STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE MURDER IN PORT DEPOSIT

Maryland State Police
02/17/2014

(PORT DEPOSIT, MD) – The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is investigating the death of a Cecil County man found dead in his home in Port Deposit.

 The victim is identified as Vincent M. Robertson, 47, of the unit-block of Green Lane, Port Deposit in Cecil County, Maryland. Emergency medical service personnel pronounced Robertson dead at the scene.
At approximately 11:00 a.m. this morning, troopers from the North East Barrack received a 9-1-1call to assist paramedics with an unknown medical situations at a residence on Green Lane. Upon arrival, troopers made contact with emergency medical personnel, who advised a deceased male was inside the residence. The deceased later identified as Robertson appeared to have suffered at least one gunshot wound.

 Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and initiated an investigation with continuing assistance from investigators from the Criminal Enforcement Division. The Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office has been notified and will be briefed throughout the investigation.

 Maryland State Police investigators and crime scene technicians from the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division responded to the scene to gather and process items of evidential value. The victim’s body will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy.

 Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses. No one else was injured in the apparent shooting.

  The investigation continues.

Field Notes By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

 

Week 6 February 10-14, 2014

 

Monday Evening Session:

Bills introduced on First Reader

Our annual Lincoln Day Address was given by Delegate Herb McMillan (R-Anne Arundel)

 

 

Tuesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:

 

HB-311 would require the courts, upon request of the State’s Attorney, to indicate whether or not a crime should be designated as “gang related”. There was much discussion on the need to see this designation applied.

 

HB-312 would include Parking Enforcement Officers under the statute which provides a felony charge for 2nd Degree Assault as in the case with law enforcement officers. We heard from several officers that have been seriously assaulted committed against them while they were performing their duties in issuing citations.

 

HB-342 would provide protection from civil or criminal prosecution if someone reports a drug/alcohol overdose when they otherwise might be charged based upon evidence of drug use or alcohol violations at the scene of the incident. This is said to be a “good Samaritan bill”. We heard testimony from family members of those who died as a result of a drug/alcohol overdose when the incident was not reported. It is in the same posture as HB-425. I asked how far the immunity would be extended under these circumstances and the response seems that it is unclear in the both bills.

 

HB-358 would direct the Governor’s Office of Crime Control to develop a training program to address human trafficking in Maryland.

 

HB-362 would insure that certain employees and volunteers in the public schools would fall under the statute that prohibits sexual contact with a minor. It would designate certain persons as “person in a position of authority” at a school that could be deemed not to be included under this law. The bill is in a similar posture as HB-781.

 

HB-410  would allow a person convicted of a non-violent misdemeanor to file for an Expungement of the offense after 2-years if the person has no previous criminal record. This bill goes way beyond the concept of “shielding” a record (certain exceptions applied for public safety concerns). We heard more testimony against this bill rather than for it to be adopted.

 

HB-416 would provide immunity to specified persons who seek medical assistance while experiencing alcohol or drug-related overdose.

 

HB-425 would provide protection from civil or criminal prosecution if someone reports a drug/alcohol overdose when they otherwise might be charged based upon evidence of drug use or alcohol violations at the scene of the incident. This is said to be a “good Samaritan bill”. We heard testimony from family members of those who died as a result of a drug/alcohol overdose when the incident was not reported. It is in the same posture as HB-342. I asked how far the immunity would be extended under these circumstances and the response seems that it is unclear in the both bills.

 

HB-491 is another “Revenge Porn” bill. We have seen multiple bills this session which seek to make it illegal for a person to distribute sexually explicit photos or video of another without their permission.

 

HB-552 would grant certain police powers to the law enforcement staff currently serving the Anne Arundel Community College. This designation would make them capable of conducting law enforcement practices including the wearing and carrying of firearms and the powers of arrest.

 

HB-599 would alter the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights so that a trial board could not receive evidence that was collected in a way that is contrary to the manner which is stipulated in the LEOBR. It would apply the Exclusionary Doctrine to evidence utilized in these trial boards.

 

HB-646 would extend the Statute of Limitations for the crimes of Solicitation to Commit Murder or Arson to be the same as the underlying crime (no limitation). There were questions raised about having an unlimited time period to address these crimes which may not have resulted in the act actually ever having occurred.

 

HB-781 would insure that certain employees and volunteers in the public schools would fall under the statute that prohibits sexual contact with a minor. It would designate certain persons as “person in a position of authority” at a school that could be deemed not to be included under this law. The bill is in a similar posture as HB-362.

 

Wednesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:

 

HB-195 is another misdemeanor Expungement bill. It would require a person to have committed the misdemeanor crime before they were 35 and 10-years has passed since the crime was committed-they would then be eligible. We will probably see a bill that seeks to shield these types of convictions except for public safety purposes this year.

 

HB-439 would provide that someone serving jury duty could be exempt from service if they are the caregiver for a child under 6, a breastfeeding mother, or is a parent on maternity/paternity leave.

 

HB-568 would allow a court to award “reasonable attorney’s fees” in cases where there is  a civil action which results in the enforcement of the Maryland Constitution or Maryland’s Declaration of Rights.

 

HB-570 would alter the calculation of an estate for a surviving spouse by allowing the election of several options by the surviving spouse.

 

HB-641 would allow for a psychiatrist to break their confidentiality agreement with a patient or former patient when placed under oath in court or if they need to provide information for a peace order hearing. We heard from several representatives of the doctors that it is often in the interest of public safety for them to disclose certain conversations they may have with a patient to prevent harm to another.

 

HB-656 would provide a definition for “serious crime” as it relates to a person being granted Letters of Administration  (which relates to wills and estates). It would prevent the court from assigning a person as such who had been convicted of certain crimes defined in the legislation.

 

HB-726 proposes a Constitutional Amendment that would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from the current age of 70 to age 75.

 

 

Wednesday Afternoon Judiciary Voting Session:

 

Bills Passed: HB-31, HB-147, HB-174, HB-228, HB-364, HB-386 

 

Thursday Morning Session: Bills introduced on First Reader

 

Third Reading Calendar (House Bills) #2

 

HB 222

 

Third Reading Passed (118-3)

 

HB 242

 

Third Reading Passed (121-0)

 

HB 249

 

Third Reading Passed (120-0)

 

HB 285

 

Third Reading Passed (119-1)

 

HB 392

 

Third Reading Passed (121-0)

 

HB 396

 

Third Reading Passed (118-3)
This is the Earmark Bond Bill for $1.5 million for the Sailwinds project in Cambridge. Although this was a technical name change on the project, I do not vote for additional state debt as we are already in over our heads.

 

Third Reading Calendar (House Bills) #3

HB 1

 

Third Reading Passed (117-3)

 

HB 18

 

Third Reading Passed (119-0)

 

HB 121

 

Third Reading Passed (119-0)

 

HB 129

 

Third Reading Passed (121-0)

 

HB 154

 

Third Reading Passed (121-0)

 

HB 178

 

Third Reading Passed (120-0)

 

HB 179

 

Third Reading Passed (120-0)

 

Third Reading Calendar (Senate Bills) #2

 

SB 152

 

Third Reading Passed (117-4)

 

This is the Senate companion Earmark Bond Bill for $1.5 million for the Sailwinds project in Cambridge. Although this was a technical name change on the project, I do not vote for additional state debt as we are already in over our heads.

 

There were no Committee Hearings on Thursday due to weather conditions.

 

Friday Morning Session:

 

Bills introduced on First Reader

 

Learn More »

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gov. Candidate David Craig to Announce Major Tax Cut

 

David Craig to Announce Major Tax Cut 

Who: Maryland Governor Candidate David Craig

What: Major Tax Cut Proposal Press Conference

When: Tuesday, Feb. 18 @ 11:00 AM (note: starts promptly at 11:00 AM)

Where: Governor Calvert House / 58 State Circle,  Annapolis (1st floor ballroom)

RICOCHET GRANTS WISH FOR 15 YEAR OLD MAKE-A-WISH KID...

RICOCHET GRANTS WISH FOR 15 YEAR OLD MAKE-A-WISH KID WITH STAGE 4 BRAIN TUMOR WHO FLEW CROSS COUNTRY JUST TO SURF WITH HER!


Caleb has stage four brain cancer that spread to his spine causing him to use a wheelchair.

 

When Make-A-Wish^® asked what he wished for, he said “I saw this cool dog on ESPN that surfs with kids who are disabled or have special needs, I wish that one day I could surf with her.” His wish was granted on Wednesday, February 12^th.

 

Blowing a kiss to his mom, he was helped from his chair into the ocean and onto the board by Ricochet’s amazing team of water helpers.

 

With Ricochet positioned behind him, she gave him the balance he needed as they were pitched on a number of waves. Caleb’s huge, infectious smile said it all as he flew through the waves feeling a sense of freedom, “It was super fun. I felt almost normal… finally. It felt really good to be free, not worrying about anything and having someone to be my balance”, Caleb said when asked about the experience. 

 

With microphones from several news stations surrounding her, Caleb’s mother Cathy was brought to tears and said “I’m just so happy to see my son happy. Today is a great day for our family.” Everyone on the beach felt the magic of this wish and the electrifying positive energy of Caleb. He is an inspiration.

 

Caleb’s goal is to beat this cancer and tell everyone how he beat it. He believes God has a plan for him and anything is possible. So Ricochet asks if you can please share this inspirational video of his memorable surfing wish http://youtu.be/hxe3EBu5h4g, and also say a prayer for him. You can find Caleb and Ricochet on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/PrayForCaleb and https://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet

 

Ricochet was honored to grant Caleb’s wish and hopes it was an experience he  will remember for years to come.

 

Watch inspirational video http://youtu.be/hxe3EBu5h4g

 

Additional news reports can be seen at these links:

 

Good Morning America
Terminally Ill Boy, Dog Fetch a Wave for Surfing Wish

 

CBS 8 San Diego
Terminally ill teen surfs with Ricochet the dog

ABC 10 News San Diego
Cancer-stricken Caleb Acosta granted wish to surf with Ricochet the surfing dog

Yahoo News
Terminally Ill Teen Wishes to Surf with Ricochet the Dog

 

AOL News
Surfing Dog Grants Teen With Cancer's Wish

Fox 5 San Diego
Surf Dog Makes Teen With Cancer's Wish Come True

NBC San Diego
Dog Helps Teen Cancer Patient Achieve Surfing Dream

Channel 6 the CW
San Diego’s Surfing Dog Grants a Special Wish

Four Arrested In Accomack County’s First Meth Lab Bust (Photos)

William Williams

Accomack County, Va. – Four people were arrested and a home condemned in what is believed to be the first meth lab bust involving a resident of Accomack County.

On Friday, members of the Virginia State Police Clandestine Lab Team executed two search warrants at two residences located in the immediate area of Gargatha Landing Road just south of Nelsonia.

A home located at 17394 Music Circle was condemned by Accomack County Department of Building and Zoning following the raid.

Joanna Strickland

William Allen Williams and Joanna Strickland of Nelsonia were charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, manufacture methamphetamine and manufacture methamphetamine with a child under 15 present in the dwelling.

Investigators say Williams and Strickland lived in the meth house with their three young children. Saturday crime scene tape was left hanging right next to dozens of toys in the front yard.

Victor M. Garced

Victor Manuel Garced and Christian Hope Hemphill were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Investigators say the couple did not live in the meth house, just worked there cooking up drugs. Deputies search their home down the road, but nothing was found.

Williams, Strickland and Garced were all held with bond denied. Hemphill was held on a $10,000.00 secured bond.

Christian Hope Hemphill

Specially equipped and trained members of the Virginia State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration searched and processed the two residences, with support from the Eastern Shore Haz-Mat response team, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management  Services and the Bloxom Fire Department.

No injuries were reported in the raid.  Also assisting in the investigation was Worcester County Sheriff’s Office-Criminal Enforcement Team and the Accomack County Department of Social Services.

Accomack County Sheriff Todd Goodwin urges anyone with information related to any additional methamphetamine labs or other drug information to contact his office at 757-787-1131 or the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force at 757-414-0746.

  Any information you provide will remain confidential.

Source:

In Case You Missed It: David Craig in the News

 

Craig demands O’Malley, Brown release health exchange costs

The Daily Record 2.10.14
“I am dumbfounded that legislators should even have to ask how much this thing costs,” said Craig.

http://thedailyrecord.com/2014/02/10/craig-demands-omalley-brown-release-health-exchange-costs/

Health site glitches will extend beyond deadline
The Daily Record 2.10.14

Before the hearing, Harford County Executive David R. Craig called on Gov. Martin J. O’Malley and Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown to release figures on how much the site has cost taxpayers.

http://thedailyrecord.com/2014/02/10/health-site-glitches-will-extend-beyond-deadline/

 

David Craig on Midday with Dan RodricksWYPR 2.10.14

“The press is reporting that Maryland’s exchange costs anywhere from $100 to $200 million – taxpayers don’t know what this is costing them.”

http://programs.wypr.org/podcast/david-craig-mon-feb-10-12-1-pm

Candidate Volunteers to Pay Tab for Obamacare SnafuWND 1.31.14
What David Craig, the Harford County executive, is volunteering to cover is the damages to a Seattle business whose telephone number improperly was listed on the state’s broken Obamacare website.

http://www.wnd.com/2014/01/candidate-volunteers-to-pay-tab-for-obamacare-snafu/

 

'It's not a lie if you believe it'Baltimore Sun 1.29.14
It's time for a reality check. The rollout of the Affordable Care Act and subsequent Maryland Health Connection website is still a woeful disaster.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-craig-asa-20140129,0,3130815.story

 

Candidate Craig Offers to Pay Seattle Woman for Md. Health Connection Phone ErrorDagger 1.28.14

As State officials dither over whether to reimburse the owner of Seattle Pottery Supply, health care point man and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown remains silent on the issue after refusing to issue an apology for the troubled state exchange in General Assembly hearings.
http://www.daggerpress.com/2014/01/28/candidate-craig-offers-to-pay-seattle-woman-for-md-health-connection-phone-error/

 

David Craig Fixes Obamacare Mess in Marylandcitybizlist 1.28.14

“When people make a mess they usually clean it up and apologize, but our elected officials do neither,” said Craig.
http://baltimore.citybizlist.com/article/david-craig-fixes-obamacare-mess-Maryland

 

Craig offers to pay phone bill for exchange mistakeBaltimore Sun 1.27.14
"The state should have taken the lead on this," said Craig, the Harford County executive. "Hopefully, it's a small amount. If it's a large amount, we'll hold a fundraiser."

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2014-01-27/news/bs-md-pottery-snafu-20140127_1_david-craig-phone-bill-state-call-center

Craig & Haddaway blast emergency Obamacare legislation in MarylandQuinton Report 1.09.14
Craig and Haddaway have before called on the state to let people know that they can use a broker or sign up for insurance directly through a carrier.

http://www.quintonreport.com/2014/01/09/craig-haddaway-blast-emergency-obamacare-legislation-in-maryland/

2014 MUDBOG RACING SCHEDULE

Glad to see that the SNOW HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT will once again be sponsoring a few mudbogs this season!   Thanks so much for the awesome job last year!

Welcome  and thank you to Powellville for sponsoring one mudbog during the 2014 season. 

And as we normally do- mudboggers will be returning to the muddy trenches of where it all began- GUMBORO.

ALSO keep in mind that mudbogging will be held in Crisfield once again.   My favorite place to race!

To advertise, for prices on registering your vehicle OR to read the rules and regulations:
GUMBORO-CRISFIELD MUDBOGS

Recent photos and videos can be found on Facebook:
GUMBORO-CRISFIELD MUDBOGS

Four Arrests Made In Meth Lab Raid

Accomack County and Virginia authorities along with Worcester County Sheriffs Office-Criminal Enforcement Team do another wonderful job working together !!

According to Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin, on February 14, 2014 members of the Virginia State Police Clandestine Lab Team executed two search warrants located in Accomack County as a result of a joint investigation conducted by the Accomack County Sheriffs Office and Eastern Shore Drug Task Force.

Specially equipped and trained members of the Virginia State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration searched and processed two residences located in the immediate area of Gargatha Landing Road just south of Nelsonia, Virginia in what was believed to be the first meth lab investigation involving a resident of Accomack County.

Assisting with the process was the Eastern Shore Haz-Mat response team , Virginia Department of Emergency Management Services and the Bloxom Fire Department.

These agencies were essential in providing decontamination procedures for the officers and occupants that entered the residences.

 The residence located at 17394 Music Circle was condemned by Accomack County Department of Building and Zoning following the completion of the search warrant.

Four individuals have been arrested as a result of this investigation.
William Allen Williams and Joanna Strickland of Nelsonia have both been charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, manufacture methamphetamine and manufacture methamphetamine with a child under 15 present in the dwelling.

Victor Manuel Garced and Christian Hope Hemphill have both been charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
 Williams, Strickland and Garced were all held with bond denied. Hemphill was held on a $10,000.00 secured bond.

Methamphetamine is created utilizing chemicals derived from common household items that can be purchased from local merchants in addition to over the counter medicines that contain pseudoephedrine. The process involves chemical reactions that create toxic fumes that can ignite and/or explode and are extremely hazardous when inhaled.

 No injuries have been reported in relation to this particular investigation.

Also assisting in this investigation was Worcester County Sheriffs Office-Criminal Enforcement Team and the Accomack County Department of Social Services.


Sheriff Godwin urges anyone with information related to any additional methamphetamine labs or other drug information to contact his office at 757-787-1131 or the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force at 757-414-0746.

Any information you provide will remain confidential.
Source:

TIME MACHINE ... 1906, 1970, 1888, 1977, 1939

 
(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)


November, 1906
(Oskosh Daily Northwestern- Oshkosh, Wis.)

BUSINESS SECTION BURNED

Maryland Town is Visited by Destructive Fire

(By Associated Press)

Salisbury, Md., Nov. 20.- The town of Stockton, Worcester County, Md., was visited by a fire last night which destroyed every business house in the place except the Stockton bank. Clarence Parsons, a clerk, was burned to death. The money loss is $60,000, with a small insurance.

January, 1970 (Time Machine archive)

With Pocomoke's 30-member National Guard unit being transferred to Salisbury arrangements had been completed for the city of Pocomoke to take over the Armory building on Second Street. Mayor J. Dawson Clarke said a portion of the building could be new headquarters for the Pocomoke police department. Sgt. Ames Byrd of the Guard said all the state and federal property in the Armory had been relocated to Salisbury.

July, 1888
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac Court House)

A telephone line, extending from Parkers Hotel, Onancock via Tasley to store of G. F. Parker & Co., Accomac C. H., will be put in operation shortly. Application has been made to Board of Public Works of Va., for permission to erect same which will of course be granted. The poles are being prepared. The enterprise originates with Messrs. Benj. T., Wm. H., Geo. F. Parker and the line will be owned by them. It will be a great convenience to the public and hope our enterprising citizens will reap the rewards they deserve from same.

February, 1977
(Salisbury Times)

Seniors Get Credit For Extra Work

POCOMOKE CITY - William T. McComb, principal of Pocomoke High School, has announced that seniors enrolled in the Advanced Placement Program, a program of earning college credit while enrolled in high school, have earned a total of 173 semester hour credits at Salisbury State College and the University Of Maryland Eastern Shore, for the fall semester.

Courses taken by the students were English composition, Western civilization, biology and calculus. The courses are taught by faculty members at Pocomoke High School and the examinations are prepared and graded by the college professors.

A savings of $4,000 in tuition fees has been realized by these students because of the Advance Placement Program. During the past one and one-half years, a total of 427 college credits has been earned by the seniors at Pocomoke High School in this program.

Seniors currently enrolled in the Advance Placement Program are: Nick Chamberlain, Jeff Dorman, Donald Geer, John Hayman, Bryan Kragler, Steve Manion, Melvin McBrick, Cheryl Aydelotte,Susan Denston, Carey Gaddis, Suzzane Hilditch, Dawn Hughes, Becky Lowe, Sharon Lusby, Mellissa Matzner, Kathy Morgan, Norma Outten, Geramaine Smith, Karen Smith, Paula Ward, Beebe Eatson, Karen Young. 
 
April, 1939
San Antonio Light (San Antonio, Texas)

MARYLAND BEATEN BISCUITS

THEY PREPARED 'EM WITH AN AXE

When I was a young girl, I lived on the Eastern shore of Maryland, where they make the famous Maryland beaten biscuits," writes Mrs. Mildred Newcomb, Medford, Mass. "Every Saturday morning about 8 a.m. you could hear the thump, thump, as the folks started beating their biscuits. Each family had a biscuit block. It was like the meat block you see in butcher shops, only a little smaller. "The biscuit dough was placed on a clean towel on the block and beaten with an axe. When the dough was beaten out flat, it was folded up again, and again, and beaten for 20 minutes, until you could hear the dough snap and crackle. Then the dough, nice and snappy, was made into small, round biscuits, your wrist gave them a little push and dented the top. They were then pricked on the top with a fork and baked in a moderate oven for 45 minutes. "They looked lovely and were delicious to eat and would keep perfectly fresh a long time."

 Water—use as little as possible
  8 cups sifted flour
  1 cup nice, fresh hog lard
  about 1/2 tablespoon salt (maybe a little more) 

 (No leavening of any kind was used in the test kitchen, as the beating is what makes the biscuits light.—Mary Lee Swann)

Thanks to the PPE reader who corrected a name mentioned in last week's 1966 article about the three Thompsons in the Pocomoke City police department.  Lee Ray Thompson is the corrected name.
 
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1906.. Fire claims most Stockton businesses; 1970.. A new role coming for Pocomoke City's armory building; 1888.. A telephone line to connect two buildings betweem Accomack County towns; 1977.. These Pocomoke High School seniors are earning college credits; 1939.. Maryland beaten biscuits, "They prepared em' with an axe" (recipe included).

Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye.

Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Possible Meth Lab In Gargatha, Virginia

Possible Meth Lab Being Investigated 
Friday, February 14, 2014

The Accomack County Sheriffs Office and a hazardous materials team Friday launched an investigation that may uncover Accomack's first methamphetamine lab.

According to Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin, the investigation is taking place at a mobile home on Music Circle, near Gargatha Landing Road.

The discovery was made when a search warrant was executed early Friday morning.

If confirmed, it would be the first discovered meth lab in Accomack County.
 
The Eastern Shore Regional Haz-Mat Team ed decontaminatd the scene before investigators could begin their work.

The investigation is expected to continue and no further information will be made available at the is time.


In addition to the Sheriffs Office and the hazmat team, Bloxom Volunteer Fire Company responded with a fire truck and an ambulance at the scene.
Source:

CHANGE YOUR PASSWORDS !

Change your passwords: Comcast hushes, minimizes serious hack
Are you a Comcast customer? Please change your password.

On February 6, NullCrew FTS hacked into at least 34 of Comcast's servers and published a list of the company's mail servers and a link to the root file with the vulnerability it used to penetrate the system on Pastebin.

Comcast, the largest internet service provider in the United States, ignored news of the serious breach in press and media for over 24 hours — only when the Pastebin page was removed did the company issue a statement, and even then, it only spoke to a sympathetic B2B outlet.

During that 24 hours, Comcast stayed silent, and the veritable "keys to the kingdom" sat out in the open internet, ripe for the taking by any malicious entity with a little know-how around mail servers and selling or exploiting customer data.

Comcast customers have not been not told to reset their passwords. But they should.

Once NullCrew FTS openly hacked at least 24 Comcast mail servers, and the recipe was publicly posted, the servers began to take a beating. Customers in Comcast's janky, hard-to-find, 1996-style forums knew something was wrong, and forum posts reflected the slowness, the up and down servers, and the eventual crashing.

The telecom giant ignored press requests for comment and released a limited statement on February 7 — to Comcast-friendly outlet, broadband and B2B website Multichannel News.

The day-late statement failed to impress the few who saw it, and was criticized for its minimizing language and weak attempt to suggest that the breach had been unsuccessful.

From Comcast's statement on Multichannel's post No Evidence That Personal Sub Info Obtained By Mail Server Hack:

Comcast said it is investigating a claim by a hacker group that claims to have broken into a batch of the MSO email servers, but believes that no personal subscriber data was obtained as a result.

"We're aware of the situation and are aggressively investigating it," a Comcast spokesman said. "We take our customers' privacy and security very seriously, and we currently have no evidence to suggest any personal customer information was obtained in this incident."

Not only is there a high probability that customer information was exposed — because direct access was provided to the public for 24 hours — but the vulnerability exploited by the attackers was disclosed and fixed in December 2013.

CONTINUE READING...

PRESS RELEASE ~ Delegate Mike McDermott

“Delegate McDermott Proposes a Bill to Help Contractors”

 

February 14, 2014

ANNAPOLIS – A bill sponsored by Delegate Mike McDermott (R – Worcester & Wicomico) will change how permits are issued to contractors and builders by making the process fairer.
 

In Maryland, there is currently no law requiring a permitting office to specify why a particular permit was rejected. The absence of this requirement, according to Delegate McDermott’s testimony, creates a costly back and forth process between the contractor or homeowner applying for the permit and the permitting officials.

 

“This complex permit process goes back and forth, back and forth, often times taking six months to a year to figure out exactly what is wrong with the proposed plans,” said Delegate McDermott at the bill hearing. “What House Bill 213 does is deal with fundamental problems in a regulatory process that makes things way too complex and costly for the people.”

 

 “The unnecessary back and forth process costs people time, and time is money, whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor,” Delegate McDermott continues. “This bill says that if the people are denied a permit, the government must simply tell them why they were denied.”

 

A veteran contractor was also on hand in Annapolis to give testimony of the complex process currently in place. William Schmitt, who has been in the contracting business since 1987, welcomed the changes that Delegate McDermott’s bill would bring.

 

 

“As absurd as it sounds, I can tell you that this is a real problem,” Schmitt said. “During my last encounter trying to get plans approved, I had to go back and forth ten times, and never once did they tell me what specifically I had gotten wrong in my plans.”

 

“There are thousands of regulations,” Schmitt continued. “Knowing exactly which one the permit official is looking for you to correct can be a daunting task.”

 

 “If the government is going to take actions against the citizens of this state and deny them the right to do something on their property, it must simply tell them why,” McDermott concluded.

 

The bill awaits a vote by the Environmental Affairs Committee.