Arrests Made In April 13 Shooting in Northampton County

According to the Northampton County Sheriff’s office, law enforcement officers from the Northampton and Accomack County sheriffs’ offices, Virginia State Police, FBI, and DEA made the arrests of three individuals wanted  in the April 13 shooting death of Jessie Leon Jordan of Cape Charles.

On April 13, 2013 officers responded responded to an early-morning report of a shooting at A&E Auto Repair, 8131 Sylvan Scene Drive in Machipongo.  The victim had been transported to the hospital by personal vehicle and upon arriving at the hospital officers were told the victim was deceased.

Devon Blake
 

After a two week investigation arrests have been made.

Arrested this morning,  at approximately 4 a.m. on Friday, April 26, were:

Devon Thomas Blake, 30, is charged with malicious assault by mob with intent to maim, disfigure, or kill, and with 1st degree murder.

Durell Marion Fitchett

Durell Marion Fitchett, 25, is charged with malicious assault by mob with intent to maim, disfigure, or kill.

Deleon Kinte Fitchett, 29, is charged with malicious assault by mob with intent to maim, disfigure, or kill.

Deleon Kinte Fitchett

The three men are being held at the Eastern Shore Regional Jail with bond denied.

REMINDER! Local Volunteer Firemen and EMS

REMINDER !

 

 

PLENTY  of parking for your fire trucks!

The Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant & Lounge

Friday Lunch Buffet....$7.99 Fried Chicken, Fried Flounder, Au Gratin Potatoes, Peas & Dumplings, Salad, Tuna Salad, Soup, Cornbread, Cole Slaw

Friday Night !

Come on out for DJ Night

WooHoo!
FRESH ROCKFISH THIS WEEKEND!

Riverside Grill Pocomoke ~ Entertainment Friday Night

Specials

Friday, April 26, 2013

 

 -Seafood Chowder (shrimp, scallops & crab) w/ ½ ham sandwich or side salad 6.99

 

 Seafood Quesadilla w/ beans & rice (shrimp, scallops & crab ) 9.99

 

-Tropical Salad w/ chilled shrimp 8.99

 

 

Photo BW

 

Happy Hour 3-7 PM
 w/ $1 off all appetizers

 8-close:
$3.50 Captain Morgan & Sailor Jerry drinks,
$1.50 Coors light, Bud light & Yuengling drafts

 

 

*Friday 4/26 ~ @ 9 pm*

Wayne George playing piano classics by Billy Joel, Elton John, Paul McCartney & more

Chincoteague Seafood Festival

It's a Tradition.........
A spring seafood festival has been held here on Chincoteague Island for more than four decades.  The menu includes:
"Little Neck" steamed clams, single fried oysters, fried fish, appetizers, full salad bar, sweet potato fries, shrimp, cornbread, clam fritters, boardwalk fries, clam strips, raw oysters and clams, grilled chicken, clam chowder,  hushpuppies and soft drinks.  Beer may be purchased separately. 

Join us the first Saturday in May at Tom's Cove Park from noon to 4 p.m.




Live Music by Island Boy Band
     Sponsored by Refuge Inn
The festival provides a venue to sample the best-of-the-best local seafood.  It is a spring tradition here on the Eastern Shore of Virginia...be a part of it.


For more information:CHINCOTEAGUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

 

Cicada's Expected To Arrive in May ~ "Cicada Tracker"

By Scott Dance
Baltimore Sun

Wondering when this year's brood of cicadas will emerge, and whether they will appear in your backyard? A Virginia company is helping answer the first of those questions.

The stubby, winged insects emerge when the soil reaches 64 degrees. Given a series of cold mornings in the middle of this month, the ground is still several degrees too cold for that, at least in Northern Virginia.

Sutron Corp., a Sterling, Va., company that specializes in environmental monitoring, has posted a "Cicada Tracker" website that plots the daily ground temperature. 

The graph shows that the soil has remained in the 50s for most of this month, briefly flirting with 60 degrees around April 19 at Sutron's headquarters. But at about 55 degrees as of Wednesday, the ground will need to warm by 9 degrees before the cicadas start to stir.

Ground temperatures in Maryland are likely slightly cooler given that we are further north. The average temperature at Dulles International Airport in Northern Virginia has been 56.4 degrees so far in April, compared with 55.5 degrees at BWI Marshall Airport.

But cicadas are not expected to appear in large numbers around BWI or the Baltimore area. The brood slated to emerge next month was largely confined to Calvert and St. Mary's counties in Southern Maryland. There, the ground temperature could be more comparable to that of Northern Virginia.

Stay tuned to the Cicada Tracker as the weather warms, and start listening for their mating calls next month.


Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/weather/weather-blog/bal-wx-va-company-tracking-cicada-broods-arrival-expected-next-month-20130425,0,6354546.story#ixzz2RXN1NU2a

SEARCH FOR MISSING PENNSYLVANIA MAN

Thomas Augustyniak
MISSING

(Pikesville, MD) – Maryland State Police and the Southern Regional Police Department are asking for help from the public, in the search for a Pennsylvania man with ties to Maryland that has been missing since Wednesday morning.

The man is identified as Thomas Augustyniak, 53, of Glen Rock, PA. He is described as a white male, 6’1”, 175 pounds with green eyes and gold wire frame glasses. He is known to travel in Maryland and works at a local business in Belcamp, Md.

Around 7:00 am on Wednesday, Augustyniak left his residence for a walk. He has not been seen or heard from since. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, blue jacket and white leather sneakers.

The Southern Regional Police Department has conducted extensive searches for Augustyniak, but has not been able to locate him. He is known to visit areas in Harford County.

There were no signs of foul play or a struggle at his residence. Currently, there is no motive for his disappearance. His family is cooperating with investigators.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the South Regional Police Department at 717-235-3944.

Submitted:  MD. State Police

FULL MOON Tonight Is Named PINK MOON

April's 'Pink Moon' might actually live up to its name this year

The first thing to know about a "Pink Moon" is that it's not quite as cool as it sounds: For most of us, Thursday's full moon will remain its normal, milky-white color.

The name comes from the traditional, evocative names bestowed on full moons: March offered the Storm Moon, May will present the Corn Moon, and Thursday brings the Pink Moon, a reference to pink phlox, one of the first flowers to emerge each year.

This year, we'll actually get closer to pink than usual, thanks to a lunar eclipse, visible in Europe, Asia and Africa. As the Earth casts its shadow on the moon, our lunar friend might, indeed, look slightly pinker than usual. [Source]

SOURCE

Citizens To Share The Road/ BIKES to the BEACH Begins

Ocean City Police reminds citizens to share the road with motorcyclists

 

This weekend thousands of motorcyclists are anticipated to visit Ocean City and the surrounding area as the 3^rd Annual Bikes to the Beach Spring Rally is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 25. In correlation with Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which begins May 1, the Ocean City Police Department is reminding motorists and motorcyclists to “share the road” and be extra alert to keep motorcyclists safe.

Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle on the roadway. Motorists and bicyclists should perform visual checks for motorcyclists by checking mirrors and blind spots before they enter or exit a lane of traffic, and at intersections. In addition, pedestrians should also get into the habit of scanning for motorcyclists who might be hidden by other traffic.

“Safety is a mutual responsibility for motorists and motorcyclists alike,” said Acting Chief Gregory Guiton. “Drivers must be aware that a motorcycle, as one of the smallest of vehicles on the road, can be ‘hiding’ in your vehicle’s blind spots. Always check blind spots, use mirrors and signal before changing lanes or making turns.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than a passenger vehicle occupant in the event of a crash. Motorcyclists should also remain alert to other drivers, never ride impaired or distracted and always wear a helmet and other protective gear.

In order to help keep motorcyclists safe in Ocean City, the Ocean City Police Department would like to offer the following tips:

• Remember, a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle.
• Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width—never try to share a lane.
• Perform a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a mo­torcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
• Allow more following distance – three or four sec­onds – when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emer­gency.
• Never tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
• Never drive while distracted.

In addition, motorcyclists can increase their safety by:

•  Avoiding riding in poor weather conditions.
• Wearing brightly colored protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet.
• Using turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it.
• Combining hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves.
• Using reflective tape and stickers to increase visibility.
• Positioning themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers.
• Never driving while impaired or distracted.

In hopes of a safe and successful “Bikes to the Beach” event and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Ocean City Police Department reminds all drivers and motorcyclists to help share in the responsibility of keeping all road users safe, and do your part by safely “sharing the road”.

 

Submitted: Ocean City Police Dept.

Riverside Grill ~ Specials~ Friday Evening Entertainment

 DON'T MISS THIS:

*Friday 4/26- Wayne George playing piano classics by Billy Joel, Elton John, Paul McCartney & more-

starts @ 9 pm

 

Thursday Specials

April 25, 2013

 

 

-Brunswick Stew w/ ½ shrimp salad sandwich or side salad 6.99
 -Taco Salad 6.99
 -Chili Cheese Dog w/ fries 4.99
 Or 2 dogs 6.99

 

 

 *Add Chili & Cole Slaw to your burger for $2
 *Add Crab Dip to your burger $4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$4 burgers 4-close
 Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off all apps!
 8-close: $3.50 Bacardi drinks

Change Maryland: Gov. O'Malley Must Return to Annapolis, Address Prison Situation

Change Maryland: Gov. O'Malley Must Return to Annapolis, Address Prison Situation 

 

Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan called on Gov. Martin O'Malley to cut short his international travel, return from the Middle East and postpone his musings about running for President until he has addressed a serious issue of major corruption in the state's prison system. More than a dozen Maryland state prison guards helped a dangerous national gang operate a criminal enterprise from behind bars according to federal prosecutors.

 

The indictment details systemic failures in a Baltimore jail in which there was no oversight, gross mismanagement and failure of leadership. A gang called Black Guerilla Family (BGF) and one of it's leaders in the Baltimore facility, were allegedly given control of the facility.

 

"Martin O'Malley is not running state government. He was smiling in Israel yesterday talking about running for President while his  employees are being charged by the U.S. Attorney," said Hogan.  "It is unacceptable for the Governor to go missing in action while inmates are apparently free to threaten the public's safety from behind bars."

 

According to U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein, “Correctional officers were in bed with BGF inmates, in violation of the first principle of prison management. Preventing prison corruption requires intensive screening at prison entrances and punishment for employees who consort with inmates or bring cell phones and drugs into correctional facilities.”

 

Thirteen corrections officers essentially handed over control of a Baltimore jail to gang leaders, prosecutors said. The officers were charged Tuesday in a federal racketeering indictment.

 

Hogan called on the Governor to immediately dismiss his corrections cabinet secretary for gross negligence, failure to provide oversight of the state prison system and complete mismanagement and lack of control over the department.  He also agreed with the need for a sweeping inquiry into the entire prison system that would include active participation from the General Assembly.

 

"Nobody should accept inmates running the show, most of all the Governor," said Hogan.

 

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

　 1889.. A "splendid sight" in Eastern Shore sky; 1987.. Youth group project aids elderly Pocomoke City couple; 1921.. Eastern Shore Society Of Baltimore plans visit; 1896.. Services available to Pocomoke residents are advertised; 1913.. Coroner's Jury fails to reach verdict in death of young Salisbury office worker, public criticism abounds.

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!

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

 

 

My Response on the DPR Funding

By Delegate Mike McDermott

Apr. 24th, 2013

Some clarification is needed regarding the last minute funding of our local National Public Radio affiliate known as Delmarva Public Radio. In his letter, Mr. Pretl stated the following: “ Delegate Mike McDermott betrays an insensitivity toward the highest ideals of participatory democracy — the system which recently put him in office.” I beg to differ.  
The high ideals of such a democracy (expressed through our representative republican form of government) begin at the ballot box with a free and fair election. Those elected go to Annapolis to represent the people in our district to the best of their ability. We participate in and conduct bill hearings where we hear from the people regarding proposed legislation, including budgetary items and proposed bond bills.

Would Pretl or others be offended if money was appropriated on the whim of one delegate without any regard to a “participatory democracy”?  Well, such was the case with the million dollars provided to DPR. There was no public hearing. There was no request made by the other delegation members. This appropriation merely appeared as a tack on amendment to the budget bill at the ninth hour of session. Last year, the hundred million dollar plus library project was done in similar fashion. If this does not sound like much participation to you, then we are on the same page.

 

Whether or not DPR receives tax payer money should be the subject of bill hearings and review through the full committee process where it can be vetted accordingly. This is in keeping with the concept and traditions of a “participatory democracy”. The way this money was appropriated was not the subject of any regular channels or participatory process. It was a back room deal.

 

I made no argument for the need of publicly funded radio (though it could certainly be debated), and I take no issue with a bond bill being requested by a delegate requiring the people of Maryland to provide a million dollars in tax money to support DPR. However, I do take issue with the process by which money like this is “appropriated”. All Marylanders should.

 

As Pretl stated regarding Delegate Conway, “Once again he has ‘brought home the bacon’”. Well, that “bacon” comes at a price. It increases our state debt and is part of the reason Gov. O’Malley and the democrats have increased our state spending by 29% during this recession. Our taxes continue to rise to pay for this pork.

 

Are selective new buildings and higher taxes the symbol of “success” in Annapolis? I will continue to be a voice for the people who desire an open government and have had enough of the tax and spend mentality which has controlled Maryland for far too long.

Marylanders, take back your state.

From the Worcester County Sheriff's Office: SAFELY DISPOSE OF UNWANTED MEDICATIONS

NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAY THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 27.  WORCESTER COUNTY RESIDENTS URGED TO

 

SAFELY DISPOSE OF UNWANTED MEDICATIONS

Operation Medicine Drop: Safe Communities-Healthy Waterways provides local drop off locations

 

Snow Hill, MD – Worcester County residents are urged to participate in the countywide drug take back effort, Operation Medicine Drop, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27.

Operation Medicine Drop: Safe Communities-Healthy Waterways is a chance to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired over-the-counter and prescription medications by dropping them off at the following designated sites throughout the county:

·       Pocomoke Health Center, 400-A Walnut Street.

·       Snow Hill Health Department, 6040 Public Landing Road.

·       Berlin Police Department, 10 Williams Street.

·       Food Lion, Rt. 611 in West Ocean City.

·       Food Lion, Manklin Creek Rd. in Ocean Pines.

·       Town of Ocean City Police Dept. and Ocean Pines Police Dept. offices both have permanent drop-off boxes for safe disposal of medications all year long.

Local law enforcement officers and volunteers will assist residents as they drop off their medicine at the designated drop off sites.  There is no charge for this service and no questions asked.

The program prevents potentially harmful medications from entering our waterways and impacting aquatic life.  In 2004, the USGS identified 100 different pharmaceuticals in surface water, including acetaminophen, caffeine, codeine, antibiotics and warfarin (a common blood thinner). They also found that an antibiotic, a drug used to treat bipolar disorder and nicotine had contaminated aquifers.

“Operation Medicine Drop events are an important part of our community outreach,” said Assateague COASTKEEPER Kathy Phillips.  “By not flushing medications, or throwing them in the trash can, we are able to keep thousands of pounds of pharmaceuticals out of our waterways and our drinking water.”

Operation Medicine Drop also prevents medications from accidentally falling into the hands of small children or pets and from being abused by teens or adults.   More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 

“Safety is no accident,” said Worcester County Health Department Deputy Health Officer Dr. Andrea Mathias.“This is a chance for people to prevent prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from being misused or abused. It also keeps dangerous substances away from small children and pets who may accidentally ingest them."

Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

To address this problem, Drug Enforcement Administration in collaboration with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Berlin Police Department, Worcester County Health Department and Assateague Coastal Trust/COASTKEEPER are sponsoring Operation Medicine Drop.

For more information about Operation Medicine Drop, visithttp://actforbays.org/PressRoom/Events/opmeds.html

 

Submitted:

Lt. Edward C. Schreier

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

 

 

Delmarva Discovery Center ~ Nature Photography Class

Boston Marathon Bombing Lesson – Political Correctness Kills

Written by: Jay Sekulow
Fox News

America is facing a jihadist enemy. It is an enemy that has proven it can inflict more civilian casualties on the United States than any other foreign enemy in almost 200 years.

Just last week this enemy killed 3 innocent people, wounded more than 100 and paralyzed a major American city.

Yet, our obsession with political correctness, with a strong desire not to offend our enemies makes our self-defense immeasurably more difficult. 

The evil nature and intentions of our jihadist enemies are already clear. They hate us enough to pack pressure cookers with ball bearings, to hijack airliners and turn them into weapons of mass destruction, to wear underwear bombs, shoe bombs, and any other kind of bomb they can smuggle onto aircraft.

Yet we still can’t face facts.  Consider these recent events:

- Despite screaming “Allah Akbar!” when he opened fire on unarmed fellow soldiers at Fort Hood – and despite his own long history of radicalism, including communicating with Anwar al-Alwaki, the American Al Qaeda terrorist – the Obama administration still calls Nidal Hasan’s deadly attack an act of mere “workplace violence.”  In fact, the Army’s after-action report said nothing about radical Islam.

- We spent crucial days blaming the deadly Benghazi terror attacks on a video, and even now have treated the filmmaker much more harshly than the actual terrorists who killed our ambassador.

- The Associated Press Stylebook recently revised its definition of “Islamist” to render it more benign, classifying Islamists as mere supporters of a “political movement that favors reordering government and society in accordance with laws prescribed by Islam.”

- Even after the Boston bombing suspects radical beliefs became well-known, commentators continue to insist that their beliefs are just one part of their personality no more relevant than, say, tastes in music or the influence of violent movies.

- A commentator at one of our nation’s most influential magazines even went so far as to write an essay entitled, “The Boston Bombers Were Muslim: So?”

As key figures in government and the media continue to minimize the threat of radical Islam, one wonders if it’s having a direct impact on investigations. 

Tamerlan Tsarnaev, the oldest of the two Boston bomber suspects, is now the fifth suspected terrorist to be questioned by the FBI before they attempted their acts of terror.  

Why are we questioning and releasing future terrorists?

Who are we trying to impress with our political correctness?  

Our enemies simply don’t care. Even worse, they view our hand-wringing as a sign of weakness, and it encourages further attacks.

Don’t forget that plotting for the 9/11 attacks began during a Clinton administration that was so eager to appease Middle Eastern jihadists it invited Yasser Arafat, one of the world’s foremost terrorists, to the White House again and again.  

He even received the ultimate tribute from the international politically correct left: the Nobel Peace Prize.  Arafat was so impressed by this tribute that he launched the Second Intifada – complete with wave after wave of deadly suicide bombings – just a few years later.

Yet we not only persist with political correctness, we now go so far as to actually arm our enemies.  

The Obama administration persists in giving F-16s and advanced tanks to Egypt, even after the Muslim Brotherhood (motto: “Jihad is our way”) took power.  

The United States just pledged $500 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority, a government that is even now unifying with Hamas, one of the world’s worst terror organizations.

While we revise stylebooks and debate the power of movies and music over the power of jihad, our enemies laugh – and plan future attacks.

Political correctness kills.


Source;

ParkleyVolunteer Fire Company Cash/ Boat and Bucks Giveaway

Pocomoke Past and Present Costen House Fundraiser

Pocomoke Past and Present Costen House Fundraiser

 

Saturday, April 27, 2013

 

 5pm to 8pm

 

Elks Lodge in Pocomoke

 

Tickets are $15

 

Tickets to the The Costen House Museum fundraiser, Pocomoke Past and Present are available at the Chamber.

Mayor's Prayer Breakfast

 

Ticket sales at the Chamber end this Saturday, April 27

Tickets also available at Taylor Bank

Firemen's Fest To Benefit Mt. Vernon and Princess Anne Vol. Fire Co.

Gardening Has Begun ~ Community Giving Garden

Gardening has begun in the Community Giving Garden on the corner of Clarke Avenue and Willow Street. The garden was organized last year by Norma Howard and  Neelam Strom and gardened by volunteers  with the idea of growing and giving back to the community.

Community Garden
Photo BW
4/20/13

The fresh vegetables and fruits are donated to the Samaritan Shelter in Pocomoke and The Helping Hands Ministry.  Last season the community garden harveted over 200 pounds of vegetables with a goal of doubling the yield for this year.   Tomatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes,  cucumbers,  corn, peppers and cabbage were all tended by volunteers and given back to the community.


Community Garden
Photo BW
4/20/13

The newest and youngest volunteers for the 2013 season are the seventh graders from the classes of Ms. Phyliss Porter at Pocomoke Middle School.  The students worked this week on preparing two new beds for the season. Great job!!

Community Garden
Photo BW
4/20/13

If you are interested in volunteering contact:
Neelam Strom @ 443-437-7203
Norma Howard @ 410-726-0066
 
There are hopes of having raised beds so that the handicapped can enjoy gardening too.  If you are handicapped and are interested in gardening and volunteering your time towards the effort of giving back to the community contact them also.

"Growing, Strengthening, Giving Back

& Supporting Our Community"

Correctional Officers, Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Federal Racketeering Charges

Thirteen Correctional Officers Among 25 Black Guerilla Family Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Federal Racketeering Charges 

BALTIMORE—A federal grand jury returned a racketeering indictment charging 25 individuals, including 13 correctional officers with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, for conspiring to run operations of the Black Guerilla Family (BGF) gang inside correctional facilities. All 25 defendants also are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute drugs, and 20 of the defendants are charged with money laundering conspiracy.


The indictment and a detailed affidavit were unsealed today upon the arrests of the defendants and the execution of 15 search warrants. Approximately 170 agents and officers assisted in today’s arrests and search warrants. The indictment was returned on April 2, 2013. One defendant was killed in a robbery several hours before the indictment was filed. The defendants are identified at the conclusion of this press release.

The indictment arose from the efforts of the Maryland Prison Task Force, a group of local, state, and federal stakeholders that met regularly for more than two years and generated recommendations to reform prison procedures.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts; Secretary Gary D. Maynard of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; and Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

U.S. Attorney Rosenstein also recognized the efforts of the other members of the Maryland Prison Task Force in this investigation and prosecution, including: Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; United States Marshal Johnny Hughes; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration-Washington Field Division; Tom Carr, Director of the Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area; and Dave Engel, Executive Director of the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center.

“Correctional officers were in bed with BGF inmates, in violation of the first principle of prison management,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Preventing prison corruption requires intensive screening at prison entrances and punishment for employees who consort with inmates or bring cell phones and drugs into correctional facilities.”

“This investigation revealed the pervasive nature of prison corruption in Baltimore City’s Detention Centers,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt. “Such corruption causes the FBI to divert crucial investigative resources away from addressing violence on the streets of Baltimore. In this case, the inmates literally took over ‘the asylum,’ and the detention centers became safe havens for the BGF. Such a situation cannot be tolerated. Law enforcement should not have to concern itself with criminal subjects who have already been arrested and relegated to detention centers.”

“Ninety-nine percent of our correctional officers do their jobs with integrity, honesty, and respect,” said Secretary Gary Maynard of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. “Today’s indictment, along with those in the past, show that our department will not stand idly by and let a few bad actors affect the security of our institutions. Nor will we allow them to impugn the reputation of the men and women who come to work every day and go about their jobs honorably. Those who would break the law should know we will always work tirelessly with our federal, state, and local partners to root out corruption.”

“Today’s multi-jurisdictional takedown of suspected BGF gang members and orchestrators who infiltrated the criminal justice system is another example of the Baltimore Police Department’s relentless focus on targeting the malignant gang organizations that plague our communities,” said Police Commissioner Anthony Batts. “Thanks to the hard working detectives, federal agents, and prosecutors who worked behind the scenes to build these cases. Our continued pledge to the people of Baltimore is that we will leverage the full capacity of our state and federal partnerships to identify those responsible for violence and bring them to justice.”

The 10 men and 15 women charged in the indictment are alleged to be members or associates of the BGF, a gang active in prisons throughout the United States. According to the indictment, BGF has been the dominant gang at the Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC) and in several connected facilities, especially the Baltimore Central Booking Intake Center, the Women’s Detention Center (which houses many men), and in the Jail Industries Building. The indictment alleges that since at least 2009, BGF members and associates in BCDC and related prison facilities engaged in criminal activities, including drug trafficking, robbery, assault, extortion, bribery, witness retaliation, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.

BGF members and associates allegedly bribed correctional officers at BCDC and related prison facilities to smuggle drugs, cell phones, and other contraband. Correctional officers arranged favored treatment and privileges for imprisoned BGF gang members, and officers thwarted interdiction and law enforcement efforts against BGF inmates. BGF members and associates allegedly had long-term sexual relationships with several correctional officers and impregnated them.

BGF leaders allegedly used contraband cell phones to order contraband. Co-conspirators delivered contraband to corrupt correctional officers who smuggled the items into the prisons. Correctional officers often arranged payment for the contraband.

Some gang dues and drug profits were used to support activities of BGF street organizations outside the prisons.

The charging documents allege that correctional officers were able to bring contraband directly into the prisons through the main entrances. Inside the prisons, BGF was able to control contraband smuggling because BGF gang members were designated as “working men.” Working men are inmates who are paid to assist management and are free to move about the facility.

Green Dot cash debit cards were allegedly used by inmates to pay BGF for smuggled contraband and used by BGF to transfer criminal proceeds. Luxury automobiles were among the purchases made by BGF with Green Dot cards.

According to the indictment, members, and associates followed directions from the ranking BGF members in BCDC, especially inmate Tavon White. On January, 5, 2013, White explained in a phone call:

“This is my jail. You understand that? I’m dead serious....I make every final call in this jail...and nothing go past me, everything come to me....Any of my brothers that deal with anybody, it’s gonna come to me. You see what I am saying? Everything come to me. Everything. Before a mother-f—— hit a n—— in the mouth, guess what they do, they gotta run it through me. I tell them whether it’s a go ahead, and they can do it or whether they hold back. Before a mother-f—— stab somebody, they gotta run it through me....Anything that get done must go through me. ”

Tavon White summarized his position in a conversation with correctional officer Adrena Rice on February 11, 2013:
“I told them worker men that they had to step down off the worker men spots or they was getting hit....I hold the highest seat you can get....My word is law...so if I told any mother-f—— body they had to do this, hit a police, do this, kill a mother-f——, do anything, it got to get done. Period.”

White allegedly used contraband cell phones to discuss BGF activities inside BCDC, such as the collection of fees and taxes, to request information about inmates, to hear grievances from other BGF inmates, and to coordinate his contraband smuggling operation. White and other gang members developed sexual relationships with officers in order to gain influence over them.
White allegedly had long-term sexual relationships inside BCDC with four correctional officers—Jennifer Owens, Katera Stevenson, Chania Brooks, and Tiffany Linder—impregnating each of the four officers at least once. Owens had “Tavon” tattooed on her neck and Stevenson had “Tavon” tattooed on her wrist. All four officers allegedly help smuggle contraband into BCDC and related facilities. White allegedly gave Owens a diamond ring and provided luxury automobiles to Owens, Stevenson, and Brooks.

The indictment includes many overt acts in furtherance of the racketeering enterprise. For example, in November 2012, correctional officer Jasmin Jones allegedly stood guard outside a closet in BCDC so that correctional officer Kimberly Dennis and inmate Derius Duncan could have sex. Corrupt officers also warned BGF inmates about law enforcement operations. For example, Brooks and Linder allegedly notified White when they learned about upcoming canine scans and jail cell searches. The affidavit specifies two occasions in which warning calls to White were intercepted: December 21, 2012 (from Brooks) and January 6, 2013 (from Linder). White then used his cell phone to spread the word to other inmates.

On January 6, 2013, White allegedly said:
“I just got a message (from Officer Tiffany Linder) saying that they was going to pull a shake down (prison search) tonight. Let me call all these dudes in my phone and let them know.”

The U.S. Attorney expressed appreciation to Secretary Maynard and select members of his senior staff who confidentially arranged for 30 trusted correctional officers from outside Baltimore to join with federal agents and conduct surprise searches of BGF members and their jail cells on February 14, 2013, resulting in the discovery of important evidence.

The indictment seeks the forfeiture of $500,000 and other proceeds of the enterprise, including luxury automobiles.

The defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on the racketeering and drug conspiracies, as well as for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Stevenson, Yarborough, and Pinder each also face five years in prison for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

The defendants are expected to have initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Baltimore this afternoon.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Baltimore Police Department, the Prince George’s County Police Department and Maryland Prison Task Force, Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorneys Kevin Wilson, and Katie O’Hara for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Robert R. Harding and Ayn B. Ducao, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

The following defendants are charged in the indictment unsealed today:

Inmates:
Tavon White, a/k/a Bulldog and Tay, age 36, of Baltimore
Jamar Anderson, a/k/a Hammer and Hamma Head, age 26, of Baltimore
Derius Duncan, age 26, of Baltimore
Steven Loney, a/k/a Stevie, age 24, of Baltimore
Jermaine McFadden, a/k/a Maine, age 24, of Baltimore
Kenneth Parham, age 23, of Baltimore
Joseph Young, a/k/a Monster, age 30, of Baltimore
Correctional officers:
Antonia Allison, age 27, of Baltimore
Ebonee Braswell, age 26, of Baltimore
Chania Brooks, age 27, of Baltimore
Kimberly Dennis, age 26, of Baltimore
Jasmin Jones, a/k/a J.J., age 24, of Baltimore
Taryn Kirkland, age 23, of Baltimore
Katrina LaPrade, a/k/a Katrina Lyons, age 31, of Baltimore
Tiffany Linder, age 27, of Baltimore
Vivian Matthews, age 25, of Essex, Maryland
Jennifer Owens, a/k/a O and J.O., age 31, of Randallstown
Adrena Rice, age 25, of Baltimore
Katera Stevenson, a/k/a KK, age 24, of Baltimore
Jasmine Thornton, a/k/a J.T., age 26, of Glen Burnie
Outside suppliers:
Tyesha Mayo, age 29, of Baltimore
Teshawn Pinder, age 24, of Baltimore
Tyrone Thompson, a/k/a Henry, age 36, of Baltimore
Ralph Timmons, Jr., a/k/a Boosa, age 34, of Baltimore (deceased)
James Yarborough, a/k/a J.Y., age 26, of Baltimore.


FBI/Baltimore Division

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