The First Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Expected To Open In Nation's Capital Later This Month

The movement to legalize marijuana has arrived at Congress' back door.

Later this month the first medical cannabis dispensaries are expected to open in the nation's capital, including one just eight blocks from the Capitol dome.

The milestone is lifting the spirits of pot enthusiasts who believe a safe and profitable marijuana micro-industry in D.C. could help nudge along efforts to decriminalize the drug nationwide.

ABC News recently toured the Metropolitan Wellness Center, one of the district's three soon-to-open shops, located on Capitol Hill.

While pot products have yet to hit shelves – the shop is still awaiting a license from the district – general manager Vanessa West said they will soon offer multiple varieties of cannabis, paraphernalia and a mix of pot-infused products, including brownies, cookies and drinks.

West, a veteran operator of dispensaries in California who admits she "smoked a little grass in college," said the sleek, modern set-up of her "product selection and payment room" underscores a serious focus on patients and treating their pain.

"When we find out what a patient's symptoms are, we can make a recommendation about what the best strain is for them and what the best possible route for ingesting that strain is," she said.

"Forget about the recreational part for a second," she says to skeptics. "Listen to how cannabis has changed patients' lives for the better."

Only employees and patients registered with the District of Columbia Department of Health will be allowed inside the dispensary once weed sales officially commence. The shop will effectively go on lockdown, protected by a high-tech security system of a dozen cameras and motion sensors keeping watch.

READ MORE ....

Motor Scooter Collides Into Police Vehicle

On May 13, 2013, at approximately 2:15 a.m., an Ocean City Police vehicle was hit by a motor scooter on Coastal Highway at 41^st Street. The Ocean City Police officer involved was stopped in his patrol vehicle at a traffic light in the southbound turn lane at 41^st Street.

The driver of the scooter, who was later identified as Edward Thomas Johnson, 25, of Salisbury, then collided into the rear of the patrol vehicle causing him to be ejected from his scooter.

The officer involved immediately began to render aid to Johnson, who was wearing a helmet; however, it became dislodged as a result of the collision and failed to fully protect him. Johnson was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center by Ocean City EMS for treatment. His medical status is unknown at this time.

 The officer involved was also treated and released at Atlantic General Hospital for minor injuries.

Police are continuing to investigate this incident. Johnson is believed to have been under the influence of alcohol.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Department

Property and Vehicle Recovered In Jenkins Orchard Thefts- Arrests To Be Made

 

 

COMMUNITY ALERT  UPDATE

As a result of a joint investigation with the Pocomoke City Police Department, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Princess Anne Police Department we have collectively identified a suspect deemed responsible for the rash of thefts from vehicles and have located the stolen vehicle reported stolen from the Jenkins Orchard area of Pocomoke City. Pocomoke City Police conducted and will continue diligent saturation enforcement patrols daily in the Jenkins Orchard area during the day and evening hours.

All of the above named agencies are currently in the process of obtaining Arrest Warrants for this individual and will soon have the suspect in custody. Property from the thefts as well as the stolen vehicle have been recovered.

Pocomoke City Police want to remind residents that the hot summer months are fast approaching and with it brings the increased opportunity for individuals to steal from vehicles that are left unlocked and the windows open. I encourage residents to make sure you do not leave your keys in the ignition, the vehicle running and to keep your vehicles locked at all times. In addition, do not leave items such as; money, loose change, wallets, computers, headsets, etc. in plain view as these will be an enticement for a thief to enter your vehicle.

Kelvin D. Sewell
Chief of Police

Pocomoke City Police Dept. Gun Turn-In Day A Success

Pocomoke City Police participated in Maryland’s first statewide Gun Turn-In Day on Saturday, May 11th.

Officers from the department were on hand to collect any handguns, rifles, ammunition, BB Guns or other dangerous weapons from the Pocomoke City Community.

Chief Kelvin D. Sewell announces that Pocomoke City’s event was a success and thanks the Pocomoke City Community for taking steps to ensure the welfare and safety of our residents.

Kelvin D. Sewell
Chief of Police
May 13, 2013

Somerset County Deputy Troy Durham Files New Lawsuit

Written by
Liz Holland

May 9 2013
PRINCESS ANNE — A Somerset County sheriff’s deputy involved in a drawn-out legal battle with Sheriff Robert N. Jones and county officials filed a new lawsuit this week against the Maryland Police Training Commission for deprivation of rights under the First Amendment.

Commission members denied James “Troy” Durham’s request to be recertified as a police officer following an April 10 hearing. Durham has been working since last September monitoring security cameras at the Somerset County Courthouse, but he has been without a uniform, service weapon or arrest powers.

Jones and Chief Deputy Ronnie Howard “have interfered with and impeded with, among other things, the Plaintiff’s right to regain his police powers,” according to the suit filed in U.S. District Court in Baltimore.

The lawsuit alleges the commission members “have worked hand-in-glove with Sheriff Jones and others in seeking to deny law enforcement certification to the Plaintiff, tantamount to a conspiracy to deny the Plaintiff the legal victories that he has earned.”

Among the commission members named in the lawsuit is Wicomico County Sheriff Michael A. Lewis, who the suit alleges is “closely aligned” with Jones and Howard. Lewis could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Durham is seeking $5 million and a reversal of the commission’s decision.

Earlier this week, a federal judge in Durham’s lawsuit against Jones and the county agreed to remove himself after lawyers for the county’s insurance company complained of “deep-seated favoritism” for the plaintiff.

Additionally, U.S. District Judge William M. Nickerson was involved in a previous case filed by Howard Hoffman, attorney for Deputy James “Troy” Durham. In that case, Hoffman had filed his own employment discrimination lawsuit in 2004 against the Baltimore Police Department after his job there was terminated.

Attorneys for the Local Government Insurance Trust said Nickerson failed to disclose he had been involved in Hoffman’s case, according to court documents.

The judge said he disagreed he showed bias in the case, but had the case reassigned.

Durham’s case against Sheriff Robert N. Jones started in 2008 when Durham filed a grievance against the Sheriff’s Office, alleging internal corruption and accusing co-workers of forcing him to change a police report.

He was later fired, but after winning two court battles — including a $1 million judgment against Jones — was allowed to return to work in September.

Source:

MORE ON TRIAL GO HERE

Pedestrian Charged With Illegally Crossing Roadway .....

Pedestrian Charged with Illegally Crossing Roadway after Being Struck and Fleeing the Scene

On May 12, 2013 at approximately 2:00 a.m., Ocean City Police responded to the area of 49^th Street and Coastal Highway in reference to a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian.

Officers arrived at the scene and met with the driver of the vehicle, whose name not being released. The driver and several witnesses told police that an unidentified male attempted to cross the highway from west to east at 49^th Street when he was struck by the vehicle travelling southbound. The pedestrian, who was crossing against the traffic signal, rolled on to the vehicle’s windshield causing damage to the vehicle and then immediately fled from the scene.

Police were unable to locate the pedestrian in the area of the collision at the time of the incident.  Later that morning, Ocean City Police and EMS responded to the Quality Inn Hotel located at 54^th Street for a report of an injured male who was bleeding.  Once at the scene, police determined the injured male was the pedestrian who had been struck while crossing the highway at 49^th Street.  The injured male was identified as Samuel Louis Cribbs, 24, of Murrysville, PA.  Police noted Cribbs appeared to be intoxicated.   Cribbs was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Based on all of the information provided by the driver and witnesses, police have charged Cribbs with:
-
          Pedestrian Unsafely Crossing Roadway (21-502b)

During the investigation, police determined the driver was sober and was released at the scene.


Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

"Drums On the Pocomoke" This Weekend

Photo/ Assateague People

Once again the sound of Native Drums will echo down the banks of the Pocomoke River and throughout the town.

The 20th Annual

“Drums on the Pocomoke”

will take place at Cypress Park

 in Pocomoke City on

Saturday and Sunday,

May 18 & 19, 2013

 

 

The park opens to the public at

10:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm each day 

 the Grand Entry at noon.

 

This event is hosted by

 Chief Larry “Medicine Cat” Smack

 and the Assateague Peoples Delmarva.

 

Also this year there will be two drums featured. The host drum NaMaWoChi (which stands for Native Man Woman Child) from North Carolina. Guest drum will be the Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe from New York.

 

The song that they sing and drum too, are hundreds of years old and are about the Native religion and sung in the native language.

 

The Head Lead Male Matt Clair and Head Lead Lady Chris Wheeler and the MC will be Doug “Deer Dreamer” Vass.

Photo/ Assateague People

 

The tribe is expecting more than 100 dancers demonstrating the different styles of native dance that include Northern and Southern Traditional, Fancy, Jingle and Hoop.  There will be a large and impressive display of Eastern Shore Indian Artifacts provided by Mark Greenly of Virginia.

Dozens of Pow Wow vendors will be on hand selling some of the finest Native American crafts available. Some of those items may include Dream Catchers, beadwork, Turquoise jewelry, breast plates, hand fans, herbs, soaps and different crafting items.

There will also be two Native Food vendors 

(Accohannock Tribe and the American Indian Society of Washington, DC) so that everyone can taste Native inspired foods such as Buffalo Burgers, Fry Bread and Indian Taco’s. Also,  Eastern Shore favorites like Oyster Fritters, Fried Clams and Fish to mention a few. 

Sacred Friends - Wildlife Rehabilitation who work to educate the public concerning  the coexistence with wildlife will have a booth set up so that anyone can get a close glimpse of two red tailed hawks that are part of their educational programs.  This program is completely dependent on donations for food, housing and medicine for rehabilitant injured animals so that they can be released back into the wild.

Photo/ Assateague People

 

There a lot of people who know they have Native American heritage that seek to know more about the culture and information pertaining to their ancestors.  Pow Wow’s are the best place for spectators  to interact and learn about Native Dancers, singers, drummers, artist craft persons and the culture.

 Chief Medicine Cat states that he always loves this pow wow, because of the "making of new friends and renewing old friendships. Celebrating all the gifts that the Creator and Mother Earth have been generous to bestow upon us. To remember the old ways and to preserve his tribes heritage and traditions". He and the Assateague People can not express enough gratitude to the Citizens and Government of Pocomoke City for all of the support over the last 20 years.

 

If you have never been to the Drums on the Pocomoke Pow Wow this is the one time you do not want to miss this great opportunity.

 

Admission

$5.00 for Adults

 Ages 5 to  11 ~ $3

children 4 and under FREE

 

**Veterans and Active Duty Military are Free with I.D. **

 

**The Pocomoke Discovery Center will offer half price admission to everyone who attends the pow wow with a hand stamp.**

 

  For more info:  Assateague People on Facebook.

 

Thanks, Valerie!

Singing For Free Gas

This is hilarious, take 5 mins. out of your day and laugh.

~ HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY ~

The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother. She then began a campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the
United States. Jarvis' holiday was adopted by other countries and it is now celebrated all over the world.

TIME MACHINE ... 1913..1990..1941..1930..1885

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

　
(Two articles on the conclusion of Salisbury's Wainwright case)

September, 1913
(Lock Haven Express- Lock Haven, Pa.)


GIRL'S DEATH IN OFFICE TO REMAIN A MYSTERY

Salisbury Grand Jury Finds No Indictment in Case of Florence Wainwright.

EXONERATION FOR SMITH.

Suspect Released From Bail and Victim's Family Glad Case is Closed.

Salisbury, Md., Sept. 16.- What will be remembered as one of the greatest mysteries in Eastern Shore court annals was closed yesterday when the grand jury, which has been in session a week, investigating the death of Miss Florence Wainwright, the 25-year-old bookkeeper, found dead in the Home Gas Company office, June 20, and for whose death Harold W. Smith, general manager of the firm, was held in $5,000 bail by the coroner's jury, was discharged without finding any indictment against Smith. This action practically exonerates Smith, and although any subsequent grand jury can take up the case if it so desires, it is not likely that another investigation will ever be made.

The action of the jury came as a surprise to the people who have been anxiously awaiting their decision. Although the jury summoned a number of new witnesses, it was said by one of them that the evidence presented would not present a verdict against Smith.

The family of Miss Wainwright seems to be very glad that the case was closed and it was said that they will make no further effort to have their daughter's death investigated.

Smith still refuses to make any statement other than he is innocent and knows nothing concerning Miss Wainwright's death. He will still retain his position with the gas company. His bondsmen have been released.


　
September, 1913
(The News- Frederick, Md.)


FAILS TO INDICT SMITH

Salisbury, Md., Probers of Girl's Death Fail to Find True Bill.

Salisbury, Md., Sept. 16- Harold W. Smith, who for nearly three months has been held under $5,000 bail on the charge of felonious homicide, in connection with the death of Miss Florence Wainwright, the pretty bookkeeper for the Home Gas Company, of which Smith is manager, is a free man.

The Grand Jury announced a true bill had not been found. The court immediately discharged the twenty-three jurors, who have been investigating the case for a week.

Smith's bondsman was released.

The failure of the Grand Jury to find a true bill is looked upon by many as exonerating Smith.

At home Mr. Smith would make no statement except that he knew nothing of the death of Miss Wainwright. Since he was held by the Coroner's jury he has maintained a dignified silence.
　


June, 1990
(The Frederick Post- Frederick, Md)

To Expand Operation

State OK's grant, loans for Italian pistol maker

(Excerpt)

ANNAPOLIS (AP)- The Board of Public Works approved a financing package Wednesday that includes a $115,000 grant and loans of almost $1.7 million to help Beretta improve its plant in Prince George's County and open a new one on the lower Eastern Shore.

The Italian gun maker will use the new plant in Pocomoke City to manufacture parts for the 9mm pistol it makes for U.S. military forces and many police agencies as well as parts for a smaller civilian pistol.

Pocomoke City mayor Curt Lappolt told board members that the Beretta plant "is something the state and Pocomoke City have been working on for a long, long time."

He said the plant, which will employ about 80 people when it is in full operation, will go a long way toward replacing the jobs lost by the closing of vegetable processing plants in Pocomoke City and Crisfield.

　
　
November, 1941
(Salisbury Times)

(Excerpt)

Denton, Md., Nov. 21-(AP)- Lack of wire, frozen under government priority, is keeping some 500 lower Eastern Shore farm families from obtaining electricity from rural electrification lines- and that in turn is hampering their efforts to increase production to meet defense needs.

Officials of the Choptank Cooperative, which is carrying out a large scale rural electrification program on the Shore, said that extension lines to many farms were being delayed because the necessary wire is being held in a Philadelphia warehouse under OPM priority.

The Cooperative's present program of erecting 678 miles of electric lines in Worcester, Somerset, Wicomico and Dorchester Counties is about 80-percent complete. The system of lines has not been connected, however, because of stream crossings, right-of-way delays and other hindrances, and the small amount of copper conductor necessary to complete the job is held under priority orders.


　
August, 1930
(The Daily Mail- Hagerstown, Md.)

LIGHTS MATCH AND BUS CAUGHT FIRE

POCOMOKE CITY, Aug 25. (AP) - At 3 o'clock in the morning 14 passengers en route on a bus from New York to Cape Charles that halted here for a few minutes were hurriedly driven into the open as fire destroyed the vehicle. Some were cut and bruised in rushing for the door. Blame was placed on a passenger who alighted as the stop was made at a filling station and stuck a match to light a cigarette. The passengers were transferred to a train for the rest of the journey. The bus was owned by the Pennsylvania Railway Transit Company.

　
August, 1885
(Daily Index Appeal- Petersburg, Va.)

The Baltimore Sun Says: On Saturday of last week an unexpected incident took place on board a sailboat which was lying off Old Point Comfort with a party of pleasure seekers from Fairmount, Somerset County, Md. One of the young ladies of the party surprised everybody by becoming a mother. A young man living near Princess Anne, the county seat of Somerset, was notified of what had occurred, and as soon as the young lady reached home he married her.


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!

Eastern Shore of Virginia Firefighters and Rescue Workers Kicking Off a Fund Raising Campaign

Raising money for Line of Duty Death memorial for firefighters, EMTs

Written by
Carol Vaughn
Staff Writer

MELFA -- Eastern Shore of Virginia firefighters and rescue workers are kicking off a fund raising campaign to build a memorial honoring those from the Shore who have died in the line of duty.
The Eastern Shore Line of Duty Memorial will be built on the grounds of the Eastern Shore Regional Fire Training Center in Melfa, which is operated by Accomack and Northampton counties jointly.

Plans to raise funds include a letter-writing campaign soliciting donations from local businesses and civic organizations and fund-raising events including a radiothon.

Donations should be mailed to the Accomack County Department of Public Safety, P. O. Box 102, Tasley, Va. 23441. Make checks payable to Accomack County with a note designating the donation for “Line of Duty Memorial.”

Organizers hope to receive enough donations by January 1, 2014 to construct the first of two planned phases of the memorial, with the goal being to formally dedicate it in July 2014, memorial committee member Jimmy Rowley of Parksley Volunteer Fire Company said.

“It’s an excellent way for the community to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Rowley, who also serves as chaplain of the Delmarva Firemen’s Association.

The first phase of the memorial, which will cover a 20-by-40-foot area on the training center grounds, includes a circular concrete pad topped with engravable brick pavers and surrounded by grass, along with a wall holding two memorial plaques, one for firefighters and one for rescue personnel.

The design was developed by a committee of six, which included members from Accomack and Northampton county volunteer fire departments and the Accomack County Department of Public Safety.

Members are C. Ray Pruitt of the Accomack County Department of Public Safety, who replaced former Public Safety Director Jason Loftus when Loftus moved away from the area; Susan Leonard and Vince Savona, both also of the ACDPS; Jim LeCato of Northampton Fire and Rescue; Freddie Matthews of Parksley Volunteer Fire Company; and Rowley.

Committee members credited Loftus with spearheading the effort to have a memorial constructed.

After doing research including studying line of duty death criteria set by the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and asking older volunteer firefighters for their recollections about past line of duty deaths, the committee concluded the memorial initially will include eight names of Shore residents who died in the line of duty—Milton Eugene Taylor; Thomas W. Griffin Jr.; Steven A. Colona; Kenneth T. Miller; Page O. Outten; Walter Pond; William Harold “Hal” Clark; and David R. Chew Jr.

Volunteer fire departments on the Eastern Shore were asked to make a contribution to jumpstart the effort and some $8,000 in donations has been collected so far. About $35,000 is needed to complete the first phase.

The second phase will add to the memorial two benches, a flagpole, a bell and two statues, one of a firefighter and one of a rescue worker.

The total price tag is $75,000.

The committee has been working on plans for the memorial since July 2011 and has presented the design to the fire and rescue commissions of both Accomack and Northampton counties.

Source;

CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE-TUNNEL -REPAIR AND REPAVE TUNNEL ROADWAYS

CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE-TUNNEL COMMISSION PREPARES TO REPAIR AND REPAVE TUNNEL ROADWAYS

Cape Charles, VA – The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Commission has selected Conrad Brothers of Chesapeake, VA to repair and repave the roadways of the tunnels and the open approaches of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. This project was awarded through a competitive bidding process in the amount of $4,986,343.03. Commission Chairman Aubrey L. Layne, Jr. remarked, “While the Commission is very pleased to have experienced a 22-year life out of the existing asphalt in the tunnels and open approaches, it is a great time to perform this necessary project. Not only will this project improve the wearing surfaces that are evident to the public, but it will also provide an opportunity to provide rehabilitation to the tunnel roadway foundation below the asphalt.”

The project will include the removal and replacement of the asphalt concrete overlay at the roadway level in both Thimble and Chesapeake Tunnels as well as along the open approach roadways at the trestle abutments, located at the end of each portal island. In addition, concrete repairs will be made to the underside and topside of the concrete slabs, while concurrently rehabilitating the tunnel roadway manholes.

Work for this project will begin in the second week of May 2013 on the underside of the tunnel roadway inside the lower air duct.

This initial phase will not impede traffic. After the completion of the summer travel season, concrete repairs and re-pavement of the topside of the tunnel roadway will begin. This phase will be conducted only at night to minimize travel delays for customers.
 
The entire project is expected to be completed by November 30, 2014.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

　
1913.. Grand Jury's action brings conclusion to case in the mysterious death of a young Salisbury office worker; 1990.. State funds approved for new Beretta plant in Pocomoke City; 1941.. Hundreds of Eastern Shore farm families experience delay in obtaining electricity; 1930.. Passengers escape burning bus at Pocomoke City stop; 1885.. An unexpected arrival.

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!　

"Drums On The Pocomoke" ~ May 18th and 19th

COMING SOON!

 

20th Annual "Drums on the Pocomoke"

 

  Pocomoke Cypress Park

Pocomoke City, Maryland

 

 Saturday, May 18

&

Sunday, May 19, 2013

 

The park opens to the public at 10:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm each day with the

 Grand Entry at noon.

 

More information to be posted soon!

ASSATEAGUE PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK

Statewide Gun Turn-In Day Is TODAY

Pocomoke City, MD - The Pocomoke City Police Department is partnering with Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler in the inaugural statewide gun turn-in day to provide residents an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted firearms.

 Officers from the Pocomoke City Police Department will be on hand at the

Pocomoke City Police Department

 1500 Market Street

Pocomoke City, Maryland

 

8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

 

Saturday, May 11, 2013

 

to accept handguns, rifles and shotguns for safe disposal.

 

No personal identification is required and no advance appointment is necessary.

 

Any type of firearm will be accepted and it need not be in working order. Individuals turning in guns should transport and handle them safely, making sure they are unloaded, and follow any instructions given by the law enforcement officer upon arrival at the gun turn-in location.

 

Once surrendered, the firearm will/may e processed through law enforcement databases to determine if it has been reported stolen or flagged as being a firearm used in the commission of a crime.

SAVE THE DATE FOR BINGO !!

 

 

http://www.magdrl.org/bingoFundraiser.htm

APPRECIATION WEEKEND ! At The Delmarva Discovery Center

Current Member of the Baltimore City Police Dept. and Wife Arrested For Prostitution and Human Trafficking

STATE POLICE MAKE TWO ARRESTS FOR PROSTITUTION AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

(Linthicum, MD) - The Maryland State Police Child Recovery Unit arrested a 31 year-old man and a 19-year old woman from Baltimore last night on criminal charges including prostitution and human trafficking.

The accused are identified as Lamin Manneh, 31, and Marissa Braun, 19, both of the 2400 block of Marbourne Avenue in Baltimore. After consultation with the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney, Manneh was charged with human trafficking and prostitution. Braun was charged with one count of prostitution.

Both individuals were processed at the Glen Burnie Barrack and transported to the District Court Commissioner in Glen Burnie for an initial appearance.
    
Yesterday, the Maryland State Police Child Recovery Unit was working their normal pro-active child prostitution/human trafficking operation. They located a young looking female posting on an internet “escort” website.  

Members of the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, working in conjunction with the Child Recovery Unit, arranged to meet the female in a Baltimore area hotel where Braun was subsequently identified. After Braun was in police custody, it was revealed she had been working for her alleged husband, Manneh. Police located Manneh in the parking lot of the same hotel. Manneh was interviewed by police and subsequently placed under arrest. 

During the initial encounter with Manneh, police learned he was a current member of the Baltimore City Police Department. Manneh will be suspended without pay and subject to an internal affairs investigation by the Baltimore City Police Department.
    
The Child Recovery Unit working this operation is comprised of Maryland State Police, an FBI Special Agent and a Baltimore County Detective. Troopers from the Glen Burnie Barrack also assisted at the scene.

The Maryland State Police Child Recovery Unit works in conjunction with the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force. The Child Exploitation Task Force is comprised of police agencies from around the state. Its primary mission is to identify and locate child victims of Human Trafficking. The Task Force works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and non governmental agencies to provide resources to combat these crimes. Additionally, the Task Force works to educate law enforcement and the public to recognize the signs of human trafficking violations.

Submitted:
Maryland State Police

Boston Bombing Suspect Buried In Virginia

DOSWELL, Va. (WAVY) - Boston bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s body has been interred at a Muslim cemetery in Doswell, according to the Boston Globe.

The Boston Globe says Tsarnaev’s remains are at Al-Barzakh Cemetery in Doswell.

"The burial was coordinated by a Virginia woman who saw news reports about the protest outside the Worcester funeral home, where it had languished for nearly a week, and decided to help," the Globe is reporting. "She said [Friday] that she had reached out to the Islamic Society of Greater Richmond and asked if they could help facilitate the burial. The society then secured a burial plot in the cemetery and coordinated the body’s transfer Wednesday night."

Source/More...

Maryland Governor Wants To 'Root Out Corruption' and Tackle Gangs Behind Bars

By Ian Duncan, The Baltimore Sun

Governor wants to 'root out corruption' and tackle gangs behind bars; Republicans say outside look is needed...


Gov. Martin O'Malley said Thursday that he would expand the use of technology to block cell phone calls in Maryland corrections facilities, part of a set of reforms designed to "root out corruption" after a federal indictment alleged widespread gang activity at the Baltimore City Detention Center.

O'Malley also called for a review of whether enhanced workplace protections for corrections officers helped dishonest workers stay on the job, and said polygraph tests would continue to be administered to jail employees.

The announcement came as state Republican leaders criticized his response to the alleged corruption and called for an independent audit of jails and prisons.

The statements continued a political back-and-forth that has followed the indictment of 13 officers and a dozen alleged Black Guerrilla Family gang members in a scheme to smuggle drugs, cellphones and other contraband into the jail, a state-run facility.

"We have zero tolerance for corruption," O'Malley said in a statement. "When members of murder networks are behind bars, the public has every right to expect that they will be prevented from committing further crimes."

It was the Democratic governor's most substantive response to the federal indictment, which has become a potentially embarrassing national story at a time when O'Malley is considering a presidential run.

House Republicans in Annapolis said O'Malley had missed opportunities to act before the scandal broke and has been slow to move after the allegations became public. He initially called the indictment "a positive development" that showed that law enforcement could tackle corruption.

Del. Nicholaus R. Kipke, the newly elected House minority leader, said he's glad to see the governor taking action now.

"We're glad that he's stepping up and we urge him to take personal responsibility as the chief executive of this state to reform corrections, and he will find bipartisan support among members of the legislature to fix this problem," the Anne Arundel County Republican said.

Also Thursday, two inmates charged in the case appeared in court and pleaded not guilty.
CONTINUE READING

Second Graders Suspended for Pretending Pencils Were Guns

Suspension prompts hundreds of calls to school

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The chairman of the Suffolk school board supports revisiting the weapons policy, after two second graders were suspended for pretending pencils were guns last week.

Christopher Marshall, 7, of Suffolk was suspended Friday for violating the school weapons policy. The student he was playing with, also a 7-year-old boy, was also suspended for two days. 
"I was happy to be back," said Wendy Marshall, as he arrived home Wednesday, his first day back to school.

And, while he seemed to be in good spirits, Christopher's mother, Wendy Marshall, says the night before he was worried sick.

"He said he was a little nervous," said Wendy Marshall. "His stomach was hurting and my husband and I reassured him, 'You have nothing to worry about. You did nothing wrong. You're not in trouble.'"

The discipline referral states he and another student pointed their pencils at each other and made gun noises. When he was home Monday, Christopher showed WAVY.com cameras exactly what he did, saying he was pretending to be a Marine, like his father.
"A pencil is a weapon when it is pointed at someone in a threatening way and gun noises are made," said Bethanne Bradshaw, a spokesperson for Suffolk Public Schools.

School officials are standing their ground, despite hundreds of emails and calls to their offices.

Bradshaw says the phone rang 75 times every hour on Tuesday, the day after WAVY.com first aired Christopher's story. Almost every caller was critical of Christopher's suspension.
"The community support has been marvelous," said Wendy Marshall. "I want to thank everyone."

While the suspension has changed how Christopher will act at school, Wendy Marshall says, at home, he can still be a kid.

"We're still going to play guns and hang out in the backyard," she said. "We're still going to have our Nerf wars and do everything we did before."

The weapons "look alike" policy will be on the school board agenda Thursday. At least two school board members - the chairman and vice chairman - want to revisit it the policy. It only takes four votes to make that happen. 

Source:

Female Suspect Arrested For Early Morning Stabbing In Ocean City

OCPD Arrest Female Suspect for Early Morning Stabbing

On May 9, 2013, at approximately 3:50 a.m. Ocean City Police and Paramedics responded to 508 Robin Drive, in reference to a stabbing.
  
Officers arrived at the scene and located the victim, who had obvious injuries to her neck and shoulders.  In addition, officers located the suspect in Unit #35.

During the investigation police learned the victim, whose name is not being released, and the suspect who has been identified as:  Sharon Lee Ward, 47, of Ocean City, became involved in an argument. 

During the argument and struggle, Ward attacked the victim with a kitchen knife stabbing her multiple times in the neck.  The victim was able to flee the unit and with the assistance of neighbors, contacted the police.

The victim was treated by Ocean City Fire Department paramedics for stab wounds to the neck. The victim was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment. Ward was treated for minor injuries and transported to Atlantic General Hospital where she was later released to the OCPD.

During the investigation police learned the victim and the suspect were living together and that there was a Maryland Court Final Domestic Protective Order prohibiting Ward from having any contact with the victim.

Police have recovered the weapon believed to be used in the attack at the crime scene.  Ward was arrested and taken to the Ocean City Public Safety Building and has been charged with:

• 1^st Degree Assault
• 2^nd Degree Assault
• Weapon Openly with The Intent to Injure
• Reckless Endangerment
• Violation of a Protective Order

At the time of this release Ward is being held by the OCPD awaiting an initial appearance before a Maryland District Court Commissioner.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Department

Two More Suspects Arrested and Charged In April 11 Stabbing In OC

Christopher Alexander Jones

OCPD Has Charged Two Additional Suspects Related to Stabbing from April 11


This week Ocean City Police Detectives have charged two additional suspects related to a stabbing incident that occurred on April 11, 2013, at 28^th Street and Coastal Highway.

Darian La Mar Waters

The primary suspect previously identified as Brandon Maurice Hudson had been charged with 1^st and 2^ndDegree Assault.  During the investigation police identified two other suspects involved in the incident as: Christopher Alexander Jones, 38, of Salisbury, Maryland and Darian La Mar Waters, 25, of Snow Hill, Maryland.


Jones has been charged with 2 counts of 2^nd degree assault and Waters has been charged with 1 count  of 2^nd  degree assault .

Brandon Maurice Hudsom
previously arrested

The two suspects will appear at a later date in Ocean City District Court in reference to these new charges.





Submitted:
Ocean City Police Department

Hogan Blasts Brown in Eastern Shore Speech

Hogan Blasts Brown in Eastern Shore Speech


Speaking to Kent County Republicans, at a packed room in Chestertown last night, Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan directly took aim at  Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, who is announcing his candidacy for governor tomorrow.

“The O’Malley-Brown Administration has a failed record of lost businesses, lost jobs, higher spending, record tax increases and broken promises,” Hogan said.  “After a 30% increase in spending and 40 consecutive O’Malley-Brown tax increases, struggling Maryland families and small businesses simply cannot afford another four years of O’Malley- Brown, tax and spend policies.”  

The O’Malley-Brown Administration has enacted the largest tax increases in state history. Yesterday Change Maryland released their latest economic impact report which detailed the 40 consecutive O’Malley-Brown tax increases passed since 2007.  The analysis in the Change Maryland study showed that these new taxes will cost a staggering cumulative total of $20 billion by the end of the next four-year term in 2018.

 

Brown plans to announce his candidacy for governor tomorrow. O’Malley is backing Brown as the heir apparent to the state’s top office. The Lt. Governor has stated his desire to continue the record “investments” in state government – code for continued increases in spending and taxes.

“The prospect of another four years of these policies will have a devastating effect on our state economy – increasing taxpayer exodus, and continuing the loss of businesses and jobs fleeing to other states,” said Hogan.

 

Over the past two years, Change Maryland and their  founder and Chairman, Larry Hogan have been frequent critics of the O’Malley-Brown economic record. Often seen as a leading voice of opposition to O’Malley's policy, they have increasingly been talking about the Lt. Governor as well, since he expressed his desire to continue his boss's political legacy.

Change Maryland is the largest and fastest growing non-partisan, grassroots movement in the state, with nearly 40,000 members. Their primary mission is to bring fiscal restraint and common sense to Annapolis. The founder and Chairman, Larry Hogan is also the founder, President and CEO of the Hogan Companies, leaders in economic development, who have been responsible for bringing hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs to Maryland. Hogan is also a former State Cabinet Secretary.

 

The Pocomoke City Police Department Now on Facebook

In order for the community to stay up to date on community events and special alerts the Pocomoke City Police Department has created a facebook page.

Simply go to  the   POCOMOKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT facebook page and click "like".

For those who follow Twitter, you can find the department there also.  @PocomokePolice

A Duty to Serve, an Honor to Protect

 

 

WICOMICO CO. MAN CHARGED FOR ASSAULT ON TROOPER

(BALTIMORE, MD) – The Wicomico County man who held a state trooper inside his car while he tried to flee a traffic stop has been charged in connection with the incident.

The suspect is identified as Harry F. Wyatt-Swift, 23, of Salisbury, Md. He is charged with attempted first degree murder, attempted second degree murder, first and second degree assault, second degree assault on a law enforcement officer, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, an obstructing/hindering a police officer.

State Police Homicide Unit investigators served the warrant on Wyatt-Swift yesterday afternoon at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where he is undergoing treatment for at least one gunshot wound and for injuries sustained when he subsequently ran into a utility pole guide wire and his car overturned. A court commissioner was at the hospital and conducted an initial appearance proceeding after the warrant was served. Wyatt-Swift was ordered held without bond and remanded to the custody of the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center. 

He will remain under guard by a security detail during his hospital stay, which is expected to last at least the next several days.

Wyatt-Swift was stopped by a state trooper from the Salisbury Barrack shortly before 1:30 a.m. on May 7, 2013, near Salisbury, for speeding and suspected DUI. When he attempted to flee the stop, the trooper reached in the vehicle to get the keys. The investigation indicates Wyatt-Swift grabbed the trooper’s arm and drove off, with the trooper hanging out the driver’s side window. After repeated commands to stop were ignored, the trooper was in fear for his life and shot Wyatt-Swift. The suspect released the trooper and drove on until he struck the guide wire and overturned. 

He was taken into custody when he surrendered to police after a brief search. 

Submitted:
Maryland State Police

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

　
1913.. Grand Jury's action brings conclusion to case in the mysterious death of a young Salisbury office worker; 1990.. State funds approved for new Beretta plant in Pocomoke City; 1941.. Hundreds of Eastern Shore farm families experience delay in obtaining electricity; 1930.. Passengers escape burning bus at Pocomoke City stop; 1885.. An unexpected arrival.

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!　

Northampton County Circuit Court Cases

Circuit Court of  Northampton County

Monday, May 6, 2013

 

The following cases were heard in Northampton County Circuit Court:

 

Antonio Lamont Robinson of Smyrna Delaware was sentenced to 10 years with all but 4 years suspended, drivers license suspended and supervised probation pending good behavior for 10 years. Robinson was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. It was his second offense.

 

Darion Baines of Painter pleaded guilty to 2 counts of malicious wounding. Sentencing was continued pending the preparation of a presentence report.

 

Jonathan Chase Melzer of Ash, NC pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute ecstasy; possession of bath salts with the intent to distribute; possession of psilocybin with the intent to distribute; possession with the intent to distribute LSD and possession of marijuana. The case was continued for a presentence report.

 

Calvin Young of Painter pleaded guilty to two counts of larceny and Joseph Lamont Hines of Birdsnest pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine. Both cases were continued pending preparation of a presentence report.

40 O’Malley-Brown Tax Hikes Will Cost $20 Billion by 2018

40 O’Malley-Brown Tax Hikes Will Cost $20 Billion by 2018

Annapolis - Change Maryland released today stunning new figures on the tax impact that is accruing to Marylander's since 2007.  In two separate reports released today, Change Maryland documents the cumulative impact to 2014 and the one projected to 2018, the latest year for which there are official government estimates.

From 2007 to 2018, Marylander's will have paid nearly $20 billion in additional taxes and fees stemming from 40 separate O’Malley-Brown increases - an amount which is over and above the tax burden as it existed before 2007 and assumes no additional levies are enacted.

"Nobody expected the total impact to be this staggering, not even me," said Change Maryland founder and Chairman Larry Hogan. "Struggling Maryland families and small businesses simply cannot afford another four years of an O'Malley-Brown tax and spend binge."

Governor Martin O'Malley is backing Lt. Governor Anthony Brown as the heir apparent to the state's top office upon the expiration of his term in 2015. The Lt. Governor has stated a need to continue record "investments" in state government - code word for increasing taxes.

"The prospect of another four years of these policies will have a devastating effect on the productive components of the economy -  increasing tax flight, continuing the small business exodus and large corporate headquarters relocating to other states," added Hogan.

Since 2007, nearly 31,000 Marylander's fled to other states, the highest in the region, 6500 small businesses have left or shut down, the second-highest in the region, and just three Fortune 500 companies remain in the state.  This is a sharp contrast to 24 large corporate headquarters in Virginia and 23 in Pennsylvania.

The cumulative tax impact from 2007 to 2014 - the eight years of the O'Malley Administration  - is $9.5 billion.  The dramatic spike of the cumulative tax burden, an over two-fold increase in four years, is due to the phasing in of the gasoline tax and related transportation levies.  Additionally, the massive sales, corporate income and sales tax increases from 2007 are recurring revenue generators that, combined with subsequent revenue measures, increase the size and scope of government beyond anything ever witnessed in Maryland history.

"This is not just an argument about big government," said Hogan.  "It's about a government that is on auto-pilot to grow exponentially, beyond anything any of us have ever seen in our lifetimes and that comes directly at the expense of the private sector economy that we desperately need to diversify our employment base."

Previously, Change Maryland released a report that updated tax and fee increases following the 2013 session, which brought the total to 37 increases that remove $3.1 billion annually over and above the existing tax burden.  These latest reports adds new fees for gun purchases, enacted in 2013, and two newly-discovered measures buried in omnibus legislation and not subject to normal legislative procedures.

Change Maryland is the largest and fastest growing citizens organization in the state, made up of nearly 40,000 people. Its tax reports are derived from official government revenue estimates.

Background (attached)

Cumulative 2007-2014

Tax Fee v.5.2.13_CUM_OM

Cumulative 2007-2018

Tax Fee v.5.2.13_CUM_OM-Brown