Bill Payment Scam Targeting Utility Customers In Virginia

*CONSUMER ALERT*

Attorney General Cuccinelli warns Virginians of bill payment scam targeting utility customers

RICHMOND (June 17, 2013) - Today, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli warned Virginians to be cautious of scam phone calls from individuals who claim to be an employee of their electric utility provider and demand immediate payment of their bill. There have been several recent reports of citizens receiving calls, where the caller claims to be a company employee and threatens to shut off electric service unless a delinquent bill is paid within a matter of hours. Those called are then encouraged to go to Walmart or another retailer to purchase a Green Dot Visa card or other pre-paid debit card so that funds can be loaded onto the card and a payment can be made over the phone to the scammer.  The scammers appear to be specifically targeting Spanish-speaking customers, the elderly, and businesses in the state.  The scammers sometimes are able to gain an additional aura of legitimacy by "spoofing" the utility's phone number so that the citizen's Caller ID makes it appear they are receiving a phone call from their utility.

 

 

Instances have been reported to date by customers of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative, Dominion Virginia Power, and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative.

Cuccinelli urged all Virginians to protect themselves from these scammers and offers these tips.

• Always attempt to verify the identity of any individual calling you who claims to represent a business. Do not provide money or personal information to an unsolicited caller whose identity you are not able to verify.   

• Always take your time making a decision. Legitimate companies won't pressure you to make a snap decision.

• If you receive a call along the lines described, do not make a payment by purchasing a Green Dot card or other means.   Please do immediately contact your utility's local office to report the call and to verify your account status.

• If you received a call along the lines described and you made a payment to the scammer, report that information to your local law enforcement.   You may also report this information to state or federal law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission.

"Scammers are always coming up with new tricks to take away your hard-earned money. Taking advantage of innocent people is intolerable, shameful, and appalling-- especially in this tough economy-- and my office will not stand for it," said Cuccinelli.

Consumers should know that, although it is possible that their utility may contact them by phone if they are delinquent on a bill, the utility will never direct them to make a payment in a specific form, for example, by Green Dot Card. In those situations, the utility will only inform the customer of how they may make a payment, such as by coming to the corporate office and providing a check, money order or cash, or mailing a check with their most recent bill, or contacting the corporate office and paying by credit or debit card. 

Consumers also should know that their utility typically will not communicate with them about the potential termination of their electric service over the phone but instead will do so only through a mailed communication.

"We are taking the necessary steps to inform the citizens of Virginia that scammers are real, and educating them on how to protect themselves," said Cuccinelli.

If you have questions about this scam, the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection telephone counselors are available to assist you with your consumer questions. Please call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-552-9963 if calling from Virginia, or 804-786-2042 if calling from the Richmond area. The Consumer Protection office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Customers of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperatives can call toll-free at 1-800-234-7832 and speak with a customer service representative regarding any questions or concerns.

Customers of Dominion Power can call toll-free at 1-866-366-4357 and speak with a customer service representative. 

Customers of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative can call toll-free at 1-800-552-3904 to speak with a customer service representative.

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting TONIGHT

 

A G E N D A

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 p.m., Monday, June 17, 2013

City Hall

 
 

1. Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

 
2.  Review and approval of minutes from meeting of June 3, 2013.
 
3.  Review and approval of bills to be paid.
 
4.  Second Reading of Res. No.475 to adopt the budget for fiscal year 2014.
 
5.  Second Reading of Res. No. 476 to set the tax rates for fiscal year 2014.
 
6.  Second Reading of Res. 477 to set fees, charges and penalties for fiscal year 2014.
 
7.  Representatives of the Great Fair Committee to discuss upcoming events: Tractor Pull (6/22/13), and Great Pocomoke Fair   (8/1-3/13).
 
8.  City Manager to present eleven month budget report.
 
9.  Mayor to discuss letter from Tim Richo regarding 7^th grade AAU basketball team support.
 
10.  City Manager to recommend allowing employees to enroll in optional Legal Shield program through payroll deduction.

11.  Discuss letter from Pentecostal Church of God requesting use of former Fire Dept. parking to for carnival outreach event.
 
 
Comments from the Audience.
Mayor and Council Items.
Adjourn.

4th Annual FINTASTIC FESTIVAL This Weekend

The Delmarva Discovery Center Is Seeking Volunteers

 

 

BINGO ! To Support Two Great Causes

BINGO !!

 

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Parksley Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

18431 Dunne Ave.

 

 

bingo, prizes, food, and more

 

Doors open at 6 pm
Games at 7 pm

Proceeds of this event go to

Team Britt's Support Our Troops Project

and

 Greater Parksley Association

 

Bring an item for a care package and get one card FREE!

 Games are only a dollar!

 

 

Family and Local Police Officers Honor Dfc. Brian Heller On Anniversary

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

 

Photo/Worcester County Sheriff's Dept.

2013 Dfc. Brian Heller Memorial Service June 14, 2013

 

On June 14th, 2013, The Worcester County Sheriff's Office honored  Dfc.  Brian Heller on his 13th Anniversary LODD.

 

Members of the Sheriff's Office were joined by Brian's family, the Maryland State Police, Snow Hill Police Department, Wicomico Sheriff's Office, Pocomoke City Police and the Berlin Police Department.

 

For those of you who were fortunate to know Brian, you know the loss that we still feel. Brian was a part of our family and is deeply missed each and every day.

 

We honor him each day by continuing to put our best foot forward and protecting and serving our county residents.

 

Worcester County Sheriff's Office (PHOTOS)

 

 

Deputy Brian K. Heller

On June 14, 2000 Deputy Brian K. Heller, of the  Worcester County Sheriff's Office  was killed in an single car automobile accident while responding to assist another deputy with a mental patient, who was armed with a possible weapon.

Photo/Worcester County Sheriff's Office

 

While driving southbound on U.S. Route 113, his 2000 Ford Crown Victoria went out of control and struck a group of trees, ejecting him before bursting into flames.

 

Deputy Heller was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

 

Deputy Heller had been in law enforcement for 13 years, and had been with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office for four years.

 

Deputy Brian Keith Heller is survived by his wife and two daughters who were ages 9 and 14 at the time of his death.  He was 35 years of age.

Officer Down Memorial Page

Suspected Arsonists Due In Accomack County Court Today

Charles R. Smith

The two Hopeton residents believed to be responsible with many of the 76 arson fires on the Eastern Shore November 2012 unti April 2013  will go to court today for preliminary hearings.

Tonya Bundick and Charles Smith will face the judge in the Accomack County District court at 1:30 today.

Tonya Bundick

Court ordered evaluations of both Smith and Bundick showed they both suffer from depression. That wasn't enough to prevent today's hearing from taking place.

 
To date each is charged with one count of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson in connection with a fire at an abandoned structure in Melfa.

Men's Tug-O-War Competition

Pocomoke Cypress Festival

Men's Tug-O-War Competition
Saturday Night


Video Rusty Merritt


Great to see  that this oldie but goodie has returned! The idea to return the tug-o-war started out with a slow response.   For an event to have been gone for a few years the 2013 tug-o-war competition ended with 3 women's teams and six men's teams. 

Be sure to watch the video to find out who managed to stay out of the mud to win the trophy !

 

Father's Day 2013

and..........

 

 

 

Be sure to create a memory today.....

TIME MACHINE ... 1885

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

　
I'm on vacation this week. Below is a news story you may have missed previously or maybe would like to read again. The Time Machine will be back with some "new" items from our past next Sunday.- tk

　
January, 1885
(The Freeborn County Standard- Albert Lea, Minnesota)

SHIPS SAILING IN AIR

Remarkable Mirage Seen From The Decks Of A Steamer In Chesapeake Bay

From The Baltimore Herald. "At the time I discovered it," said Captain Wilson of the steamer Tangier "we were off Watts Island on the Pocomoke Sound. The day was clear and bright. I was standing on the hurricane deck forward with a passenger, and we were commenting on the strange action of a dense line of smoke which rose perpendicularly from the stack of a saw mill in Pocomoke City, which lay to the east of us. My attention was suddenly called to the distinct outlines of a three-masted schooner which appeared above the line where the smoke spread out and disappeared. I could hardly believe my senses, and, calling my attention to the gentleman who was with me to the strange sight, I rushed into the pilot house and got my glasses. Through them I discovered more clearly the outlines of the vessel. There was evidently no breeze, as the sails were lying inboard. Then I scanned the horizon on either side of the smoke with the glasses and discovered four additional schooners, all of them similarly rigged and all wearing a full set of sails which were also inboard. They were more or less distinct as they were nearer or farther from the shore. Three of them pointed north and two south. The vessels were enveloped in what appeared to be a transparent haze, which I at once supposed to be the ocean. Fringing the lower edge of the haze were the outlines, perfectly distinct of the Atlantic coast between Chncoteague and Cobbs Islands. Even the inlets and small capes were discernible. Next appeared the broad waters between the outer bar and the mainland. This was also depicted as a haze, the land dovetailing into it here and there. Skirting the lower edge of the haze was the mainland, with open fields and clumps of trees. The mirage extended down to the meeting line of the land and the eastern horizon. I called all the passengers up from the lower deck and saloon, and all of them gazed at the phenomenon with wonder and admiration. The sight lasted about twenty minutes and gradually disappeared from view."

Captain Wilson stated that a land breeze had prevailed for several days previous to the mirage, and the phenomenon is accounted for on the ground that there was unusual retraction of the lower strata of the atmosphere. This is the first known instance of a mirage being seen in the lower Chesapeake. This phenomenon, however, is not infrequent in the Chesapeake, and Captain Wilson states that he once saw Cove point light from the lower end of Tangier Island, a distance of 38 miles. He calculated the distance of the mirage of a few days ago to be 30 miles.


 　　
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!
　

Police say alleged Accomack County Arsonists Targeted Facebook User

ACCOMAC — Search warrants filed in Accomack County contain information about a possible motive behind one of the more than 70 arson fires that happened in Accomack County during a five-month crime spree.

The Hopeton couple police say are responsible for setting most of the fires are scheduled to appear Monday in General District Court in Accomac for a preliminary hearing.

Charles R. Smith III, 38, after his arrest April 2 admitted to setting more than 70 structure and brush fires with help from his fiancee, Tonya S. Bundick, 40.

Smith told investigators the couple picked one house as a target because of comments made on Facebook, according to information contained in two search warrants taken out by Virginia State Police.

“Mr. Smith specifically indicated that in one case they targeted the residence that he burned because of comments that were made to Ms. Bundick on Facebook,” the warrant stated as probable cause for searching two Facebook accounts belonging to Bundick.

The scope of the searches included status updates, shares, notes, postings, friend lists and private messages, among other information associated with the accounts.

The warrant did not specify whose residence Smith and Bundick targeted or what the online comments said.

One of Bundick’s Facebook personas, “Teechar Toobannounced,” is still listed as a member of the Facebook groups “Arson in Accomack” and “ESVA Fires — Who is Setting These Fires? And How Will They Be Stopped?" They are two of several groups created on the social media site to discuss the arsons.

The police searches resulted in a three-page .pdf file from one account, tonya.bundick, and a 521-page file from the second account, teechar.toobannounced.

Read More

Rocket Week For Teachers and Students / Wallops Flight Facility

Students and Teachers Become Rocket Scientists at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility

WASHINGTON -- More than 120 students and educators will delve into the world of rocket science June 15-21 during Rocket Week at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

Activities during the week will include a RockOn! workshop for 50 university and community college-level participants, and the Wallops Rocket Academy for Teachers and Students (WRATS) for a high school audience. All attendees will participate in a sounding rocket launch scheduled between 5:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. EDT June 20.

"Rocket Week brings together students and teachers from across the country to experience first-hand the exciting world of rocketry," said Joyce Winterton, senior advisor for education and leadership development at Wallops. "For students, it provides them valuable experience to blend with academics for their future STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers. The educators gain valuable experience to expand their curriculum in the classroom and mentor students for STEM majors and careers."

RockOn! Introduces participants to building small experiments that can be launched on suborbital sounding rockets. Now in its sixth year, the workshop is conducted in partnership with the Colorado and Virginia Space Grant Consortia.

"Working with NASA, we have developed a step approach to expand the skills needed for students to enter STEM careers," said Chris Koehler, director of the Colorado Space Grant Consortium. "RockOn! is the first step, followed by RockSat-C and then RockSat-X. Each step is technically more challenging than the previous one, allowing the students to expand the skills needed to support the aerospace industry."

The RockOn! participants will build standardized experiments to be launched on a NASA Terrier-Improved Orion suborbital sounding rocket. The 35-foot-tall rocket is expected to fly to an altitude of about 75 miles. After launch and payload recovery, the participants will conduct preliminary data analysis and discuss their results.

Nine custom-built Rocksat-C experiments, developed at universities that previously participated in a RockOn! Workshop, also will fly inside a payload canister on the rocket. About 50 students who designed and built the experiments will be attend Rocket Week.

Also attending will be university participants in RockSat-X. They are previous Rocksat-C participants who will fly six custom-built experiments aboard a sounding rocket from Wallops in August.

In the WRATS program, 20 high school teachers from Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and the District of Columbia will learn about the dynamics of rocketry and the science gained from suborbital sounding rockets to reinforce STEM concepts they teach in their classrooms. They also will attend the planned sounding rocket launch.

These programs continue NASA's investment in the nation's education programs by supporting the goal of attracting and retaining students in STEM disciplines critical to the future of space exploration.

For more information about the WRATS programs, visit:
http://education.wff.nasa.gov



The RockOn! and WRATS workshops are supported by NASA's Sounding Rocket Program. RockOn! also is supported by NASA's Office of Education and NASA's National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program in partnership with the Colorado and Virginia Space Grant Consortia.

For more information on RockOn! and RockSat, visit:
http://spacegrant.colorado.edu/rockon

For more information about NASA's education programs, visit:
 
http://www.nasa.gov/education

Caroline County Sheriff's Deputies Respond To Gun Battle In The Street

Gun Battle between two groups in the street - Arrests Made -

Nichols Road, Federalsburg, Maryland - On 6/8/13, Caroline County Sheriff's Deputies responded to numerous calls about a gun battle between two groups of individuals occurring at the intersection of Nichols Road and Laurel Grove Road, Federalsburg, Maryland.

Caroline County Dispatch advised that two suspects, one of which was armed with a handgun, had fled the scene in a large white car, with oversized tires bearing Delaware registration.

 The Deputies searched the area and located the vehicle traveling on Old Denton Road, Federalsburg. Corporal Peterson, Caroline Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit, then attempted to initiate a traffic stop of the vehicle. A vehicle pursuit ensued on Old Denton Road, crossing over Federalsburg Highway onto Three Bridges Road at which time the passenger, later identified as Angel Ortiz was observed to throw a black handgun out the vehicle, which was later recovered. The suspect vehicle was eventually stopped and the pursuit was ended in the area of Nichols Road, near where the gun battle started.

Charles Wise was identified as the driver in the pursuit.

Both occupants were then taken into custody. Wise was charged with handgun in vehicle and traffic charges, while Ortiz was charged with four handgun charges. They were seen by the court commissioner, Wise was released on PR, and Ortiz was held on $50,000.00 Bond at the Caroline County Detention Center.

No civilians or suspects were injured in this incident.

The Maryland State Police - Easton Barrack, The Caroline County Drug Task Force and the Federalsburg Police Department assisted the Sheriff's Office in this investigation.

Submitted:
Caroline County Sheriff's Office

Coast Guard Seeks Public Comment - Disestablishment of Virginia Inside Passage

Coast Guard seeks public comment for disestablishment of Virginia Inside Passage

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard is seeking public comment on the proposal to disestablish the navigational aids along the Virginia Inside Passage inside of Metompkin Bay near Chincoteague during the next two months.

The proposed disestablishment is due to encroaching shoaling conditions, limited surveys and a lack of funds to dredge the passage.

 

Navigation along routes from east to west or the inlets that lead to and from sea will not be affected by the changes.

 

The proposal encompasses the disestablishment of 135 aids to navigation along approximately 100 miles of the Virginia Inside Passage from Chincoteague to the northwest side of Fisherman Island.

 

The Coast Guard is soliciting comments on the proposed disestablishment and the possible impact on business operations and navigation along the route.  It is also requested that the type of transportation used is included in the correspondence.

 

Comments may be sent to Albert Grimes via e-mail at Albert.L.Grimes@uscg.mil or by mail at Commander (dpw), Attn: Albert Grimes, 431 Crawford Street, Room 100, Portsmouth, VA 23704-5004.

 

Comments must be recieved no later than Aug. 5.  The local notice to mariners can be viewed at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/lnms/lnm05242013.pdf on page 26.

Delmarva Discovery Presentation / Cypress Festival

Little kids and big kids enjoyed the wildlife presentation Sarah, along with her helpful volunteers,  from the Delmarva Discovery Center gave on Friday night at Cypress Park.

During her 1/2 hour  presentation the crowd was able to meet some local reptiles who actually make their home at the Delmarva Discovery Center. 

After each introduction the crowd was encouraged to get a closer view of the box turtle, painted turtle, George the snapping turtle and last but not least Bernard the rat snake.

 

 

 

 

Don't miss Sarah's presentation today at the Cypress Festival.

 

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm

 

Sarah does an awesome job explaining the local wildlife.  I'm not sure if I ready to touch a snake but I am glad that she didn't have the giant bullfrog with her!

 

Thanks Sarah!

Cypress Festival Schedule / Saturday

Cypress Festival opens at noon today!

 

Saturday is Heritage Day

with over 40 exhibitors!

 

Celebrate our Eastern Shore heritage at the Cypress Festival with local artists and crafters and special exhibits of Delmarva culture.

 

 Wristbands are good from 12 to 4

 

Board The Hilda M. Willing {1905}

Built in 1905, she is a National Historic Landmark and the best example of a working skipjack. Learn about boat terminology and the history of skipjacks from watermen and crew!

 

Pocomoke River Cruises
 Saturday - 12 pm to 7 pm, on the hour, Pocomoke River Cruises

 

 

 The Costen House at 206 Market Street will be open 12 - 6 on Saturday June 15 - FREE Admission

 

 Nature Trail Walk
 Saturday June 15 @ 1 pm

 

 Pocomoke Raft Regatta
 Saturday, June 15 @ 2:30 pm

 

The Sturgis One Room School Museum
 The Sturgis One Room School Museum at 209 Willow Street, will be open from 12 to 6 on Saturday June 15 - FREE Admission

 

 

Summer Crabtown Cruisers Car & Truck Show
 Saturday, June 15 from 1 pm to 5 pm

 

 

 Godspell Performance
 Saturday, June 15 from 3:30 pm to 4 pm on stage

 

 

 Wildlife Presentation by the Delmarva Discovery Center
 Saturday June 15 from 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm

In this half-hour presentation appropriate for all ages, Sarah of the Delmarva Discovery Center will introduce native wildlife. Children and adults will be introduced to the fascinating world of animals. Starring George the snapping turtle and Bernard the rat snake.

 

Duck Derby
 Saturday June 15 @ 5:30 pm

 

 Men's Tug-O-War 7pm, sign in at 6

 

 

 

 Mid Life Crisis Band ~ Live on Stage!
 Saturday Night, June 15 6 to 10 pm

 

 

 

 

 

Fireworks Display begins at 10 pm.

Sponsored by Pocomoke City

 

 

 

Tour The Costen House Today

COSTEN HOUSE
206 Market Street
Pocomoke City, Maryland

 

 

OPEN TODAY

Saturday, June 15, 2013
12:00 to 6:00

 

See the Victorian home and period garden of Pocomoke City's first mayor, physician and town father.  See the medical office, period clothing and learn about typical life in  small town America 1870-1920.

 

 

Three People Stabbed - Suspects Arrested

On June 14, at approximately 12:25 a.m., Ocean City Police and Paramedics responded to the area of 119th Street and Assawoman Drive, in reference to a stabbing.  Officers arrived at the scene and determined that three victims, who have been identified as an 18-year-old female, a 20-year-old male and a 19-year-old male, all three of which are from Baltimore, MD, had been stabbed.

  Upon arriving to the scene, officers learned that the suspects had left the area.  Investigators at the scene were able to quickly obtain a description of the suspects and their vehicle and broadcast the information via police radio.  A short time later, a Maryland State Police officer that was on patrol in Ocean City spotted the suspect’s vehicle in the area of 31st Street and Baltimore Avenue.

The vehicle was stopped without incident and the suspects, who were identified as Trevor Lee Testerman, 18, of Thurmont, MD and a 17-year-old female from Frederick, MD, were taken into custody.

Two of the stabbing victims, whose names are not being released, were treated by Ocean City EMS and flown by the Maryland State Police helicopter to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for additional treatment. The victims, the 18-year-old female and 20-year-old male, are currently listed in stable condition.  The third victim, the 19-year-old male, had a minor wound and refused medical treatment.

Ocean City Police detectives have charged Testerman with three counts of first degree assault, three counts of second degree assault and one count of reckless endangerment. The juvenile female has been charged with accessory after the fact.

Testerman is currently being held at the Ocean City Public Safety Building and is awaiting an initial appearance with an Ocean City District Court Commissioner.  The 17-year-old female is being charged as a minor and has been referred to the Maryland Department of Social Services Juvenile Justice for processing as a juvenile.

Submitted:
Ocean City PoliceDepartment

Pocomoke Cypress Festival Continues Today...

Pocomoke Cypress Festival Tug-O-War

(Women's)

 

Friday, June 14, 2013

 

 

Video/Rusty Merritt

Men's Tug-O-War
Tonight
Saturday, June 15, 2013
7 PM

 There's still time to put a team together.
 There is  NO entry fee!


For a complete list of all Saturday events

2013 POCOMOKE CYPRESS FESTIVAL


 

Worcester County Maryland Library ~ COMING SOON!

 

Worcester County Maryland Library

 

 

Michael Shwedick has been introducing America to the fascinating world of reptiles since 1970. Michael and his special reptile guests are back, by popular demand, for their second visit to our library with a program that children and adults will enjoy!

 

Based On Lies To Police Officer Man Found Guilty On All Charges

Accomack County Circuit Court


Defendant Shontel Johnson was charged with attempted robbery, malicious maiming, and two counts of use of a firearm. The defendant asked for a bench trial which was granted. The  incident occurred on or about January 12, 2012,  in the Tysons parking lot in Temperanceville.

James Tull Jr., a 13 year night shift worker at Tyson, testified Mr. Johnson called him on the phone near the end of his shift and asked him to meet him in the parking lot outside of the gate. At approximately 3am when approaching the car that Mr. Tull believed  Mr. Johnson was in, Mr. Johnson jumped out with a rifle in hand and told Mr. Tull  to put all his money on the trunk. Mr. Tull then told him that he didn't have anything but some rent money. At that point the two other men in the car told Mr. Johnson that things were not going well and to get in the car and go. Mr. Tull testified that at this point, Mr. Johnson struck him in the head with the barrel of the gun and all three men left. It was at this point Mr. Tull  called 911. Hospital records and pictures showed a head wound with six stitches.

Deputy Sheriff David Gladden answered the call at Tysons parking lot within 2-3 minutes of the 911 call and questioned Mr. Tull , who identified Mr. Johnson as the man who had tried to rob him, and had stuck him at gun point. He also shared that Johnson was his cousin and informed the officer where he lived. When Officer Gladden arrived at the residence  of Mr. Johnson only the defendants stepfather and mother were home.

Officer Gladden testified that while in the home he saw a half empty half gallon bottle of clear alcohol believed to be gin, along with a set of scales with a green leafy substance nearby. Also found were bullets for a 30/30 rifle and 44 caliber, along with a shotgun. 

When Officer Gladden met with Mr. Johnson at approximately 10:30pm the next evening, Mr. Johnson denied knowing Mr. Tull and said that he had spent the night at the owl hotel with his girlfriend and her family.

Patrick Joseph, who was one of the passengers in the said vehicle at the time of the incident, said he saw Johnson strike Tull, and a ring on Johnson's hand caused the wounds.

When Johnson took the stand, his testimony indicated this was not a robbery, but a drug deal gone bad. He testified that he was there to recover his $ 200 that he had paid Mr. Tull earlier. He also claimed not to own a gun, and also insisted the head wounds were inflicted by the ring he was wearing.

Judge Revell Lewis explained to the defendant that this was a case of credibility, and based on his lies to Officer Gladden, he was finding him guilty on all charges. Johnson will be sentenced at a hearing on October 7, 2013.

Other cases heard:
Bail being set at $25,000 dollars for Mr. Eddie Jackson of Onancock for distributing cocaine.
$25,000 bail also set for gang activity, reckless handling of a firearm, and threatening of a juvenile for Quarmaine Bailey.

Source:

Convicted Murderer Found Guilty Again in Retrial

WBOC
SNOW HILL, Md.- The Worcester County Circuit Court retrial for a Pittsville man convicted in the 2008 fatal stabbing of a Pocomoke City plumber has ended with the same outcome. Now prosecutors are hoping to boost his sentence this time around.

Thirty-three-year-old Charles Robert Phillips was found guilty in 2009 of first-degree murder for stabbing 77-year-old William Niblett to death at his home. Charging documents at the time show Phillips confessed to the crime, claiming he had stabbed Niblett after an argument over money for work he had done at the house.

Charles Robert Phillips

Phillips appealed his murder conviction and the Maryland Court of Appeals granted him a new trial after finding that police had violated his Miranda rights during interviews they conducted with him at the time of his arrest.

Following his first trial, Phillips was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole. Worcester County State's Attorney Beau Oglesby said that this time, however, his office plans to request that Phillips be given life without a chance for parole. According to Oglesby, this trial delayed true justice and reopened wounds for the family of the victim.

Oglesby praised his staff for securing the verdict and said, "For a family to have to endure a retrial several years after the death of their loved one, it can be devastating for them to have to reopen those wounds. We're hoping this is the conclusion so this family can heal again."

The sentencing date for Phillips has not yet been set.

Source:

FLAG DAY 2013

Today is FLAG DAY

 

 

Please display the colors proudly !

Be A Volunteer At the Marva Theater

Suspect Arrested In Murder Of Ten-Year Old

Richard Madden

(Port Deposit, MD) Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit arrested the suspect today, responsible for the murder of a ten year old Cecil County girl.

The accused is identified as Richard Madden, 29, of the 100 block of Waibel Road in Port Deposit. Madden was arrested for the murder of Kami Ring in Cecil County.
Madden is charged with first and second degree murder, first degree assault and first degree rape. He is currently being processed at the North East Barrack. He will be transported to the District Court Commissioner for an initial appearance.

After consultation with the Cecil County State’s Attorney, Madden was arrested today at 5:30 p.m. without incident. He was being held at the Cecil County Detention Center for violating his probation stemming from drug charges. 

Kami Ring

The body of Kami Ring, 10, of Charlestown, Maryland was found in a field across the street from the home she was visiting on Waibel Road. Madden was one of three residents living at the home.
Crime scene analysts, working closely with homicide investigators, gathered evidence from the field, in which Kami was found, and from the Waibel Road residence, where she was believed to be staying.
 
Biological evidence linked Madden to the murder of Kami.

Autopsy results reveal the cause of death as blunt force trauma and asphyxia.

Investigators have determined there is no biological connection between Madden and Ring. The grandparents, who also reside at the Waibel Road residence and are not biologically related to Ring, and are the parents of Madden.

A motive for the murder remains unclear at this time. The investigation continues…
Submitted:
Maryland State Police

Police Locate Suspects of Armed Robbery

On June 10, 2013, at approximately 2:20 a.m., Ocean City Police responded to 12th Street for a report of an armed robbery. The victims, who are not being identified, advised police that they were walking along 12th Street and came in contact with a group of four males who robbed the victims at gunpoint.

Police broadcast a description of the suspects and their vehicle and were able to stop the suspect’s vehicle on 12th Street a short time after the initial lookout. The vehicle was occupied by four males, who were all detained until the victims were brought to the stop.

The victims positively identified the suspects as the persons who had committed the armed robbery. Police identified the perpetrators as; Dominique LA Paul Pratt, 20, of Waldorf, MD, Derrell Levon Prince, 19, of Waldorf, MD, and John Riley, 23, of Washington, DC.  The investigation revealed that the fourth suspect, who was identified as Darien Xavier, Britton, 18, of Waldorf, MD, acted as the group’s driver.

Police recovered the victims stolen property, which consisted of two wallets that contained approximately $500, and two IPhones, from the suspects’ vehicle.  Officers also located a handgun that was believed to be used during the robbery.  A check of the handguns by serial number revealed the gun was reported stolen in Charlotte, NC.

Pratt and Prince have both been charged with two counts of armed robbery, two counts of 1st degree assault and use of a firearm in a violent crime. Riley has been charged with two counts of armed robbery, possession of a dangerous weapon with intent to injure and 2nd degree assault. Britton has been charged with two counts of armed robbery and transportation of a handgun. Charges for the stolen handgun are pending.

All of the suspects were seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and are being held of $500,000 bond.   The suspects have been transferred to the Worcester County Jail.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Department

Inspector in Philadelphia Collapse Commits Suicide

Fox45
Philadelphia officials have identified an inspector who fatally shot himself a week after a building collapse that killed six people
as a dedicated 16-year veteran of the Department of Licenses and Inspections.Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison says 52-year-old inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer was found dead in his truck Wednesday night with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
City officials say he was the Department of Licenses and Inspections employee who conducted a May 14 inspection of the building, weeks before the June 5 collapse.
Gillison says the department is in mourning and Wagenhoffer "did nothing wrong." Wagenhoffer leaves behind a wife and son.
The downtown building was being demolished when it collapsed onto a neighboring Salvation Army Thrift Store, killing two employees and four customers. Police allege a heavy equipment operator had been high on marijuana.

Source:

Phillips Trial Over- Verdict Is In

The  retrial for Charles Robert Phillips, convicted murderer of William Nibblett (Nib) on March 5, 2008 has ended.

In 2012 the  Maryland's Court of Appeals claimed that Philip's Miranda Rights may have been violated and his case was sent back to the office of Beau Oglesby the State's Attorney for Worcester County. 

In what was expected to be a 4 day trial concluded this afternoon.
Charles Robert Phillips murdered Nib in his home back in 2008 just one day after being released from the Wicomico County jail.

William Nibblett (known by all as "Nib") was a well-liked local Pocomoke City plumber and father of two. Phillips already with a crime-filled past was sentenced in April 2009 to life in prison for the first-degree murder of William Nibblett.

His sentence also included a consecutive 20-year term for armed robbery.

In the outcome of Phillips  retrial he was found:

 Guilty First Degree Murder
 Guilty of Armed Robbery
 Guilty of Theft of 500 or less.

Six Month Marijuana Distribution Investigation Leads To Arrests

Members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team concluded a six month marijuana distribution investigation that was being conducted jointly with the Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit and with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration (Salisbury Post of Duty) and the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office.  During the course of this investigation, an individual identified as Michael Gates, Age 24, of Bishopville, Maryland was monitored as he was traveling back and forth from the Redding, California area to Worcester County, Maryland.

Michael Gates is believed to have been facilitating the transportation and shipments of numerous packages of high grade marijuana from California to Maryland.

During the month of May, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team executed multiple search and seizure warrants at various residences and a storage facility in Worcester County that Michael Gates utilized to facilitate this criminal activity. At the conclusion of this investigation a total of 7.5 lbs of marijuana was seized along with approximately $30,000.00 in United States Currency. The following individuals associated with this investigation were charged with various offenses as listed below:

Michael A. Gates (Age 24) of Bishopville, Maryland:
•Possession of Marijuana
•Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana
Disposition: Committed to Worcester Co. Jail $45,000.00 Bond


David J. Gates (Age 28) of Bishopville, Maryland:
•Possession of Marijuana
•Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana
Disposition: Committed to Worcester Co. Jail $35,000.00 Bond

Michael T. Herr (Age 23) of Berlin, Maryland:
•Possession of Marijuana
•Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana
Disposition: Committed to Worcester Co. Jail $5,000.00 Bond

Michael T. Herr (Age 53) of Berlin, Maryland:
•Possession of Marijuana
•Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana
Disposition: Committed to Worcester Co. Jail $7,500.00 Bond

Justin M. McDonald (Age 33) of Berlin, Maryland:
•Possession of Marijuana
Disposition: Criminal Summons

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

Unfavorable Weather Predicted For Today

 

Current storm tracks indicate a threat of storms at anytime during the day Thursday, but with the greatest risk of dangerous conditions from 12noon - 6pm.

 

 

 

 

Please try to keep yourself updated during the  day