear conscience!

STOP!! being enablers and lock your car no matter how long you will be away from it. Lock your things in the trunk or take them with you. This has been said over and over again. Remember: If it's something you wanted and you bought it chances are those things are what others want to. They just don't mind stealing.

So stop making their job easy. But keep in mind a few weeks ago there was someone in the area opening locked cars with a slim jim.

Be on the lookout for this thief.

Worcester County District Court

The following cases were heard in Worcester County District Court in Snow Hill by Judge Gerald V. Purnell on Jan. 7 and Jan. 11.

Patricia Jean Celmer, 26, of the 10000 block of Pin Oak Drive, Berlin, was charged with theft of less than $100 and theft of less than $100. The verdict was probation before judgment for the first charge. Nol pros was entered for the second charge.

Elizabeth Yvonne Jean, 19, of the 75000 block of Baringer Drive, California, Md., was charged with possession of intoxicating beverage under 21 years of age. Nol pros was entered.

Kennth Walkefield Davis Jr., 72, of the 900 block of Waterview Drive, Crownsville, Md., was charged with theft of less than $100. Nol pros was entered.

Denise Michelle Williams, 41, of the 11000 block of Back Creek Road, Bishopville, was charged with two counts of fraud -- per identification info theft, forgery -- private documents and theft of less than $1,000 value. For all charges, the verdict was not guilty.

Daniel A. Savage, 33, of the 7000 block of Tull Street, New Church, Va., was charged with violating exparte/protective order. The charge was placed on the stet docket.

Van Eugene Byrd, 57, whose last known address was the 400 block of Bank Street, Pocomoke City, was charged with robbery, theft of $500 plus value, assault second degree, sex offense fourth degree and two counts of malicious destruction of property valued at more than $500. For all charges, the verdict was abated by death.

Whitney Nicole Smith, 22, of the 500 block of Bay Street, Berlin, was charged with assault second degree. The verdict was not guilty.

Taneka Brittingham, no date of birth listed, of the 100 block of Branch Street, Berlin, was charged with assault second degree. The verdict was not guilty.

Mark James Bell, 47, of the 11000 block of Back Creek Road, Bishopville, was charged with assault second degree and reckless endangerment. The verdict was not guilty for both charges.

Kimberly Joy Hinkley, 44, of the 11000 block of Back Creek Road, Bishopville, was charged with assault second degree and reckless endangerment. The verdict was not guilty for both charges.

Bucky Ray Reed Jr., 19, of the 7000 block of Old Ocean City Road, Whaleyville, was charged with possession of marijuana. The charge was placed on the stet docket.

Jeff Murgatroyd, no date of birth listed, of the 50 block of Castle Drive, Berlin, was charged with acting as contractor without license and failure to perform contract. Nol pros was entered for both charges.

Sergio Adrian Fuentes, 23, of the 500 block of Monticello Avenue, Salisbury, was charged with assault second degree and false statement to officer. Nol pros was entered for both charges.

Paul Somers, 34, of the 6000 block of George Island Landing Road, Stockton, was charged with assault second degree, malicious destruction of property valued at less than $500, dangerous weapon with intent to injure, handgun in vehicle and reckless endangerment. Nol pros was entered for all charges.

Eric Michael Lawbaugh, 20, of the 300 block of Bay Avenue, Prince Frederick, Md., was charged with possession of alcoholic beverage under 21. Nol pros was entered.

Eric Michael Lawbaugh, 20, of the 300 block of Bay Avenue, Prince Frederick, Md., was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance -- not marijuana, controlled dangerous substance remove/alter required label, driving at speed exceeding the limit at 83 mph in a 55 mph zone, attempt by driver to elude uniformed police by means other than failure to stop and fleeing on foot, attempt by driver to elude uniformed police by failing to stop, attempt by driver to elude police in official police vehicle by failing to stop, driving on revoked license and privilege, reckless driving, negligent driving, failure to obey properly placed traffic control device instructions and driving at speed exceeding limit at 106 mph in a 55 mph zone. Nol pros was entered for all but the first and seventh charges. The verdict was guilty for the first charge and merged for the seventh charge.

Labronte Lamont Lewis, 19, of the 600 block of Hammond Street, Salisbury, was charged with two counts of theft of less than $100, resist/interfere with arrest, assault second degree and theft of less than $100. The verdict was probation before judgment for the first charge and merged for the third charge. Nol pros was entered for all other charges.

Benjamin Eley Travis, 42, of the 11000 block of Newport Bay Drive, Berlin, was charged with bad check/pass/stop pay $500 and up and theft of $1,000 to under $10,000. Nol pros was entered for both charges.

Julian Andres Bautist Carreno, 28, of the 10000 block of Keyser Point Road, Ocean City, was charged with burglary fourth degree. The verdict was probation before judgment.

Joseph Ralph Frontera, 41, of the 600 block of Ocean Parkway, Berlin, was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance -- not marijuana and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia. The verdict was merged for the first charge. Nol pros was entered for the second charge.

www.worcestercountytimes

Arrest Made For Breaking and Entering Into New Church Business

According to Major Todd Godwin, on Thursday, January 13 at approximately 1:07 a.m., the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a call regarding an alarm at the Bargain Barrel in New Church which was found to be the result of an actual breaking & entering.

When deputies arrived at the location, they discovered the suspect to be still inside the building at which time a perimeter was established around the business. Further investigation revealed that the suspect was in possession of stolen merchandise and the property was recovered by the Accomack County Sheriff's Office as the suspect was apprehended on the scene.

Douglas Edward Waters, age 42 of Pocomoke, MD, was arrested on charges of Breaking & Entering and Grand Larceny. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail in lieu of a $3500 bond.

The Accomack County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Virginia State Police and the Chincoteague Police Department.

www.shoredailynews.com

Northampton County Circuit Court Sentences

Northampton County Circuit Court was in was in session yesterday and the following sentences were handed down:

Lavar Arthur Washington of Exmore was sentenced to five years imprisonment for two counts of breaking and entering and three counts of grand larceny. Washington will also be under supervised probation upon his release.

Arthur Lavern Moore of Exmore was sentenced to 3 years and 10 days imprisonment for a 3rd offense DUI, 3rd offense driving on a suspended license, felony eluding and reckless driving.
www.shoredailynews.com

Arrest Made By Accomack County Sheriff's Dept. In Corner Mart Robbery

According to Major Todd Godwin of the Accomack County Sheriffs Office, on October 28, 2010 at approximately 10:19 PM, the Accomack County Sheriffs Office received a report of an armed robbery that occurred at the Corner Mart convenience store in Wattsville, Virginia. Based on witness accounts, 3 suspects entered the store and robbed the clerk of an undisclosed amount of money and property.

On November 17, 2010, Denzel Maurice Timmons of Pocomoke City, Maryland was charged with 2 counts of Robbery and 2 counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony relating to this crime as well as his involvement in the October 10, 2010 robbery that occurred at the Oak Hall Corner Mart convenience store. Timmons is currently incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

The investigation into these crimes is continuing and further arrests are pending.
www.shoredailynews.com

Police Still Searching For Teen Wanted In Shooting

DOVER, Del.- Police in Delaware nearly captured an 18-year-old man believed to have fired shots at a Maryland state trooper, but he was able to run away.

Authorities had been looking for Wyatt A. Young of Hebron, Md., who allegedly fired at the trooper Friday. At around 7:40 p.m. Sunday, however, police say they stopped Young, who was allegedly driving a stolen car on SR#1 in the area of Bayview Road in Middletown. After the vehicle was stopped, Young fled on foot.

Police used dogs and helicopters to search for Young until Monday morning, when they scaled back the search effort. Young is described as white, 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone who spots Young or knows of his whereabouts is asked to call 911. Citizens may also contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or provide tips online at http://www.tipsubmit.com/ or contact the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack at (410) 749-3101.

When captured, Young will face attempted murder and related charges.

www.wboc.com

Court Cases

Court cases heard in Accomack County.

Salvador Hernandez, 26, of Parksley, was found guilty of possession of cocaine. A presentence report has been ordered.

John Waldner, 28, of Chincoteague, was found guilty of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. He was given a 12-month suspended sentence, a $100 fine and given community service.

Jernell Pettit, 19, of Nelsonia, was found guilty of robbery and the use of a firearm in commission of a robbery. A presentence report has been ordered.

Randall Moricle, 18, of Assawoman, was found guilty of grand larceny. A presentence report has been ordered.

Cassandra Jones, 38, of Pocomoke City, Md., was sentenced to three years with all time suspended, ordered to pay restitution and given probation for welfare fraud.

John Tucker, 28, of Onancock, was sentenced to five years each for burglary and grand larceny with all but three years suspended, to run concurrently.

Harvion Simpkins, 23, of Onancock, was sentenced to five years for carnal knowledge. He also was convicted of misdemeanor sexual abuse and given 12 months; to run concurrently, with all but nine months suspended.

Heath Edwards, 42, of Temple, Pa., was found guilty of malicious maiming. A presentence report has been ordered.

Charles Tyler Jr., 34, of Onancock, was sentenced to 20 years with 15 years suspended for embezzlement.

Milton Faison, 28, of Nassawadox, was sentenced to 20 years, with all but five years suspended, to run concurrently with a 55-year sentence in Northampton Circuit Court. His Accomack convictions include armed burglary, attempted robbery, and use of a sawed-off shotgun.

Herbert Lane, 20, of Exmore, was sentenced to 20 years with all but four years suspended for armed burglary, robbery and use of a sawed-off shotgun.

Sarah Clay, 54, of Oak Hall, was sentenced to 12 months with all suspended for welfare fraud.

Keshawn Savage, 21, of New Church, was found guilty of personal-injury hit-and-run. Sentencing guidelines were ordered.

Spencer Sample, 54, of Painter, was found guilty of burglary and grand larceny. A presentence report has been ordered.

Steve Kilgore, 25, of Exmore, was sentenced to five years each for burglary, attempted robbery, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, for a total active sentence of 20 years.

Lisa Hanscom, 48, of Melfa, was found guilty of embezzlement and was sentenced to five years with all but 10 days suspended.

Gloria Bailey, 45, of Pungoteague, was sentenced to five years with all but three months suspended for welfare fraud.

William Custis, 26, of Accomac, was sentenced to 10 years for shooting at an occupied dwelling and five years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, to run consecutively, combined with a reinstituted sentence from a probation revocation, for a total active sentence of 14 years, six months.

John Reid, 37, of Painter, had his probation revoked and a three-year sentence reimposed.

James Johnson, 37, of Painter, was found guilty of breaking and entering and grand larceny. A presentence report was ordered.

Jonathan Stevens, 27, of Quinby, was found guilty of burglary. Sentencing guidelines were ordered.

Derrick Crockett, 35, of Bloxom, was found guilty of burglary and grand larceny. A presentence report has been ordered.

Laquita Ward, 29, of Atlantic, was found guilty of receiving stolen property. A presentence report has been ordered.

Shawn Scarborough, 39, of Melfa, was found guilty of possession of cocaine and marijuana over one-half ounce but less than five pounds. A presentence report has been ordered.

Tyron Grant, 22, of Belle Haven, was sentenced to three years each for breaking and entering and grand larceny with all but time served suspended. Restitution was ordered and an Assign-A-Highway service given.

Craig Barnes, 31, of Saxis, had his probation revoked and will serve one year, six months.

William Marcel Custis, 26, of Onancock, had his probation revoked and will serve an additional 18 months.

Christopher J. Barcroft, 21 of Nassawadox, had his probation revoked and will serve the remainder of a five years sentence with all but one year suspended.

Joann Ball, 57, of Melfa, was found guilty of possession of cocaine. Sentencing guidelines were ordered.

Randy Hill Jr., 24, of Exmore, was found guilty of possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Sentencing guidelines were ordered.

Troy Rew, 37, of Salisbury, Md., was found guilty of malicious maiming. A presentence report has been ordered.

Samuel Pettit Jr., 38, of Mappsville, was found guilty of obtaining money under false pretenses. A presentence report has been ordered.

Jesse Mariner, 28, of Keller, was found guilty of burglary and grand larceny. Sentencing guidelines were ordered.

Maurice Bivens, 27, of Temperanceville, was found guilty of burglary and three counts of forgery. Sentencing guidelines and an evaluation were ordered.

John Stanley III, 43, of Parksley, was sentenced to first-offender status for a charge of possession of cocaine that will be dismissed after completion of the first-offender program.

Brian Lee Brown, 31, of Horntown, was sentenced to 12 months and fined $100 for possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana.

O.J. Matthews, 28, of Bloxom, was sentenced to three years with all but time served suspended for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and five misdemeanors.

Fairdale Johnson, 34, of Mappsville, was sentenced to 20 years with all but five years suspended for distribution of cocaine.

Richard Copes, 31, of Withams, was sentenced to 20 years on each of three counts of grand larceny, robbery and abduction, to run consecutively, with all but four years suspended, for a total active sentence of 12 years.

Gary Tyler, 41, of Onancock, was sentenced to five years for assault and battery of a police officer.

William Laird, 29, of Tangier Island, was sentenced to five years with all but 2.5 months suspended for possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute.

Christopher Bornaschella, 37, of Chincoteague, who had been found guilty of breaking and entering, grand larceny, attempted breaking and entering and petty larceny. He was sentenced to 20 years each on the felonies and 12 months each on the misdemeanors, with all but time served suspended upon completion of a detention and diversion center program.

Kevin Nock, 47, of Onley, was sentenced to five years with all but two years, two months suspended for third-offense shoplifting.

William Watson, 47, of Onley, was sentenced to five years with all but two years, two months suspended for third-offense shoplifting.

Michael Sample Jr., 25, of Painter, was found guilty of burglary and grand larceny. A presentence report has been ordered.

Gregory Crockett, 46, of Chincoteague, was found guilty of possession of cocaine. He was sentenced to 12 months with all but 30 days suspended and given 100 hours of community service.

Carroll Holland Jr., 42, of Parksley, was found guilty of writing bad checks and was sentence to 12 months with all time suspended.

Corey Bailey, 19, of Eastville, was found guilty of threatening to burn a building and was sentenced to 12 months with all but eight months suspended.

Jessica Boggs, 27, of Nelsonia, was found guilty of welfare fraud. A presentence report has been ordered.

Joshualynn Boggs, 25, of Onancock, was found guilty of assault and battery of a police officer and sentenced to six months.

Prentiss Ayres, 40, of Onley, was sentenced to five years with all but six months suspended for embezzlement.

Dustin Godwin, 23, of Wattsville, had his probation revoked and will serve one year.

Bruce Meilhammer, 18, of Chincoteague, was found guilty of three counts of grand larceny and sentenced to 90 days with all but time served suspended, to run concurrently, and ordered to pay restitution.

Kerwin Mears, 26, of Accomac, was sentenced to 10 years with seven years suspended and ordered to pay a $500 fine for second offense possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and second-offense possession of marijuana.

Kenneth Simpkins Jr., 26, of Greenbush, was sentenced to 10 years with eight years, seven months suspended for distribution of cocaine.

Bruce Johnson, 52, of Mappsville, was sentenced to 10 years with seven years suspended for possession of cocaine. He also had probation revoked and one year added to his sentence.

Louis Sample Jr., 49, of Accomac, had probation revoked and a three-year sentence reimposed.

Keith Parker, 42, of Onley, was found guilty of petty larceny and was sentenced to 12 months with all but 30 days suspended.

Yolanda O. Bundick, 35, of Painter, was found guilty of two counts of uttering and was sentenced to 10 years on each, with all suspended except for 3 years, 4 months.

Cathy Jones, 45, of Onancock, was found guilty of welfare fraud and bad checks. A presentence report has been ordered.

Rory Tomlin, 19, of Melfa, was sentenced to four years and given youthful offender status for attempted robbery, maliciously shooting at an occupied vehicle and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

Davon Davis, 21, of Painter, was sentenced to four years and given youthful offender status for attempted burglary, attempted robbery and use of a sawed-off shotgun.

Anthony Turner, 33, of Painter, was sentenced to 10 years with all but 1 year, 8 months suspended for distribution of cocaine.

Jason Rienerth, 20 of Onancock, had his probation revoked.

Northampton Circuit Court

Northampton Circuit Court reported the following sentences over the last few weeks.

Terry Wayne McGee Jr. age 34 of Newport News was sentenced to 5 years for forgery, 12 months for using a false idenity, 5 years for receiving stolen property, and 12 months for driving on a suspended license.

William Jerome Reid, Jr. of Machipongo age 31 of Machipongo received 1 year of a previous sentence for possesion of more than one half ounce but less than 5 pounds of marijuana.

Reid also had probation revoked revoked on an original charge of distribution or cocaine. One year of the original sentence was reimposed .

Brian Dewayne Johnson, 31 of Tasley had probation revoked on an original charge of 2 counts of uttering and 2 counts of forgery. The original sentenced was reimposed and suspended except for time served.

Deshaun Lamont Corney of Birdsnest age 41 pled guilty 2 counts of robbery entering in the nighttime with a deadly weapon; malicious wounding; displaying a firearm in a threatening manner during a robbery. The sentence was continued pending a pre-sentence report.

Northampton County Court

Northampton County Commonwealth Attorney Bruce Jones reports the following cases were heard in Northampton Countys Circuit Court:

Brian Christopher Brittingham, 27 of Exmore, was sentenced to one year six months imprisonment for malicious wounding.

Leston Everton Wright, 23 of Exmore, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for carnal knowledge of an inmate.

Wayne Henry Shrieves, 47 of Melfa, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for carnal knowledge of an inmate.

Dawn Marie Williams, 34 of Cheriton, was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment and supervised probation for driving under the influence of drugs and aggravated involuntary manslaughter.

Steven Lamar Kilgore, 25 of Exmore, was sentenced to 26 years imprisonment for two counts of robbery, use of a firearm during commission of a robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, breaking &entering while armed with a deadly weapon and possession of a sawed-off shotgun. Kilgore also had probation revoked on the original charge of grand larceny.

Gerald Lee Evans, 29 of Cheriton, pled guilty to grand larceny.
www.shoredailynews.com

Accomack County Court

Accomack County Commonwealths Attorney Gary Agar Reports the following cases were heard in Accomack Countys Circuit Court:

Cathy Jones, 45 of Onancock, was found guilty of welfare fraud and passing bad checks.

Rory Tomlin, 19 of Melfa, was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment and a youthful offender program for attempted robbery, maliciously shooting at an occupied vehicle and use of a firearm.

Davon Davis, 21 of Painter, was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment and a youthful offender program for armed burglary, attempted robbery and use of a sawed off shotgun.

Anthony Turner, 33 of Painter, was sentenced to one year imprisonment for distribution of cocaine.

Jason Rienerth, 20 of Onancock, had probation revoked on the original charges of attempted burglary, grand larceny and burglary.
www.shoredailynews.com

Northampton County Court

Northampton County Commonwealth's Attorney Bruce Jones reports that on Monday, October 18, the following cases were heard in Northampton County's Circuit Court:

William Marcel Custis, 26 of Onancock, had probation revoked on the original charges of stealing a firearm. Custis will serve out an 18 month prison sentence that was suspended.

Christopher J. Barcroft, 21 of Nassawadox, had probation revoked on the original charges of stealing a firearm. Barcroft will serve the 5 year prison sentence that was suspended.

Milton Darnell Faison, who was arrested in connection with 3 robberies, was sentenced to 55 years imprisonment for robberies at Rene's Exxon, La Hacienda and B&B Market. He was convicted of breaking and entering while armed with a deadly weapon, robbery, use of a sawed off shotgun and use of a firearm during the commission of a robbery.

Davon Lamar Davis, 21 of Painter, was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment with all suspended but 4 years conditioned on entry into and successful completion of the Youthful Offender Program. Davis was convicted of 2 counts of robbery, use of a sawed-off shotgun and breaking and entering while armed with a deadly weapon.

Sherri Parks, 33 of Willis Wharf, was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with all suspended but time served for breaking and entering, grand larceny and petit larceny.

Ashley Nicole Cummings, 20 of Painter, was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment suspended but time served and restitution for breaking and entering, grand larceny and petit larceny.
www.shoredailynews.com

Hampton Man Gets Life Sentence And Rambles On For 100 Minutes

HAMPTON — Just before defendants are about to be sentenced, the judge asks them if they want to say anything.

Most times, defendants opt to say nothing. But sometimes, what follows is perhaps a brief plea for mercy, an apology to the family, or an assertion of innocence.

But John Anya-Onwuka — being sentenced in Hampton Circuit Court Monday for murder in the slaying of his ex-wife — rambled for more than an hour and a half. The hand-written statement began with being in his mother's womb.

A court reporter had difficulty transcribing Anya-Onwuka's words, due to his low tone and thick Nigerian accent. Judge Wilford Taylor Jr. even took a short recess to "stretch."

But after the statement — which lasted from about 4:20 p.m. to just before 6 p.m. — Taylor sentenced Anya-Onwuka, 50, to life in prison in the murder, plus three years for using a knife in a felony in the slashing death of his ex-wife, Gloria Anya-Onwuka, in 2006. The couple was divorced, but lived together in the upscale Farmington subdivision.

"It's the first time I had a defendant give his entire life story at that point in the case," said Anya-Onwuka's court-appointed lawyer, Stephen J. Weisbrod. Then again, he was also the first client who ever pleaded guilty to first-degree murder without a plea agreement.

Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Anton Bell twice objected to the statement while Anya-Onwuka was reading it. But Taylor declined to stop him.

The Daily Press reporter could not hear much of the statement, but Bell said the gist was: "Everybody was bad, and he was a saint." Bell said Anya-Onwuka never apologized to his ex-wife's family, including her mother who traveled from Nigeria for the hearing.

Weisbrod said he apologized "in a roundabout way."

During Monday's testimony, the victim's brother, Emeka Renner, glared at Anya-Onwuka in court, saying: "I want to know why you did what you did. That was a defenseless woman."

Weisbrod said the statement tends to show Anya-Onwuka is mentally ill. Taylor denied Weisbrod's motion before the sentencing to have Anya-Onwuka evaluated for a third time.
www.wtkr.com

Somerset County Arrests

REVOKED LICENSE. David Alan Widdowson, 48, of Pocomoke City was issued a citation for driving on a revoked and suspended license on Oct. 5 by Somerset deputies. Deputies rersponded to the area of Whitehaven Ferry road regarding a car in the ditch, and found Widdowson to be the driver. Widowson was released after signing citations.

FAILURE TO APPEAR. Richard Nathaniel Armstrong, 42, of Salisbury was taken into police custody on Oct. 5 by Somerset deputies on a warrant for failure to appear in court. Armstrong was later held on a $500.00 bond.

FAILURE TO APPEAR. Ernest Wells, 40, of Princess Anne was taken into police custody on Oct. 6 by Somerset deputies on a warrant for failure to appear in court. Wells was held on a $500.00 bond.

DRUGS. Robert William Handy, 48, of Crisfield was taken into police custody on a Circuit Court indictment for drug possession - not marijuana and narcotics possession with intent to distribute on Oct. 11 by Somerset deputies. Handy was later held on a $75,000 bond.

DRUGS. Clifton Ricardo Fields, 34, of Crisfield was taken into custody on a Circuit Court indictment for drug possession - not marijuana and narcotics possession with intent to distribute on Oct. 11 by Somerset deputies. Fields was later held on a $75,000 bond.

FAILURE TO APPEAR. Quinton Jerome Bailey, 27, of Princess Anne was taken into police custody on Oct. 12 by Somerset deputies on a warrant for failure to appear in court. Bailey was later released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

PROBATION VIOLATION. Gregory Davis Sterling Jr., 28, was taken into custody by Somerset deputies on Oct. 12 on a bench warrant for violation of probation. Sterling was later held without bond.

FAILURE TO APPEAR. Kenneth Martin Stachowski Jr., 45, of Princess Anne was taken into police custody on Oct. 13 by Somerset deputies on a warrant for failure to appear in court. Stachowski was later released after posting a $500.00 bond.

SUSPENDED LICENSE. Larry Kefford Linton, 40, of Pocomoke City was issued a citation for driving on a suspended out of state drivers license on Oct. 13 by Somerset deputies. Linton was later released after signing citations pending trial.

SUSPENDED LICENSE. Stacey Paulette Holden of Withams Virginia was issued a citation for driving on a suspended out of state license on Oct. 13 by Somerset deputies. Holden was later released after signing citations pending trial.

SUSPENDED REGISTRATION. Elizabeth Anne Cullen, 31, of Marion was issued a citation for driving on a suspended registration on Oct. 13 by Somerset deputies. The Maryland Motor Vehicle placed a police pick up order on the tags for insurance violations. Cullen was later released after signing citations pending trial.

www.delmarvanow.com

Trial Set For Steven Molin- Son Accused In Mother's Death

SNOW HILL -- A man charged with murdering his mother by hitting her with a van on a rural Worcester road has pleaded not guilty, and is set to have a jury trial on Jan. 4.

Steven Molin, a 58-year-old man from Darby, Pa., was charged after allegedly running over his 85-year-old mother, Emily Belle Molin, with a large work van on Carey Road on Aug. 31.

Police were alerted to the crime when Molin called 911 around midnight to report a serious motor vehicle accident, according to officers from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation.

Molin later told police he and his mother were riding in his vehicle, which he was driving, when his mother fell out. He told police once he realized she had fallen, he stopped and drove in reverse.

Accident reconstruction specialists looking at the scene were able to tell the elderly woman had been driven over two to three times, police said.

Based on his interview with police and the forensic evidence from the scene, Molin was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder and manslaughter. He is being held without bond in Worcester County Jail.

Worcester County State's Attorney Joel Todd said he is not seeking the death penalty for Molin if he is convicted. Under Maryland law, to press for a sentence of death there must be "aggravating circumstances," such as a robbery or rape, which are not present in this case, Todd said.

Burton Anderson, assistant public defender for Worcester County, is representing Molin. "Because the case is pending before the court, it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment," Anderson said.

Court records show the Public Defender's Office has filed several motions to prepare Molin's defense, including one seeking a transcript of the 911 call made by Molin, as well as copies of all police photographs taken at the scene.

The Public Defender's Office has also filed routine motions to receive pre-trial documents and evidence, including the name and address of each person the state intends to call as a witness, and the criminal history of anyone the state intends to call as a witness or who has been viewed as a suspect.

www.delmarvanow.com