$10,000 REWARD STILL OFFERED FOR UMES MURDER

POLICE INVESTIGATION INTO MURDER OF UMES STUDENT CONTINUES - $10,000 REWARD STILL OFFERED

02/12/2014

(PRINCESS ANNE, MD) – Maryland State Police homicide investigators have expanded their search for the person or persons responsible for the murder of a university student far beyond the Somerset County campus where it occurred one year ago.

At about 9:00 p.m. on February 16, 2013, 21-year-old University of Maryland Eastern Shore student Edmond St. Clair was a passenger in a Honda traveling across campus on College Backbone Road. Not far from the Student Services Center, St. Clair and those he was traveling with encountered several people, possibly three or four, who were walking in the street.

Investigators believe some type of altercation occurred between St. Clair and these individuals. During the altercation, St. Clair was stabbed in the upper torso. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

State Police Homicide Unit investigators say as many as three persons may have been involved in the murder. They are described as tall, African American males, two of whom had lighter complexions. All three were wearing dark clothing. One may have been wearing some type of ski mask.

The State Police search for suspects in this murder has expanded far beyond the University of Maryland Eastern Shore campus. Due to the 2013 Homecoming Weekend activities occurring, there were hundreds of people on the UMES campus, many of whom were from the Baltimore/Washington D.C. regions. Not all of those on campus that weekend were university alumni. Several events were open to the public.

During a search of the area near the crime scene, State Police investigators recovered a folding knife. The knife was examined at the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division Laboratory. Evidence was found on the knife that positively connected it to the murder of St. Clair.

Due to the unique appearance of the 3 ½” bladed Remington Sportsman’s Series folding knife with burnt orange and black camouflage handles, State Police investigators released a picture, thinking it might help prompt the memory of someone who may have seen the knife before. Anyone with information about the knife is still urged to contact police immediately.

Investigators would also like to identify three potential witnesses who were in the area at the time of the crime. They are believed to have been walking toward the student apartments shortly after 9:00 p.m. Two of the three are believed to have been carrying umbrellas. Two more potential witnesses may have been walking toward the scene shortly after the murder occurred.

Troopers continue to attempt to identify a light colored vehicle, possibly a Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable. This vehicle was seen in the area of the crime scene. Investigators would like to interview the driver and any passengers in this vehicle who may be potential witnesses to the crime.

Investigators would also like to identify the driver and any passengers in a gold vehicle. The gold vehicle was seen turning around a short time after the crime occurred and headed back toward the crime scene.

The investigation into the murder of Edmond St. Clair is active and ongoing. State Police investigators appreciate the assistance and support provided by the administration and the police department of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

State Police homicide investigators returned to the UMES campus during the fall of 2013 and just last week, re-distributed flyers seeking information about the murder. Investigators will be on campus throughout the 2014 Homecoming Week seeking anyone with information.

ClearChannel Outdoor assisted last year by providing a digital billboard on Rt. 13 asking for information. The company has generously agreed to renew its billboard notice seeking information about the murder and reminding viewers of the reward that is still offered.

Police investigators continue to need the help of persons both on and off campus who may have information about this crime. Persons with information are urged to contact the Maryland State Police at 410-651-3101, or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776. Crime Solvers and UMES are offering rewards up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s).

Maryland State Police investigators are committed to the successful conclusion of this investigation. They will continue their efforts to identify those responsible for the murder of Edmond St. Clair. 

Princess Anne Police Department Seeks Publics Help

Princess Anne Police Department ALERT (facebook)

SPECIAL ALERT: the Princess Anne Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspected bank robber in an incident that occurred Tuesday afternoon.

 The suspect entered the BB&T Bank on Elm Street at approximately 3:30pm and is described as a light skinned black male, possibly early 20's, 5'09-5'10, wearing gray pants, a black jacket with white or lime green piping with a black hood and black scarf/bandana covering his face.

Photographs are attached, and although the photos are blurry- someone may recognize a known individual to have similar style clothing, stature, physical appearance, etc.

Any information, please contact the Princess Anne Police Department at 410-651-1822. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

SEE FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS

DEA and Maryland Science Center Open Powerful New Exhibit

DEA and Maryland Science Center Open Powerful New Exhibit That Explores Costs and Consequences of Drug Abuse

BALTIMORE – February 11, 2014   The 10,000 square-foot Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause exhibit opened today at the Maryland Science Center and runs through September 1st.  The national touring exhibit is an interactive exploration of the effects of drugs on both individuals and society.  Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the history and the current science behind drug law enforcement, drug abuse prevention, and drug treatment specific to Maryland’s local communities.

Experienced by more than 22 million students, teachers, and parents in 9 cities across the country to-date, Target America explains the science behind illegal drug addiction, and the countless costs and consequences of illegal drugs to individuals, American society, and the world. Visitors will experience a drug investigation from start to finish, helping them understand the environmental effects of drugs and what law enforcement, drug abuse education, and treatment are doing to break the troubling cycle of drugs and drug-related violence. They will view both an actual South American jungle coca processing lab, a re-created Afghan heroin factory, as well as analyze brain-scans in a simulated MRI machine and view real wreckage from a drug-related car accident. A new portion of Target America will focus specifically on Maryland and Baltimore, exploring the evolution of heroin abuse and enforcement in the area, the addiction science research taking place at Maryland universities, and drug abuse prevention groups working to educate students across the state.

 

“This exhibit opens at the height of school group visitation to the Maryland Science Center.  We look forward to sharing its content with the hundreds of schools who will be visiting on field trips between now and the end of the school year,” says Maryland Science Center President and CEO Van Reiner.

Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause was developed in partnership with The DEA Educational Foundation, The U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, The U.S. National Guard, The National Institute on Drug Abuse, The Office of National Drug Control Policy, and The Partnership at Drugfree.org. 

 

“This Baltimore, Maryland exhibit will educate both youth and adults of the Mid-Atlantic Region on the devastating effects that drug trafficking and drug use have on our community.  Marylanders will understand that drug enforcement, prevention, and education go hand-in-hand in order to solve the drug abuse and addiction issue,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Karl Colder.

A broad coalition of corporate, foundation, and individual sponsors helped cover the costs of bringing the Target America exhibit to Maryland.  The exhibit began a national tour in 2002 at the DEA Museum in Arlington, Virginia and has since inspired over 22 million visitors in Dallas, Omaha, New York City, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and most recently in Tampa.  For more information on the content of the exhibit and related educational programs, visit www.targetamerica.org.

 

Target America is free for Maryland school groups when visiting on field trips. All Target America activities are free with paid admission to the Maryland Science Center.  For dates of specific activities, more information and ticket prices, visit www.marylandsciencecenter.org or call the 24-Hour Information Line at 410-685-5225.

About the Maryland Science Center
Named one of Parents Magazine’s Top 10 Science Centers in America, the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore makes science understandable and fun for more than 500,000 visitors a year. The Maryland Science Center inspires, fascinates, motivates and engages children and adults with dozens of interactive exhibits, traveling exhibitions, original presentations in the world-famous Davis Planetarium, larger-than-life movies in the five-story St. John Properties IMAX Theater, and hundreds of hands-on programs delivered throughout the state each year. 

DEA Public Affairs

Deterring Laser Strikes Aimed At Aircraft

February 11, 2014

FBI Pilots New Reward Program Aimed at Deterring Laser Strikes            

The FBI today announced a new regional reward program to deter people from pointing lasers at aircraft.

Reported incidents of the federal violation are on the rise. Since the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began tracking laser strikes in 2005, statistics reflect a more than 1,100 percent increase in the deliberate targeting of aircraft by people with handheld lasers.

In an effort to raise public awareness about the issue, the FBI has launched a targeted regional reward program, which will run for 60 days in 12 FBI field offices. As part of the pilot program, the FBI will offer a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest of any individual who aims a laser at an aircraft.

The FBI will also be working with state and local law enforcement to educate teens about the dangers associated with lasing.

“Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a serious matter and a violation of federal law,” said Ron Hosko, assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “It is important that people understand that this is a criminal act with potentially deadly repercussions.”

In 2013, there were a total of 3,960 laser strikes reported—an average of almost 11 incidents per day. Industry experts say laser attacks present potential dangers for pilots.

“Shining a laser into the cockpit of an aircraft can temporarily blind a pilot, jeopardizing the safety of everyone on board,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “We applaud our colleagues at the Justice Department for aggressively prosecuting aircraft laser incidents, and we will continue to use civil penalties to further deter this dangerous activity.”

“The risk associated with illegal and inappropriate laser illuminations is unacceptable. Pointing lasers at aircraft in flight poses a serious safety risk to the traveling public,” said Air Line Pilots Association International President Captain Lee Moak.

“Since ALPA successfully urged lawmakers to make laser illuminations on aircraft a specific federal crime, laser targeting of aircraft is now a violation of both federal and civil laws with real penalties, and we will advocate for our FBI and FAA partners to vigorously pursue anyone who misuses these devices.”

Thousands of laser attacks go unreported every year. If you have information about a lasing incident or see someone pointing a laser at an aircraft, call your local FBI field office or dial 911.

FBI field offices participating in the regional reward program are Albuquerque, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Juan, and the Washington Field Office.

Source:

Send A Message To Our Troops

TEAM BRITT'S SUPPORT OUR TROOPS PROJECT
(FACEBOOK)

 Opening Day / 20th annual Scrolls for deployed U.S. Troops scroll drive is set in stone for this Saturday the 15th near the inside entrance to the Food Court at The Centre At Salisbury.
 

Photo- George Jackson

Write a morale boosting message to our brave Troops from 10AM until 5PM.

 There  5 scrolls, one for each branch of the U.S. Military - ARMY, NAVY, MARINES, AIR FORCE, COAST GUARD.

(2013 Picture is from FOB APACHE in Afghanistan. Soldiers are standing in front of a portion of their scroll layered on the wall)

Toy Story "Woody" Figure Has Weapon Confiscated

Heathrow security confiscate miniature 'gun' from Toy Story Woody figure

The thought of Toy Story character Woody being considered an airport terror threat may seem laughable to most, but not so for the Heathrow security staff who confiscated a miniature toy gun from the doll before allowing it to travel with its owner.

A puzzled father uploaded a picture of the moment staff chose to remove the tiny firearm after examining his Woody figurine.

"I have travelled the world with Toy Story’s Woody, taking pics for my son," the father told Reddit users. "At Heathrow, security just confiscated his “weapon”, keep the world safe boys…"

He added this was the first time he had ever had trouble taking Woody aboard a flight before. "[The] guy didn’t notice me taking the pic", he said. He was actually quite nice [and] tried to see if they would override the rule … but in the end he had to take the gun."

Some Reddit users responded with surprise, while others could not help but drop in the obligatory Toy Story quotes, with one replying: "'Did they find the snake in his boot?"

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport would not comment directly on the incident, but said: "We do not comment on specific incidents or details of our security regime.

"Airports and airlines can use their discretion to remove any item being carried in hand luggage when they believe it may be perceived as a threat", they told The Daily Mail.

Source:

Weather Outlook

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA626 AM EST WED FEB 12 2014

MDZ024-025-VAZ099-100-131130-
INLAND WORCESTER-MARYLAND BEACHES-ACCOMACK-NORTHAMPTON VA-
626 AM EST WED FEB 12 2014

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE OF
MARYLAND AND THE EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA.

DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

A BRIEF PERIOD OF SNOW AND SLEET IS POSSIBLE LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND
THIS EVENING BEFORE QUICKLY TURNING OVER TO RAIN BY MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

 LITTLE OR SNOW OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS IS EXPECTED.
ALSO, GUSTY WINDS BETWEEN 30 AND 40 MPH ARE POSSIBLE ALONG THE COAST TONIGHT.
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

ADDITIONAL SNOW SHOWERS ARE LIKELY ON THURSDAY...WITH LITTLE OR NO
ACCUMULATION EXPECTED.

 NORTHEAST WINDS OF 15 TO 25 MPH WILL GUST
TO BETWEEN 30 AND 40 MPH ON THURSDAY...CREATING WIND CHILLS IN THE
20S THROUGH THE DAY.

Tonya Bundick Trial Scheduled For April 10, 2014

T

Tonya Bundick

anya Bundick will face 62 counts of arson before a jury on April 10 in Accomack County as of now.

 Bundicks lawyer has filed a change of venue motion but there has been no date set for the court to hear the motion.

Last month Bundick entered an Alford plea in court for one count of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson connected with a fire in Melfa on April 1, 2013.

 No date has been set for sentencing on those two charges.

Bundick, along with her fiancé Charles R. Smith III are charged in a string of arsons that began in November of 2012 and ended in their arrest on April 1, 2013
.
Smith pleaded guilty earlier in Accomack County Circuit Court to 67 charges of arson.

Source:

Somerset County Sheriff's Office ~ Arrests

Somerset County Sheriff's Office / Recent Arrests


  2-5-14  Tina Dize -  Crisfield, arrested  on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Dize was held on a $ 500.00 bond.

2-5-14  Travis James Shreaves  -  Chincoteague Virginia, arrested  on a warrant for violation of probation. Shreaves was held without bond.

2-10-14  Robert Lee Daniels 3rd. - Crisfield, arrested  on warrants for violation of probation. Daniels was held without bond.

2-10-14  Anthony Costantino Panzo  - Marion, arrested  on a warrant for violation of probation. Panzo was held on a $ 25,000 bond.

 2-10-14  Brandon Wayne Linton -  Willards, arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Linton was released after posting bond.

 2-11-14  William Dale Perdue  -  Princess Anne, arrested  for driving under the influence of alcohol, driving impaired by alcohol, driving on a suspended and revoked driver’s license, and driving without a license. Perdue was released on signature pending court actions. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted by Deputies for a traffic violation in the Westover area.

BARRICADE ENDS PEACEFULLY IN FREDERICK

Maryland State Police Press Release
02/11/2014

(FREDERICK, MD) -- A fugitive who told police attempting to arrest him that he had a gun and refused to come out of his Frederick hotel room has surrendered peacefully and is in custody.

The fugitive is identified as David M. Fioramonti, 41, of Purcellville, Va. He is wanted on a federal warrant from the Eastern District of Virginia for violation of probation.

A police negotiating team from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, assisted by a team from the Maryland State Police, had communicated with Fioramonti throughout the afternoon. Negotiators convinced him to surrender peacefully.

At about 5:15 p.m., Fioramonti walked out of his hotel room and was taken into custody by troopers from the State Police Special Tactical Assault Team Element. Troopers immediately noticed the fugitive had wounds to his torso and neck.
EMS personnel were summoned and treated Fioramonti for multiple self-inflicted stabbing type wounds. It is not known at this time what he used to stab himself. He was transported to a waiting Maryland State Police helicopter and flown to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he is undergoing treatment.

Fioramonti has been turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshal's Service, since he was wanted on a federal warrant. Questions regarding the warrant should be directed to the U.S. Marshal's Service.

Maryland State Police criminal investigators will be obtaining a search warrant and will conduct a search of the fugitive's room. He had apparently been living at the hotel for several weeks. A firearm has not been recovered. 

Coast Guard To Establish Security Zone for Democratic Issues Conference

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard will establish a temporary security zone Wednesday to Friday in designated waters of the Choptank River for the Democratic Issues Conference.

The security zone is scheduled to begin at 3 a.m. Wednesday and may limit or prohibit navigation by commercial and recreational waterway users.

The security zone will include a 500-yard perimeter surrounding the waterfront of the Hyatt Regency Hotel on the Choptank River in Cambridge. The security zone will impact waterway traffic under the Route 50 Bridge during this time.

Entering or operating in the security zone is prohibited unless authorized by the captain of the port of Coast Guard Sector Baltimore. Vessels already at berth, mooring or anchorage at the time the zone is implemented are not required to depart the security zone.
 
"Recognizing the temporary zone will affect mariners on the Choptank River, we have coordinated closely with our inter-agency and port partners to minimize impact," said Lt. Michael McGrail, a member of Coast Guard Sector Baltimore. "We do this while still meeting security requirements for the Democratic Issues Conference."

Anyone who desires to transit the security zone must first obtain authorization from the COTP or his designated representative. To seek permission to transit the area, call 410-576-2693 or use marine-band radio via VHF-FM channel 16.

BEAT THE PEAK ~ REDUCE YOUR USE

From:  A & N Electric Cooperative
                   (Facebook)

BEAT THE PEAK ~ REDUCE YOUR USE

Wednesday February 12th, 6-8 a.m.

Why: We're "beating the peak" tomorrow morning because of the very cold temps. During times of peak energy use your co-op pays a premium price for energy. By reducing how much energy ...you

are using in your home, you can lower your co-op's energy costs.

What Should I do? To lower your energy consumption during the alert period, please turn off any unnecessary lights and delay using appliances like your dishwasher or washing machine. Turning the thermostat down a few degrees can also significantly lower how much energy you are using.

MAN WANTED FOR VIOLATION OF PROBATION ....

Maryland State Police Press Release

MAN WANTED FOR VIOLATION OF PROBATION REFUSING TO LEAVE FREDERICK HOTEL ROOM

(FREDERICK, MD) -- Maryland State Police and Frederick County Sheriff's Office negotiators are continuing to talk with a man wanted for violation of probation who told police he was armed and is refusing to leave his hotel room.

At this time, the person is only being identified as a male in his 40's, who was staying at a hotel in the 5500-block of Spectrum Drive in Frederick. He is wanted on a federal warrant from the Eastern District of Virginia for violation of probation.

Shortly after 11:00 a.m. today, police with the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force went to a second floor room in the two-story hotel, after their investigation indicated the fugitive may be staying there. This is a US Marshal's task force that includes state and local police officers who locate wanted persons and serve warrants.

When police knocked on the door, a male voice told them to go away. Police identified themselves and attempted to open the door, but the door was locked with the inside security hasp. The man told police he had a gun and again told them to go away.

Police began communication with the man through the door and called for police negotiators. Negotiators from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office and Maryland State Police responded and have been communicating with the man by phone throughout the afternoon. A tactical team from the Maryland State Police is on the scene.

It is unknown if the man has a firearm. No shots have been fired. No one has been injured.

There were about 30 guests at the hotel, all of whom where evacuated safely. A limited number of hotel staff remain. The hotel management has been completely supportive of police in their response to this situation.

The situation is contained to the one room on the second floor of the hotel. A secure police perimeter has been established around the hotel. Traffic is moving smoothly past the scene.

State Police are working to resolve this situation peacefully. Communication with the man is ongoing. 

Celebrate Valentine's Day With DJ Kay!

DON'T MISS "DJ Kay"

 

 

From the Desk of Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

Pocomoke Police Department

PRESS RELEASE

January 1, 2014 - January 31, 2014

 

 

 1-1-14  Maurice Bishop, age 45 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
Pocomoke City Police Department and charged for an alcohol violation.

1-1-14  Cecelia Briddell, age 52 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with disorderly
conduct.

1-2-13  Sheron Purnell, age 20 of Snow Hill, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with theft less
Than $500.00.

1-5-14  Dallas Johnson, age 24 of Princess Anne, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Handgun in Vehicle, Handgun on person, CDS Possession – Marijuana, CDS  Possession – not marijuana, and CDS Possession with intent to  distribute.

1-6-14  Laura Wiggins, age 31 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Credit Card
  theft.

1-8-14 Cecelia Briddell, age 52 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Disorderly
 Conduct and disturbing the peace.

1-9-14 Francis Crippen, age 33 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Disorderly
 Conduct, CDS Possession – marijuana, and Assault – 2nd Degree.

1-10-14 Eric Faya, age 43 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with theft less than
 $100.00.

1-12-14 Constance Roberts, age 30 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS
Possession – marijuana and CDS Possession – paraphernalia.

1-15-14 Steven Lemon, age 39 of Temperanceville, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than  $500.00 and a Warrant thru Worcester County for a FTA.

1-16-14 Chad Collins, age 31 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a warrant thru Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office for a FTA.

1-16-14  Michael Acevedo, age 29 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS
Possession – marijuana.

1-16-14 Jason Adkins, age 33 of Greenwood, DE was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $500 value.

1-17-14 Kane Cottman, age 25 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Malicious
destruction of property.

1-18-14 Shawnteki Marshall, age 32 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with theft less than  $100.00.

1-20-14 Desiree Lyons, age 20 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a warrant thru
 Worcester County for a FTA.

1-22-14 William Borum, age 23 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
    Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Assault – 2nd Degree.

1-23-14 Thomas Simpson, age 23 of Greenbackville, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a warrant thru Princess Anne MSP for a FTA.

1-25-14 Myisha Dunson, age 26 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with theft less than
 $100.00 and on a warrant thru Worcester County for a FTA.

1-25-14 Taneisha Jones, age 38 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with theft less than
 $100.00.

1-25-14 Markay Collins, age 24 of Exmore, VA was arrested by thePocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS
 Possession – not marijuana.

1-31-14 Duane Turner, age 30 of Atlantic, VA was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a warrant thru
 Worcester County for a FTA.

1-31-14 Jernell Hargis, age 35 of Salisbury, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Assault – 2nd Degree.

1-31-14 Jeffery Bowden, age 36 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with theft less than
 $100.00.

JUVENILE  ARRESTS

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 14 was arrested for Theft less than $100.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 13 was arrested for Theft less than $100.

A Stockton, MD juvenile, age 16 was arrested for Theft less than $100.

A Stockton, MD juvenile, age 13 was arrested for Theft less than $100.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 16 was arrested for CDS Possession - Marijuana.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 13 was arrested for Theft less than $100 and reckless endangerment.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 11 was arrested for Theft less than $100 and reckless endangerment.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 16 was arrested for Assault – 2nd Degree.

OTHER
Fourteen (14) additional arrests were made for various traffic violations during the month of January 2014.

Stockton, Md. Man Arrested For Child Pornography

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

A search warrant was executed on Laiton Blake Witkowski’s residence, February 6, 2014.

Laiton Blake Witkowski

On Monday, February 10, 2014, Mr. Witkowski 41 of Stockton Md., turned himself in to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. Witkowski had an active warrant for Possession of Child Pornography and Distribution of Child Pornography.

 

The arrest was the result of the combined efforts of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the Department of Homeland Security.  Through their affiliation with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Detectives learned that Witkowski had been sharing images of known Child Pornography. Mr. Witkowski was charged with One (1) count of Distribution of Child Pornography and one (1) count of Possession of Child Pornography.

 

   Mr. Witkowski was taken before a Maryland District Court Commissioner and released on a $50,000 unsecured bond.

 

                The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is a member of Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force which is comprised of police agencies from around the state.  Its primary mission is to protect children from computer-facilitated sexual exploitation.  The Task Force works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to provide resources to combat these crimes.  Additionally, the Task Force provides community awareness campaigns helping to prevent the spread of these crimes through education.

 

Lt. Edward C. Schreier

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

Worcester County ~ Felon Sentenced To 12 Years

Eddie Alexis Collick

“Mr. Collick was a gun-carrying, convicted violent drug dealer who will now be off the streets of Snow Hill because of their efforts and the prosecutors who worked on the case.” - Beau Oglesby Worcester County States Attorney

February 11, 2014

Felon caught with gun sentenced to 12 years

SNOW HILL — A career criminal is back in jail because Snow Hill police caught the man driving on suspended license with a revolver in his possession.

A Worcester County Circuit Court judge convicted Eddie Alexis Collick, 38, on charges of being a felon in possession of a weapon, and for running away from police. The judge sentenced Collick to 12 years in jail, with half that sentence suspended, leaving him with six years of active jail time.


Collick has a rap sheet — including assault, failure to pay child support and seven separate convictions for drug possession or distribution — that dates to 1995 in Worcester County.

CONTINUE READING...

Famed Former Child Actress & Diplomat Shirley Temple Dies

(CNN) – Shirley Temple Black, who rose to fame as arguably one of the most well-known child actresses in Hollywood history, died late Monday night, her publicist said.

She was 85.

Temple died of natural causes at her Woodside, California, home, surrounded by family and caregivers, a statement from Cheryl Kagan said.

Continue Reading...

Somerset County Animal Control Spring Rabies Clinic

• 

   
•  
• Somerset County Animal Control Spring Rabies Clinic

 

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

6:00 pm until 8:00 pm

Clinic will take place at:

Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Co.

 (get directions)

The fee for each vaccination is $6.

 County Licenses will be on sale also!

 The price for 1 year license is $5 and $15 for a 3 year license.

For more information:

Somerset County Animal Control - Facebook

Accomack County Circuit Court Cases

Accomack County Circuit Court
Thursday,  February 6, 2014

Jonathan Tykot - sentenced to 12 months with six months suspended after pleading of indecent liberties with a child. Mr. Tykot was charged on April 1, 2013 for use of a communications device in an indecent manner. In a plea agreement charges were reduced to a misdemeanor in exchange for a guilty plea. This incident occurred at a New Years Eve party on December 31, 2012 in Quinby. At the time the victim had just turned 14 years old. The parents of the victim discovered communications on a Facebook page between the dates of December 31, 2012 and January 6, 2013.

Judge Revel Lewis accepted the plea agreement and sentenced the defendant to 12 months with six months suspended with the balance to be served on weekends.


Austin Parks - convicted on three counts of burglary and grand larceny, was sentenced to two years on each count. Parks was convicted on three counts December 12, 2013. He was in court for sentencing. Defense attorney Garrett Dunham explained that the defendant had been very cooperative, open and honest and therefore he was asking the court to understand this was the defendants first felony. He said the defendant should be sentenced to less than the guidelines. Assistant Commonwealth attorney Matt Brenner reported that the presentence report was full of drugs, fights and a long juvenile record and he was asking for a long suspended sentence like 20 years.

Judge Lewis sentenced the defendant to two years on each count to run consecutively with all but five months suspended. This would give Mr. Parks 22 months of active jail time.

Dana Davis - convicted of forgery. This case came from his signing traffic ticket and court documents with someone else's name. Mr. Davis speaking on his behalf explained to the court that he was trying to break his family cycle, asking for leniency. Documents from Tyson Foods were entered showing more than five years of continuous employment with a good work record.

 Judge Lewis sentenced Mr. Davis to three years with all but six months suspended and allowing a work release for that six months period.

Torey Duffy - charged with burglary and Petit larceny. Being convicted on July 25, 2013 at a bench trial Mr. Duffy was asking to be put in the diversion program which would allow him to work during this time to be served. Having already been in jail for 14 months and four days with a new six-month-old child whom he had never seen was his reasoning.

 Judge Lewis explaining that part of this burglary was third-generation jewelry which had been handed down from the great-grandmother which was irreplaceable.

Judge Lewis ordered $3782 in restitution and sentenced Mr. Duffy to 15 years on the breaking and entering charge and 12 months for the Petit larceny with all but five years suspended.

Lorena Villareal  - convicted of fifth offense of DWI was sentenced to five years. This was her fourth offense within a 10 year period Ms. Villareal was stopped on October 12, 2013 in the parking lot of Shore Shop and the Eastern shore news after driving over the curb.

With probation violations pending in Maryland the defendant was sentenced to five years with all but one year and five months suspended.

Source:

 

Craig Calls on O’Malley, Brown to Disclose Maryland Health Exchange Costs

 

Craig Calls on O’Malley, Brown to Disclose Maryland Health Exchange Costs

 

Harford County Executive and Maryland candidate for Governor David Craig called on the Administration to release the cost of Maryland’s health exchange as oversight hearings intended to uncover chronic problems are set to begin today in the General Assembly.  Noting the media has reported figures that vary wildly between $100 million to $200 million, Craig said providing basic cost information is an obvious and transparent step the O’Malley-Brown Administration must take to make the hearings useful.

“I am dumbfounded that legislators should even have to ask how much this thing costs,” said Craig. “This Administration prides itself on state-stat and modern government accountability programs, but when it comes to disclosing simple accounting information that might embarrass them, it takes an act of the state legislature to learn how much money is going down the drain.”

Craig said the hearing should not even start until the Administration provides the cost.

“It is ludicrous that legislators are going to sit around a table in Annapolis asking Administration officials to please tell taxpayers how much of their money is being wasted on Maryland Health Connection, when the amount should already have been made public,&rdq uo; he said.

In a misleading statement on the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange website,  the state organization that oversees Maryland Health Connection for consumers, the O’Malley-Brown Administration discloses that the federal government alone has provided $157 million in grants.    What is not mentioned is the cost of state funding going to the exchange including cost over-runs with contractors or recently-enacted legislation intended to address enrollment problems.

Lt. Governor and Administration health care point man Anthony Brown issued a press release after a bill signing ceremony implementing Maryland’s exchange stating that no state funds were needed to “create an exchange that fits the unique strengths and needs of our State.”

Maryland’s exchange is a national embarrassment.    Enrollment numbers are tracking well below other states implementing their own exchange.  Horror stories continue to mount of consumers seeking assistance being mistakenly directed to Washington State and Pennsylvania.  The General Assembly rushed through Administration-backed emergency legislation to shift consumers to another state-managed insurance program that is scheduled to be phased out without knowing the cost.  And most recently, leaders in the legislature waffled over whether to provide any dire ct oversight over the botched roll out of the exchange.  
Craig has previously called on O’Malley and Brown to stop wasting money and hindering access to health care and to promote direct enrollment options through insurance carriers and brokers.  The Administration then took a modest step in that direction by working with insurance industry leaders to develop a telephone help line.

###

Background:

Baltimore Sun: 2.03.14

Mr. Brown gets a reprieve [Editorial]

That may be true, but Maryland's $107 million exchange had one of the most troubled launches in the country.
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2014-02-03/news/bs-ed-obamacare-hearings-20140203_1_reprieve-hearings-exchange

 

Washington Post: 1.11.14
Maryland officials were warned for a year of problems with online health-insurance site

More than a year before Maryland launched its health insurance exchange, senior state officials failed to heed warnings that no one was ultimately accountable for the $170 million project and that the state lacked a plausible plan for how it would be ready by Oct. 1.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/maryland-news/maryland-officials-were-warned-for-a-year-of-problems-with-online-health-insurance-site/2014/01/11/f094ad94-6a98-11e3-8b5b-a77187b716a3_story.html

 

 Maryland Reporter: 8.11.13
Md. health insurance exchange to open this fall at cost of $200M

The $200 million will pay for the program to get underway, and the state is kicking in more than $20 million of that, despite early assurances that federal funds would pay for implementation of the program.
http://marylandreporter.com/2013/08/11/md-health-insurance-exchange-to-open-this-fall-at-cost-of-200-million-24-million-in-state-funds/

 

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange
How is t he Maryland Health Benefit Exchange being funded?

Maryland has received four federal grants to support the implementation of a state-based exchange through the ACA, totaling $157.5 million.
http://marylandhbe.com/faq/

FCCLA Winter Blood Drive ~ Pocomoke High School

From:  Pocomoke High School Warriors  (Facebook)

 Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) are gearing up for their winter blood drive to be held in the auxiliary gym on Wednesday, February 12th.

Anyone who wants to donate can call the school before that date and/or come in the day of the drive.

It is during this time of year that donations seem to decrease and there is always a need for blood.

Time slots for appointments are available from 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Show someone you may never meet that you care and call 410-632-5180 to schedule an appointment.
 

Larry Hogan - Latest Press Coverage

Maryland Gazette: Hogan gets into gubernatorial race; Rutherford running with him

"Hogan, chairman of the nonprofit fiscal accountability group Change Maryland, and Rutherford, a former secretary of Maryland’s Department of General Services, filed Monday."

Read More

Baltimore Sun: Hogan to seek public financing in GOP primary for governor

"Republican gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan said Monday that he will accept public financing in the GOP primary, becoming the second person seeking the office this year to participate in a system that had been dormant for almost two decades...

Maryland's public financing system, which applies only to the campaigns for governor, is not funded by taxes. The money comes from voluntary checkoffs on Maryland tax forms,"


Read More

Capital Gazette: Larry Hogan files for GOP primary for governor

"Republican Larry Hogan made his campaign for the GOP primary in the governor's race in Maryland official on Monday, announcing he will use public financing after filing his candidacy at the state election's board."

Read More



Washington Post: GOP gubernatorial hopeful Hogan says he'll participate in Md. public financing system"Hogan said that the 'matching funds level the playing field for grassroots campaigns like ours and enable us to compete with the out-of-touch monopoly in Annapolis.'"

Read More

Jewish Times: Hogan Announces Candidacy in Annapolis

 Emphasizing his background in business rather than politics, Hogan said he has spent the past three years traveling the state and speaking with residents. The common theme he ran into again and again, he said, is frustration with the current government.

"'We're hostile to the job creators,' he said at a Baltimore Jewish Council meeting the following day, pointing to the so-called 'millionaire’s tax' and 'rain tax.'

If he is elected, Hogan said he would require independent audits of every state agency in an effort to cut back on government spending."

Read More

 Hagerstown Herald-Mail: Hogan files for governor's race, will use public financing "Hogan officially kicked off his campaign last week and announced his running mate at the same event."

Read More

Washington Post: Ehrlich to appear at event for Maryland GOP gubernatorial hopeful Larry Hogan

"Larry Hogan, Maryland’s newest Republican gubernatorial hopeful, is expected to get a boost later this month from the state's only GOP governor of the past generation.

Former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) is scheduled to appear at a “headquarters grand opening party” with Hogan, who served as appointments secretary for Ehrlich."

Read More

Delmarva Discovery Center ~ REPTILE FESTIVAL 2014

Free with paid admission and as always, FREE TO MEMBERS!

Felon Sentenced to Six Years for Possession of a Handgun

The Office of the State’s Attorney for Worcester County

SNOW HILL –   On February 5, 2014, Eddie Alexis Collick, a felon living in the Snow Hill area, was sentenced to 12 years in the Department of Corrections with six years of active incarceration. The first five years are a mandatory/minimum with limited opportunities of parole for possession of a .32 caliber revolver.  He also received one year of incarceration for attempting to elude capture by the police.

On May 26, 2013 Pfc. Shay Waters and Christopher Boyce of the Snow Hill Police Department observed Collick operating a motor vehicle while his license was suspended. They initiated a traffic stop on his vehicle, at which time Collick immediately exited his vehicle and began to run through the streets of Snow Hill. He was eventually apprehended approximately one block from where he initially exited his vehicle. Officers retraced his flight path and located a .32 caliber revolver with four live rounds and one spent shell in the cylinder. In addition, Mr. Collick had $370 and two pocket knives on his person.

 Mr. Collick admitted the weapon belonged to him and ran because he knew they would eventually find it.

 Sitting in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Judge Thomas C. Groton, III acknowledged that Mr. Collick had a “terrible” record.

For nearly two decades Mr. Collick has been committing crimes in Worcester County. He has three convictions for possession of marijuana, three convictions for possession of crack cocaine, one conviction for distribution of crack cocaine, one conviction for assault in the second degree, a violation of probation, multiple traffic infractions and has failed to pay child support for at least six years that he was obligated to do so. In 2007, Collick was also convicted for the exact same offense he was found guilty of today, being a felon in possession of a regulated firearm in 2007.

 State’s Attorney for Worcester County, Beau Oglesby thanked the Snow Hill Police Department for their extraordinary efforts in capturing Mr. Collick and said, “ Chief of Police Kirk Daugherty deserves credit for leading such a strong department of exceptional law enforcement officers.  Mr. Collick was a gun carrying, convicted violent drug dealer who will now be off the streets of Snow Hill because of their efforts and the prosecutors who worked on the case”.

William H. McDermott
Executive Assistant State's Attorney
State's Attorney's Office
Worcester County, Maryland

Hi Tied Gala / Pocomoke Boat Docking Challenge

 

 Pocomoke Boat Docking Challenge

(Facebook)

 

~POCOMOKE HI TIED GALA ~

(Facebook)

 

 

The Hi Tied Gala is less than one week away!

 

THIS EVENT HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!!

Saturday, February 15, 2014.
6:00pm until 1:00am.

 

 

- Menu:

 Prime rib, chicken, red skinned potatoes, green beans, salad and rolls. Appetizers and homemade desserts will also be provided.

 

 - Entertainment:

VA Beach's #1 Dance Band, HOTCAKES, will play a mixture of oldies, beach, dance and today's hit music. HOTCAKES has performed in the past locally at The Upper Deck and Club Car Café.

 

 - Auction:

Live and silent auctions will occur. Just to name a few items...an original Crockett painting, a Turner sculpture, an island trip to the Bahamas, numerous decoys, hotel stays in OC and Chincoteague, round of golf, fishing trips, jewelry, front row Orioles tickets, many gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses, and numerous gift baskets.

 

 

 - Gala is formal/semi-formal so you choose what's the better pick for you!

 

 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT SHORE BANK, THE ENCHANTED FLORIST, ONLINE AT EVENTBRITE.COM OR BY CALLING 443-366-2853.

 

Single tickets $50, table $450 (seats 10).

 

 GET YOUR TICKETS so you don't miss out on this event!!

 

2013 GUMBORO-CRISFIELD MUDBOG BANQUET

 

NOTICE UPDATE / REMINDER
 2013 GUMBORO-CRISFIELD MUDBOG BANQUET

 

The decision has been made that there WILL be a banquet for the 2013 Gumboro-Crisfield mudbogging season.

 

 Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the Crisfield Elks Lodge. Dinner will be at 6:00 PM.

 

 If you have not reserved your tickets please call Charlie Price ASAP! All money needs to be paid/mailed as soon as possible.

 Conatact Charlie - 410-330-6571 

 MAIL MONEY- ASAP
 Charlie Price
 1205 Stone Boundary Rd
 Cambridge, MD 21613
 ~Make checks payable to: Eastern Shore Mud Racing Association ~

 

**A final total of tickets is needed by Wednesday February 12, 2014 at 12:00 noon.**

 

 If possible you may leave your ticket money with Wright at KRW Auto & Golf Cart Sales on Route 13 in Pocomoke.

 

See you there!!

A Few Words From Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison

I would like to thank the citizens of Pocomoke City for allowing me to serve a second term as Mayor.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being Mayor of this great city and look forward to leading us in the next three years continuing to move Pocomoke in a forward direction.

  Thank you again for your confidence in me.

Mayor Bruce Morrison