Thursday, April 4, 2013

Missing 13 Year Old Girl

UPDATE:  Girl has been located.

MISSING GIRL
 
Amber Johnson
13 years old
 
Last seen in Pocomoke Md.  getting into a car with 2 African American males.
 She has an eye brow piercing and the right side of her head is shaved.
 
Her parents and Byrdie and Stevie Johnson.
Call 443-397-2448
443-437-7075 
443-397-2518
 
Believe she is headed to Baltimore, Maryland



 

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.


1913.. As an investigation continues into the mysterious death of a young Salisbury woman, article reports she did not die in her office chair but that her body was placed there, plus another revelation is also reported; 1899.. Snow Hill resident is governor-elect; 1968.. Businesses listed in Shop Pocomoke promotion; 1907.. "Public Day" explained; 1994.. Pocomoke City man makes "Pastries For Keeps."
 
Although you may not find 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!

Accomack County Arson Suspect Makes Court Appearance

Tonya S.Bundick
By Sarah Hutchin
The Virginian-Pilot
©
ACCOMACK COUNTY
New details about the couple charged in connection with the latest of a string of arsons emerged Wednesday, and one of the suspects, Tonya S. Bundick, shuffled quietly in front of a judge during her first court appearance.

While an arraignment was postponed for her boyfriend and co-defendant, Charles R. Smith III, court documents revealed that the 38-year-old man had confessed to the fire they are accused of setting Monday night in Melfa.

Documents from previous cases further highlighted Smith's lengthy criminal record and a history of drug addiction. Other records confirmed he had served as a firefighter.

Charles R. Smith


Police arrested the pair near the scene of Monday night's fire on Airport Drive and charged them with arson and conspiracy to commit arson, both felonies.

Authorities recovered a gas can, several pairs of boots, men's coveralls and two laptop computers from their home, according to search warrant documents filed in Accomack County Circuit Court.

According to a checklist for bail determination, Smith was an Eastern Shore native and self-employed, painting and repairing cars.

Rosters from the Tasley Volunteer Fire Company, released by Accomack County to The Pilot under the Freedom of Information Act, show Smith served with the Tasley volunteers from 2002 to 2007. Rosters from 2008 to 2011 list a "Charlie Applegate," not Charles Smith. Police said Smith used "Charles Applegate" as an alias.

Smith's criminal history includes 31 felony convictions, according to court documents.

Smith was convicted of breaking and entering and grand larceny in a 1998 case. He and an acquaintance took tools and guns from homes, later selling the stolen goods for money, according to a written statement from Smith. They used the money to buy crack after at least one of the break-ins, he wrote.

A few years earlier, court records show, Smith was convicted of 24 counts of forgery.

Smith admitted in writing to having a drug problem. A magistrate added a note to the bottom of a bail determination checklist: "I hope he can get help for his drug habit."

Smith went through inpatient and outpatient treatment after his forgery convictions, but a 1996 drug test indicated he had been using cocaine, according to court documents.

Around that time, he lived with friends and family and in an apartment provided by his parents. He worked at several businesses but struggled financially, according to a 1996 letter to Accomack County Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Agar from a probation officer.

After Smith and Bundick were arrested, police said they had been living together as boyfriend and girlfriend on Matthews Road in Parksley. Several people who knew the couple said they were engaged.

Bundick held a certified nursing assistant license from 1991 through 2007. Board of Nursing public records make no note of problems.

Court records showed Bundick is unemployed and has two children.

She and Smith were taken into custody without incident early Tuesday when a state trooper and sheriff's deputy stopped their minivan near the Airport Drive fire, state police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said during a Tuesday news conference.

According to Bundick's arrest warrant, "surveillance units" saw a vehicle drop off an individual at Airport Drive in Melfa. The person set fire to the residence, and a vehicle returned and picked up the person.

That vehicle was stopped, and Bundick was identified as the driver. The passenger, whom police later identified as Smith, gave a statement relating to the additional fires in Accomack County, according to an arrest warrant.

The first suspicious fire was set Nov. 12 in Parksley. Set mostly at night, the fires popped up all over the county - from Painter to Temperanceville to Withams - in subsequent months, sometimes more than one a day. No one was hurt.

Vacant residential and commercial buildings were prime targets in the rural county, which contains more than 600 abandoned structures, police said. The county relies on 600 volunteers and 33 paid full-time fire and paramedic personnel to fight fires.

Police increased patrols and surveillance. Flashing electronic road signs promised a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. State police continue to ask anyone with information to call or text the Accomack County Arson Tip Line at 655-1437.

Pilot writer Margaret Matray contributed to this report.
Source:

Remember Cara? Have A Heart 2013

Remember Cara the dog who had its back leg so injured that it was thought she would have to be put to sleep?   She was taken in by the SPCA Eastern Shore Virginia and the rest is happy history!

 

Matt Holland's Fundraiser:

Have a Heart 2013

 
BENEFITING: SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTATION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
EVENT DATE: Apr 30, 2013
DAYS TO GO: 26
 
THE STORY:
My birthday is less than a month away, and trust me when I say that I don't need anything. I'm up to my eyeballs in unplayed video games. I've got more books to read than I have time to read them, and our house is chock full of stuff that would probably be happier at Goodwill.
This is Cara now.  She was adopted February 15, 2012
KB photo
So, in lieu of all the gifts I know you were dying to shower me with, I'm launching another birthday fundraiser for our favorite SPCA on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where we adopted our three-legged pup, Cara. They're an amazing organization that survives solely by the donations they receive from the community, and I'd like to help them to continue the work that they do to find loving homes for pets who need a second chance at life.

For those who don't know the story, Cara was scheduled to be put to sleep before the SPCA rescued her, because she had (probably) been hit by a car and her back leg was pretty much destroyed.  Yet, the Eastern Shore SPCA saw something special in this crazy little pup, rescued her from animal control, paid for the surgeries she needed, and in the end, they gave us a wonderful addition to our family!


So please considering donating to my fundraiser to help us thank them for all they do. Every little bit helps, and I'm sure Cara would appreciate it, if she understood anything beyond "Sit", "Shake" and "Don't listen to anything I say!  Good dog!"

Please kindly continue reading ...

NASA Commercial Partner New Rocket Rollout April 6

Media Invited to NASA Commercial Partner New Rocket Rollout April 6

Orbital's hotfire test conducted at Wallops Flight Facility on Feb. 22
NASA photo 
WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. -- News media are invited to cover the scheduled Saturday, April 6, morning rollout of Orbital Sciences Corporation's Antares launch vehicle to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport's Pad-0A at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Va.

Orbital is testing the Antares rocket and Cygnus cargo logistics spacecraft under NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. A demonstration flight of Antares and Cygnus to the International Space Station is planned for later this year. Following the successful completion of the COTS demonstration mission to the space station, Orbital will conduct eight cargo resupply flights to the orbiting laboratory through NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract.

The rollout, which is scheduled to begin at about 4:45 a.m. EDT, is in preparation for the launch vehicle's test flight later this month. Pad operations to raise the rocket to a vertical position will begin at about 6 a.m. will take two to three hours to complete. The launch window for Antares' test flight is between April 17 and 19.

Media representatives interested in covering the Antares rollout and pad operations must contact Rebecca Powell at 757-824-1139 or rebecca.h.powell@nasa.gov by 4 p.m., April 5. A media escort will leave Wallops' main gate at 4:30 a.m. for vehicle rollout. Orbital and NASA representatives will be available for comment. All times are tentative, and reporters should contact Wallops for up-to-date information.

NASA initiatives like COTS are helping develop a robust U.S. commercial space transportation industry with the goal of achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation to and from the space station and low-Earth orbit. In parallel, NASA's Commercial Crew Program is working with commercial space partners developing capabilities to launch U.S. astronauts from U.S. soil in the next few years.

For more information about the upcoming test flight, visit:
www.nasa.gov/orbital

Loans To Repair Damage From Hurricane Sandy

Accomack County is applying for funds that will provide loans to lower-income families to repair damage sustained to their by Hurricane Sandy.

 If you would like more information, or to obtain a pre-application for a loan, contact David Annis at 787-2800 Ext. 126.

"Dirty Energy" Spill ~ Homes Evacuated

While some were attending Good Friday services at their church and others were preparing for company coming over the Easter holiday 22 homes in Mayflower, Arkansas were being evacuated. 
Gosh!  Our government was so busy with their other bull crap they somehow simply forgot to inform the public that Exxon Mobile, once again, was losing crude oil into the delicate surroundings of a neighborhood.  And you can't understand what's wrong with the water....


 Exxon pipeline oil spill in Arkansas
By Cassady Sharp

Nearly 12,000 barrels of crude oil spilled out of Exxon Mobil’s Pegasus pipeline into a Mayflower, Arkansas neighborhood causing the evacuation of 22 homes last Friday. The pipeline originates in Patoka, Illinois, and carries crude oil to the Texas Gulf Coast from Western Canada.

President Obama and the State Department can learn an important lesson from this 12,000-barrel pipeline leak.  The TransCanada Keystone pipeline is not a ticket to an energy-independent future, but rather a certain oil spill we cannot afford.

“Despite what oil companies like Exxon want you to believe, oil pipelines leak.  It’s what  they do.  What’s happening in Arkansas right now could be the future for communities from North Dakota to Texas if President Obama approves the Keystone XL pipeline.  



There’s a reason it’s called ‘dirty energy,’ and it’s time we put it behind us.  Let’s stop the spills and move forward with clean energy now,” said Greenpeace US Executive Director Phil Radford.

Continue reading....

Save the Youth Adult Computer Classes

SAVE THE YOUTH
 
 
 
ADULT COMPUTER CLASSES
 
126  Willow Street
Pocomoke City, Maryland
 
Stop by the Save The Youth office on Willow Street  to sign up by April 30, 2013.
 
Office is OPEN 9:00 AM  until 3:00 PM
 

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Delegate Mike McDermott ~ Magazine Restrictions

Delegate McDermott argues against magazine restrictions


Published on Apr 2, 2013

Man Arrested for Possession of Drugs and Weapons

Jerry Lee Hurt
On April 2, 2013, at approximately 6:00 a.m., the Ocean City Police Department and the Worcester County Sherriff’s Criminal Enforcement Team concluded a two year investigation with the serving of multiple search warrants in Ocean City, West Ocean City and Berlin.

The target of the investigation identified as Jerry Lee Hurt, 37, of Edgewood, MD, was located in Ocean City and was eventually arrested pursuant to items recovered by police while executing the search warrants at a Berlin residence. The items included two handguns, oxycodone tablets, crack cocaine, and heroin.

Hurt was charged with the following violations:
  • Possession of heroin
  • Possession of cocaine
  • Possession of oxycodone
  • Possession with intent to distribute heroin
  • Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
  • Possession with intent to distribute oxycodone
  • 2 counts of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense
Hurt was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and held on $100,000 bond. Hurt was transferred to the Worcester County Jail. 

Hurt is currently on parole for a previous drug distribution conviction in Harford County. Additional handgun charges are pending.
 


Submitted:
Ocean City Police Department

Possession Of Hand Gun Gets Man Arrested

On April 2, 2013, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was on patrol in the area of Route 113 and Betheden Church Road, Pocomoke, Maryland, and stopped a vehicle operated by Palphanneilia Urias Pratt, 47, of Norfolk, Virginia, for speeding. 

Upon making contact with Mr. Pratt, the he immediately stated his driver’s license was suspended in Virginia.  The Deputy also observed that Mr. Pratt appeared to be very nervous.

Upon further questioning of Mr. Pratt it was learned that there was a handgun in the trunk area of the vehicle.  Subsequently a search of the vehicle produced a handgun. 

Mr. Pratt was placed under arrest and charged with possession of a handgun. Mr. Pratt was seen by the District Court Commissioner and released on personal recognizance.

Lt. Edward C. Schreier
Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Suspect Sought in Eastern Shore Murder / UPDATE

Gary A. Coble
UPDATE: 

Gary Aaron Coble, 47, of Cape Charles, was arrested Wednesday morning by Northampton deputies, said Sheriff David L. Doughty Jr.

Coble is charged with 1st degree murder, use of a firearm while committing murder, possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony, possession of ammunition after being convicted of a felony.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - Officials say 47-year-old Gary A. Coble of Cape Charles is wanted in connection with the death of an Eastern Shore resident.

An Eastern Shore man's death is being investigated as a homicide, according to the Northampton County Sheriff's Office. Deputies say police were called Sunday morning to a home in the 21000 block of Seaside Road. When investigators arrived, the body of 35-year-old Bryan K. Elliott was found.

David Doughty with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office said Coble is sought on charges of first degree murder, use of a firearm while committing murder, possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony, and possession of ammunition after being convicted of a felony. "To my knowledge they just moved in very recently," neighbor Bryan Sparrow said.

Elliott was living the home with his uncle. Deputies aren't saying how he died but are ruling the death a homicide.

"I'm not sure quite what happened expect I know he was shot," Elliott's friend Robert Morris said.

Elliott's family lives in nearby Cape Charles.

Family says Elliott was a waterman and had a one year old son.

"He was a real good guy," Morris said. "He would do anything for you. One of the best friends I ever had."

This was the first homicide in Northampton County since 2010.

If you have any information on Coble's location, contact deputies at 757-678-0458.

Source:

Please Attend ~ Installation of the Rev. Jeffery T. Howard


Great Meal For A Great Cause! The Delmarva Discovery Center




Join us this Thursday at Ruby Tuesday's in Pocomoke, MD for dinner.

 Print this coupon and enjoy a wonderful meal for a great cause.

Arsonists Bundick and Smith Sit Behind Bars

Tonya S. Bundick
Tonya Bundick, 40 of Parksley, and Charlie Smith, 38 also of Parksley, are in custody at the Accomack County Jail today and have been implicated in the recent arson fires which have plagued the Eastern Shore since the fall.

A grey minivan driven by the couple was pulled over by the Sheriff's Office and Virginia State Police after it was observed dropping off Smith in front of an unoccupied structure on Airport Drive. It was again observed picking him up. The officers converged on the building spotting the fire and quickly stopped the minivan. According to Geller, both were taken into custody without incident.
Charles Smith
aka Applegate



Interrogation revealed that Smith and Bundick were involved in what Geller stated were the large majority of the 76 arson fires that have occurred in Accomack County since November 13, 2012. She stated that law enforcement is comfortable that these two are the main arsonists.

Smith, aka Charlie Applegate, operated Charlie's Auto Body in Tasley. The couple did live together, and there were also children in the residence, but, Geller stated very clearly, the children were not involved in any way. No motive was announced.

Geller was unable to give many of the details stating that while the initial investigation is over, this is merely the beginning of the end, and police and the Commonwealth's Attorney's office will now begin the process of ensuring Smith and Bundick are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Geller stated Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Agar will be bringing several more charges against Smith and Bundick very soon, but did not offer details.

Geller also did not give any details as to when the police presence on the Eastern Shore will begin to be reduced.


The investigation remains ongoing at this time. Anyone with information about these two individuals relating to the arsons or just the arsons in general is still encouraged to call or text the Accomack County Arson Tip Line at 757-655-1437.

Source:

Note:
Court documents say Charles R Smith has 31 felony charges over his life, including forgery charges in Accomack County. All the offenses happened in January of 1994 and he was arrested on January 28, 1994.

He was convicted in June of 1994 and was given a 3-year sentence, all of it suspended.


Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Arrests Made In Accomack County / Mug Shots

These two are responsible for the majority of the arsons set in Accomack County since November  12, 2012.

Both are being held in the Accomack County Jail without bond.  They go before a judge sometime tomorrow.


Tonya S. Bundick





Charles R. Smith
aka
Charles Applegate

TWO EASTERN SHORE RESIDENTS CHARGED IN STRING OF ACCOMACK COUNTY ARSONS

From: Virginia State Police

CTG Photo
MELFA, Va. – The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police placed two Eastern Shore residents under arrest Tuesday (April 2, 2013) in Accomack County on charges related to the serial arsons plaguing Accomack County since November 2012. Charles R. Smith III, (alias: Charles Applegate) 38, of Parksley, Va., and Tonya S. Bundick, 40, of Parksley, Va., are being held without bond at the Accomack County Jail.

Through the course of the investigation, a minivan was observed in connection with the Monday night (April 1, 2013) fire of a vacant, residential structure in the 19,300 block of Airport Drive in Melfa. The fire was reported at approximately 11:40 p.m. Shortly after midnight, a state trooper and sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on the minivan at the intersection of Airport Drive and Route 13. The two individuals were taken into custody without incident.

“Based on evidence collected since this morning and during the course of the investigations over the past five months, we are confident that Bundick and Smith are responsible for the majority of the fires set since November 12th of last year,” said Capt. Tim Reibel, Commander of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Chesapeake Field Office. “As of this afternoon, Bundick and Smith have each been charged with one count of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson for last night’s fire in Melfa. In consultation with  Mr. Agar, the Commonwealth’s Attorney, additional charges for the remaining fires will be forthcoming very soon.”

Since November 12, 2013, the Virginia State Police BCI Chesapeake Field Office and Accomack County Sheriff’s Office have been investigating arson fires that have targeted abandoned and/or vacant residential and commercial structures throughout the county. No injuries resulted from any of the arsons. Additional fires have included debris and tires.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the residents of Accomack County,” said Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin. “Our residents have been so supportive and patient throughout a very extensive and arduous process of investigating these arsons.

We especially thank our Eastern Shore residents for all the calls and tips they have provided over the past five months related to these crimes.”

 “The State Police thank Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin and his investigators and deputies for their hard work and collaboration with responding to and investigating these fires,” said Capt. Reibel. “Also deserving our many thanks are the 12 volunteer fire departments who serve and protect Accomack County. These men and women have responded to every one of these fires with the potential risk of serious injury or worse. They have dedicated a tremendous amount of resources and time to fighting the fires and assisting law enforcement with our investigations and we are most appreciative.”

The local police departments up and down the Eastern Shore have also dedicated numerous resources to assist with the investigation, along with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, ATF and FBI.
 
The investigation remains ongoing at this time. Anyone Anyone  with information about these two individuals relating to the arsons or just the arsons in general is still encouraged to call or text the Accomack County Arson Tip Line at 757-655-1437.

Northampton County Sheriff Investigating Possible Murder

The Northampton County Sheriff's Department is investigating the death a Cheriton man.

Bryan Keith Elliot of Cheriton was found dead inside a home at 21587 Seaside road after they were called to the scene around 6:30 a.m Sunday.

The death is being investigated as a homicide.

  The Northampton County Sheriffs Department has not released any further information in the case.

Source:

Press Conference To Be Held This Afternoon

The Virginia State Police and Accomack County Sheriff’s Office will hold a press conference at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon in front of the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office.

New information will be released at the press conference regarding the ongoing investigations into the Accomack County arsons.


Arsons In Accomack County ~One Arrest For Last Nights Fire

 
Tonya S. Bundick, 40, of Parksley, was taken into custody without incident following a traffic stop just after midnight Tuesday  April 2, 2013) morning near an arson set at a vacant residence 19322 Airport Drive in Melfa.
 
 
Tonya S. Bundick
 
 
 
Bundick has been charged with one felony count of arson and one felony count conspiracy to commit arson and is currently being held without bond in the Accomack County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing. 

  State Police still have not said if she is suspected in any of the other arsons.

Berlin Man Arrested On Drug Charges

On March 28, 2013, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team executed two search and seizure warrants simultaneously at two residences in Berlin, Maryland relating to a three month marijuana distribution investigation.  These two residences were located at the Decatur Apartments, Old Ocean City Road and the Homes of Berlin Apartments, Flower Street. As a result of this search and seizure warrant investigators located 189 Grams of Marijuana, 3 grams of crack cocaine, and semi automatic handgun along with various items of paraphernalia to include packaging materials indicating the distribution of marijuana.

Mr. Charles L. Johnson, Age 25, of Berlin, Maryland was taken into custody and charged with the following offenses:

Possession of Crack Cocaine
Possession of Marijuana
Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana

 Unlawful Possession of a regulated firearm
 Possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime



Mr. Johnson was subsequently committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $100,000.00 bond. During the execution of these search and seizure warrants, the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by the Berlin Police Department SWAT Team, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office STAR Team,  Maryland State Police Gang Unit, Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack, Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, and Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit.

 Lieutenant Edward C. Schreier
Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott



Mar. 30, 2013

Governor’s Gun Bill Update
   " The Amendment Shootout at the OK Corral”
By Delegate Mike McDermott
 
Friday marked an 8-hour Voting Session with the Joint Committees of Judiciary and HGO (Health and Government Operations) on SB-281, the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill. Before I begin with the amendment process, I have to point out that the Judiciary Committee only received the operating copy of the bill (complete with over 10 significant multi-page amendments) at 5pm on Thursday evening. These significant changes caused a lot of problems for Republicans as we scrambled to craft amendments to amendments on a bill that Bill Drafters could not work from since the slated amendments had not been adopted by the committee.

We all got together and went through the bill page by page to see the proposed changes from the Democrats already fashioned as part of the bill. We altered some of the amendments previously crafted and added a few more. Three of us, Del. Smeigel, Del. Hough, and myself offered the bulk of the amendments. When I consider that the leadership wanted no amendments added during the Voting session…and a Joint Session at that…I did not like our chances, but I focused on amendments that made a lot of sense.

In the end, I was able to get the support on the committee to pass some significant amendments to the bill:
·         To include the Maryland Defense Force as one of the exempted organizations alongside the US Armed Forces and National Guard in three specific sections of the bill (Amendment 11)
·         To allow members of the Armed Forces or National Guard 18 years of age or older to be eligible to purchase a Regulated Firearm in Maryland (had been 21).
·         The rolling in of my bill, HB-961, into the governor’s bill which will provide for the shielding of personal information and registration records from any form of public disclosure. The bill was crafted to address the problems many faced in New York when the media published the gun purchase records in the paper. This will be illegal in Maryland if the bill passes.
·         To exempt folks who are physically disabled and assisted by a Guardian not to be denied their rights to own and possess firearms (Amendment 15).
·         To clarify specifically in the bill that a banned firearm or magazine is allowed to pass to an heir declared in an estate and to insure that the heir can possess the firearm without exception so long as they are not otherwise disqualified by law (Amendment 14).
·         To provide that no matter how many regulated firearms a person moving into the state may declare, the cost for the application is $15. It had been $15 per firearm (Amendment 16)
Delegate Smigiel was able to amend clarifying language in the cases of “relic, antique, and curio” firearms through Amendment 13 which will prove very helpful going forward. Delegate Hough was able to add language which would require the Secretary in the case of any denial of a permit to provide a written reason to the denied individual through Amendment 12.
Delegate Simmons was the lone Democrat to have an amendment added to the bill which made individuals who received a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) verdict in cases involving a crime which would have been disqualified them from owning/possessing a regulated firearm as being disqualified under the terms of the bill.

By far, the most controversial amendment was offered by Delegate Smigiel and would have eliminated various credits that inmates currently receive while incarcerated for any of the mandatory time they serve for a crime involving a firearm. This would insure that a five year mandatory sentence would need to be fully served. It was a great amendment and the vote count was close but favorable by a very small margin. Many celebrated with the passage of the amendment as it would be the only portion of this bill which would actually address problems associated with criminals. The celebration was very short lived and sparked a controversy when Chairman Vallario interrupted the next amendment presentation several minutes later and stated, “we have to vote that last amendment again…we got the vote count wrong”. It was clear that following passage of the amendment, the Democrat leadership operatives began whipping the members until they altered the vote count. Delegate Shawn Tarrant changed his mind and this apparently spawned the second vote on the amendment. This time around the count came up tied at 23-23 and the amendment was declared to have failed. Controversy followed with claims that the vote was “tyrannical”, “unfair”, and “out-of-order” by members and many in the audience. In fact, about half of those who had occupied the audience (around 85 total) showed their contempt for the proceedings by making a loud exit storming out of the committee chamber.

This type of display was a good example of what the minority party suffers on a regular basis at the hands of a supermajority that has grown increasingly arrogant in recent years. I hope this stays with the many who saw it firsthand and those who will hear about it or see it on Youtube (Treachery in the House) in the future.

The ban list of 45 regulated rifles remains in the bill and the list includes many popular firearms such as the Colt AR-15. Further banned will be any firearms that are similar to those on the list as well. The 10-round magazine limit also could not be shaken from the bill even though many of us believe it will result in a de facto ban on many firearms currently sold in Maryland as the manufacturers refuse to tool up just for a small market state. While the bill is currently fashioned prospectively (only addresses future purchases), it will require a significant training component for new owners which will also include “displaying proficiency with the firearm” on a range. We simply do not have the infrastructure to support this type of mandated training in Maryland. Some areas of the state are better equipped than others, but all are deficient. It also remains to be seen where these folks will acquire the handguns to take to the range so they can secure their Handgun Qualification Permit since they cannot receive their handgun until they take the course. See what happens when people who know nothing about firearms make laws addressing firearms.

Registration is still in the bill moving forward and those who want to secure their Handgun Qualification License will also need to be fingerprinted and fill undergo a significant background investigation by the State Police. Folks who move into the state after October 1, 2013 will need to declare their regulated firearms to the State Police and fill out an application including a fee of $15. I can see the new signage on our gateway highways: “Governor O’Malley Welcomes you to Maryland and reminds you to check your guns with the police and get out your wallet…”

The mental health components of the bill are significant and anyone who finds themselves involuntarily committed for mental health related issues will find their right to possess a firearm significantly disrupted. The House eliminated those who were voluntarily committed as they felt this could represent a big hurdle for those who could be forced to choose between firearm ownership and receiving treatment. While there is a mechanism built into the bill to allow for an individual to show they should have their rights of firearm ownership to be restored, the path will not be an easy.

The bill will also require some additional record keeping by dealers and will expand the ability of law enforcement to conduct inspections of records. While the bill drafters worked to eliminate components in the original documents that would have eliminated all of the firearms manufacturers in Maryland, the new language will generally allow these folks to continue functioning in the state. However, it is clear that these companies are deeply offended that this state is slated to define their employees work product as “bad” or “evil” to the extent that it must be banned in Maryland. I doubt that they will remain in a state where their product cannot be sold to the employees who manufacture them.

The electronic version of the bill is available for review in total. Over the next two days the House will be debating the bill on the floor where amendments will be offered before the entire membership. It is possible it could be modified again, but it is probably in the form in which it will be voted on in the House.  If the bill passes in the House, it will be reintroduced in the Senate since it has been significantly amended. The Senate will then have the choice of accepting the changes and approving the bill or moving the bill to a Conference Committee where members from both chambers will see if an agreement can be achieved before the end of this year’s session.

I encourage you to continue contacting the Democratic members of the House of Delegates and insure they know how you feel about this bill. Your Second amendment rights are clearly on the line, and I can assure you, going forward, the ban list will only grown larger so long as Annapolis has a supermajority of Democrats in charge.

Marylanders, take back your state.

Possession of Unstamped Cigarettes Gets New York Man Arrested

On March 27, 2013, at approximately 0815 hours, Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputy was on patrol in the area of Route 113 Northbound at Kepler Lane, Bishopville, Worcester County, Maryland, when they observed a silver in color mini-van,  traveling at what they believed to be over the posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour.  The Deputy was able to obtain a speed reading of 65 miles per hour on the aforementioned mini-van.  A traffic stop was affected on said mini-van and contact was made with the driver, identified as Chak Wah Kong, 44 years of age, of New York. 

Upon making contact with Kong, the Deputy observed that Kong became very nervous, his hands were shaking and he began to sweat.  The Deputy was able to see numerous large black garbage bags in the rear portion of the mini-van and upon questioning Kong he stated that he was coming from Virginia and that there was fruit in the black bags.  Upon returning to their vehicle the Deputy was able to look in the rear driver`s side window and was able to observe, in the seat area, a white bag that had the ends of Marlboro cigarette cartons sticking out from it, approximately 5 or 6 cartons. 
  
    Upon returning to the vehicle the Deputy asked Kong about the cigarettes in the white bag and Kong stated that he did smoke.  Based upon the observations made the Deputy completed a probable cause search of the vehicle.  Upon inspection of the mini-van an amount of cigarettes, determined to be 190 cartons, was located.  Kong was placed under arrest for possession of unstamped cigarettes.     Kong was transported to the Worcester County Sheriff`s Office where the Comptroller`s Office for the State of Maryland arrived shortly thereafter and seized the cigarettes as well as the mini-van belonging to Kong.  Kong was processed and taken before the District Court Commissioner where he was released on personal recognizance. 

UPDATE: One Arrest in Accomack County Arsons

UPDATE:  ONE ARREST
Tonya S. Bundick, 40, of Parksley, was taken into custody without incident following a traffic stop just after midnight Tuesday morning near an arson set at a vacant residence 19322 Airport Drive in Melfa.


Bundick has been charged with one felony count of arson and one felony count conspiracy to commit arson.

She is being held without bond at the Accomack County Jail and the investigation remains ongoing at this time.



What we do not know at this time is if this fire is related to the other fires in the past months.......

 


Monday, April 1, 2013 / 11:54 PM
Structure Fire
19322 Airport Drive, Melfa, Va
(Airport Drive and Beacon Road)

FIRE HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE ARSON.




Monday, April 1, 2013

UPDATE: Easter Sunday Structure Fire / Accomack County

77

UPDATE
According to the Virginia State Police Fire Investigators the structure fire that occurred near the intersection of Folly Farm Road and Drummondtown Road Easter evening (3/31/13) was a result of arson.

The blaze, which began at the back of the structure was quickly brought under control. 

 Sometime around 1:00 Monday morning a rekindle was discovered by a fire investigator who promptly alerted  911.
 
REMINDER:

Police are asking anyone who has information that might lead to the capture and conviction of the person or persons involved in this or any of the other arson fires to call the tip line at the Accomack County Sheriff's Department at 757-655-1437.


A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist.

BURN BAN IN EFFECT
 
Accomack County is under a burn ban until further notice.
 
 All uncontained burning has been suspended with the exception of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.
 
The only exceptions are burning in a container (TRASH) and attended camp fires. (Assateague camp sites)
 

Non-Emergency Phone Numbers: (757) 787-0911, 824-0911, 442-0911.

 
PLEASE make it easier on our firefighters by calling one of the non-emergency phone numbers listed above if you plan to burn your trash.