Thursday, February 20, 2014

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview



1935.. Governor speeds to Girdletree to quell serious protests by clammers in dispute over new license fee; 1996.. Governor and Worcester officials hope to quash Ocean Downs slots speculation; 1921.. Pocomoke City auto dealer offers latest Essex vehicle; 1950's.. Pocomoke's busy Willow Street; 1967.. What $68 will buy in a Salisbury appliance department.


Although you may not find all of 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!

Re-elect Reggie Mason for Worcester County Sheriff

Reggie Mason for Worcester County Sheriff

Here is the link to Worcester County Sheriff Reggie Mason's website.

RE-ELECT REGGIE MASON FOR WORCESTER COUNTY SHERIFF

This new website contains a  bio and qualifications along with programs, units and measures that have been implemented and continued at the Sheriff's office.

You will also find  direct links to websites with information on voting in Maryland.

 Worcester County  Primary Election: June 24th
 

General Election: November 4th.

REGGIE MASON FOR WORCESTER COUNTY SHERIFF - Facebook

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Who Approved This Change?

From this

To this?


this resembles the Obama symbol.....

Pocomoke Police Department Holds Biweekly Com- Stat Meeting


Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell and Supervisors hold their biweekly Com- Stat meeting to discuss the Officers performance and city wide crimes.

 During the past two weeks the Pocomoke City Police Officers issued 98 citations, 98 warnings and completed 21 Arrest.

 During this meeting Chief Kelvin Sewell announced, the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce awarded the department with a Community Service Award.

Chief Kelvin Sewell and his department were  given the "Community at Heart"  award.


POCOMOKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT - Facebook

Aunt Arrested In Child Abduction Taken Into Custody In Accomack County


Investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Virginia State Police investigators,
 issued  an Amber Alert for 5 year old Amiyah Monet Dallas.  The child was in the care of her aunt, Olivia N. Davis.  It was believed by investigators that the abducted child could be in imminent danger.


Photo/ S.  Diamond

Around 12:45 PM (Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014) the Virginia Amber Alert was canceled.


Photo: S. Diamond

The aunt was spotted driving a maroon Mercedes around 1:00 PM near the Hair Loft in Painter, Virginia (Accomack County) and pulled over by a Virginia State Police trooper. 

Olivia Davis was arrested without incident and the child was safely recovered.

UPDATE: Virginia Amber Alert Canceled

UPDATE:  Virginia Amber Alert Canceled, 5-year-old Virginia girl found safely

The Virginia Amber Alert was canceled as of 12:45 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 19). A Virginia State Police Trooper spotted the suspect vehicle while on patrol in Accomack County.

Amiyah M. Dallas, 5, was safely recovered.

The aunt, Olivia N. Dallas, was taken into custody without incident.



Amiyah Monet Dallas (left)
An Amber Alert has been issued for a 5-year-old Orange County, Virginia girl.

Amiyah Monet Dallas was last seen February 18, 2014 at 3:50 p.m.

“Amiyah Monet Dallas, 5, was last seen in the custody of her aunt, Olivia Dallas,” according to information on Vaamberalert.com. ”There has been no contact with Amiyah or her aunt since Feb.

 18, 2014, and their whereabouts are unknown. The investigation has led investigators to classify case as an abduction and believe the missing child could be in imminent danger.”

Click here for more information from Virginia Amber Alert.

Source:

Amber Alert Issued For 5 Year Old Virginia Child

Virginia State Police

http://www.vaamberalert.com/
 Amiyah Monet Dallas, 5, was last seen in the custody of her aunt, Olivia Nicole Dallas.

There has been no contact with Amiyah or her aunt since Tuesday (Feb. 18) and their whereabouts are unknown at this time.

 Further investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Virginia State Police, has led investigators to classify this case as an abduction and believe the missing child could be in imminent danger.

The aunt does have connections to Maryland and South Carolina.

 Anyone with information needs to call Orange Co. Sheriff at (540) 672-1200 or State Police at #77.

1st PLACE WINNERS ~ 2013 GUMBORO-CRISFIELD MUDBOG


 2013 GUMBORO-CRISFIELD MUDBOG
1st PLACE WINNERS ~ 2013
 

 
STREET CLASS ~ Driver  Amy  Evans / Dirty Deeds
Sorry, no photo available
 
 PROSTOCK ~ Driver Bruce Vogel / Gold Rush
 
 
 SMALL TIRE SUPER STOCK ~ Driver Gerry Downes / Poppy's  Toy
 

 BIG TIRE SUPER STOCK ~ Driver Kyle Lohmeyer / ShowTime
 

 MODIFIED ~ Driver Lee Sturgis / Grey Ghost
 
 
MINI-OPEN ~ Driver  Kelly Hubbard / High Voltage
 
 
UNLIMITED ~ Driver Lee Sturgis / Grey Ghost
 
 X-CLASS ~Driver Travis Pruitt / Dirty Dog

 
 
Congratulations to all of you!!
 

REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO ARREST

Maryland State Police

UP TO $2,000 REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO ARREST IN PORT DEPOSIT MURDER


(PORT DEPOSIT, MD) – A reward of up to $2,000 is being offered to anyone with relevant information leading police to an arrest in the murder of a Cecil County man found dead in his home yesterday in Port Deposit.

The victim is identified as Vincent M. Robertson, 47, of the unit-block of Green Lane, Port Deposit in Cecil County, Maryland. Autopsy results indicate Robertson suffered multiple gunshots to his upper torso. Emergency medical personnel pronounced Robertson dead at the scene.

At approximately 11:00 a.m. on the morning of Monday, February 17, 2014, state troopers responded to Robertson’s residence after receiving a 9-1-1 call from paramedics requesting assistance. Upon arrival, troopers from the North East Barrack, were advised by medics Robertson was found lying in the dining room of the residence.

Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and initiated an investigation with continuing assistance from state police investigators from the Criminal Enforcement Division and crime scene technicians from the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division. The Cecil County State’s Attorney’s office has been notified.

Investigators continue to interview witnesses and urge anyone with information to call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP (1-866-756-2587). All callers may remain anonymous.

SPCA Eastern Shore 2014 Neuter Scooter Schedule

 

OCPD SEEKING PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE

OCPD SEEKING PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE IN BURGLARY INVESTIGATION

(February 18, 2014) – Ocean City police are currently investigating several recent burglaries that have occurred in the uptown area, between 120th Street and the Delaware line.  The burglaries, some of which appear to be related, have specifically targeted flat screen televisions.

Ocean City police are asking anyone with information about these burglaries or the suspect(s) involved to please contact Detective Nick Simpson of the Ocean City Criminal Investigation Division at 410-520-5349.

As always, the OCPD’s Crime Tipline is available 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 410-520-5136.  Those providing information may remain anonymous.

The Ocean City Police Department reminds citizens to continue to remain vigilant for suspicious activity. 

 Any citizen leaving the area for any extended period of time is encouraged to take advantage of the “Residential Security Check” program.  This free program is available to all Ocean City homeowners.

By providing OCPD with basic information regarding their property, the OCPD will conduct security checks at random times each day. 

For more information and to sign up for a “Residential Security Check,” visit http://oceancitymd.gov/Police/securitycheck.html.

Ocean City Police Department

Lower Shore Health Insurance Assistance

Lower Shore Health Insurance Assistance
Program Outreach to Uninsured Residents
 
Wednesday, February 19, 5pm - 7pm
 
Pocomoke Library 
 
For more information please visit us at

David Craig - 'Vote Yourself a Raise' Is Message To Voters


David Craig Announces Major Tax Cut, Sweeping Reforms of State Budget Policy

Annapolis, MD - Harford County Executive and candidate for Maryland governor David Craig announced his plan for a sweeping reform of the individual income tax code that would save taxpayers $2.55 billion in a phased-in approach that puts the state on a glide path toward eliminating the tax altogether.  He also previewed further announcements that will roll back the O’Malley- Brown tax and spend legacy.

“The citizens of Maryland now have an opportunity to vote themselves a raise,” said Craig, referring to the individual income tax cuts.  “My proposal will jump start economic growth, keep families together by stopping the mass exodus of Marylanders leaving to other states and unleash a flurry of new business start-up activity.”

In the first phase of the income tax reduction that would take effect in 2016, Craig will lower tax brackets to 4.25% for earners across income levels.  The personal exemption will increase from the current $3200 to $5000.   The savings to taxpayers will be $600 million with an average savings of $352 for married couples or $176 for individual filers.

After monitoring the effects on revenues combined with achieving cost-savings in the budget, Craig would then further reduce income taxes to a flat 3% before the tax is phased out entirely.  This would result in a savings of $2.55 billion for taxpayers in the aggregate and $1500 for married couples or $750 for individual filers.

Combined with these proposals will be reductions in Maryland’s budget which has increased from $28.8 billion in actual spending in 2007 to $39.2 billion proposed for fiscal year 2015, a spending increase of 36% over seven years. 

 The state will be able to afford these tax cuts through a variety of budget reforms including zero-based budgeting, reviewing department and agency operations, eliminating coordinating offices of the Governor and accounting for dynamic growth through increases in disposable income that will lead to greater sales tax revenues and an expanding tax base among other heightened economic activity.

“We must re-think the proper role of government in Maryland,” said Craig.  “For too long the status quo has gone unchallenged and people are not seeing a return on investment on a range of issues including education, health care public safety and transportation.  Are we really better off with over 70 tax, fee and toll increases than we were just seven years ago?  Are the schools better, are the roads better, and are we better able to obtain health care or keep neighborhoods safer in 2014 compared to 2007?

In widely-publicized figures from federal government sources, Maryland lost 31,000 taxpayers between 2007 and 2010, more than any other surrounding state and 7th highest nationally.  The state lost 6500 small businesses during this same period, which is statistically tied with just one other state as the worst in the region.  Unemployment remain a problem with the state chronically under-performing Virginia which is the top state attracting Marylanders looking for a better place to start businesses and find jobs.

Craig will also announce a series of proposals in the weeks ahead that will address the comprehensive list of tax, fee, toll increases and excessive regulatory burdens enacted during the O’Malley-Brown years.

“Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown put everything on the table in raising levies on every aspect of daily life – ranging from being born, to dying, and to driving a car and having a roof subject to a rain tax.  I will also put everything on the table when it comes to reducing them one by one until our state has a rational tax structure that prioritizes individual opportunity over bureaucracy.”

The individual income tax is a particular focus of Craig.  According to the Congressional Budget Office, 94% of businesses pay taxes on personal returns as sole proprietorships, partnerships and certain types of corporations.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and job creation nationally, “said Craig.  “Maryland’s high personal income tax is a major impediment to attracting, expanding and retaining jobs.  It is critical that we eliminate this job killer.”

Maryland counties collect revenue through what is called the “piggy back tax” on state returns.   The tax would be held harmless in Craig’s legislation since the 24 jurisdictions count on that revenue for approximately half of their funding.

In fiscal year 2014, the personal income tax is estimated to generate $7.9 billion in revenues, 22% of total state revenues, second only to federal funds. As county executive, Craig twice reduced Harford’s main revenue source – the property tax - saving taxpayers $50 million.

Worcester County Public Schools To Start Day After Labor Day This Year


The Dispatch

Worcester County Public Schools To Start Day After Labor Day This Year

In a surprise development, the Worcester County Board of Education decided this afternoon to bring students back to school after summer break this year on Sept. 2, the day after Labor Day.

Earlier this month, at a tourism meeting in Ocean City, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jerry Wilson outlined his reasons for opposing the move, which has been the subject of a statewide task force studying whether to mandate all school systems start after Labor Day each year.

 More to come on this development.


The Dispatch - Facebook

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

A & N Electric Coop Warns Customers About Scam

From:  A & N Electric Cooperative
Scam Alert!
 
We have received information about a scam in which someone is calling consumers telling them they will be disconnected if they do not provide a money order or some other form of cash payment.
 
Be aware that this is NOT an employee of A&N Electric Cooperative (ANEC).

 If you are visited by an ANEC employee he will be wearing an ANEC uniform and driving a yellow truck clearly marked ANEC.
 If you have any questions call our office at 757-787-9750 to verify that you are talking to an ANEC employee.

Arrest Made In Sexual Assault Case At Campground

Police Sketch
Northampton County/Virginia

According to Sheriff David L. Doughty Jr., a Harrisonburg man has been arrested in a sexual assault case that occurred at Cherrystone Campground in October.

Caleb Ryan Parks, 20 of Harrisonburg, was arrested on February 10 in connection with October 27, 2013 sexual assault of a female at the campground.

 Caleb Parks was charged with object sexual penetration and two counts of strangulation. Parks is currently being held at the Eastern Shore Regional Jail in Eastville. (without bond)

According to Sheriff Doughty, on October 27, 2013 at approximately 6:33 am, the Northampton County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call to respond to Cherrystone Campground for a reported Sexual Assault.

The call was for a 25 year old female subject that had been sexually assaulted in the bath house located near the General Store and Mini Golf.

Parks is originally from Accomack County and a 2011 graduate of Nandua High School.

Source:

The Greater Parksley Association To Hold Benefit Bingo


STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE MURDER IN PORT DEPOSIT

Maryland State Police
02/17/2014

(PORT DEPOSIT, MD) – The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is investigating the death of a Cecil County man found dead in his home in Port Deposit.

 The victim is identified as Vincent M. Robertson, 47, of the unit-block of Green Lane, Port Deposit in Cecil County, Maryland. Emergency medical service personnel pronounced Robertson dead at the scene.

At approximately 11:00 a.m. this morning, troopers from the North East Barrack received a 9-1-1call to assist paramedics with an unknown medical situations at a residence on Green Lane. Upon arrival, troopers made contact with emergency medical personnel, who advised a deceased male was inside the residence. The deceased later identified as Robertson appeared to have suffered at least one gunshot wound.

 Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and initiated an investigation with continuing assistance from investigators from the Criminal Enforcement Division. The Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office has been notified and will be briefed throughout the investigation.

 Maryland State Police investigators and crime scene technicians from the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division responded to the scene to gather and process items of evidential value. The victim’s body will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy.

 Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses. No one else was injured in the apparent shooting.

  The investigation continues.


Field Notes By Delegate Michael A. McDermott


Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities
By Delegate Michael A. McDermott
 

Week 6 February 10-14, 2014
 
Monday Evening Session:
Our annual Lincoln Day Address was given by Delegate Herb McMillan (R-Anne Arundel)
 
 
Tuesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:
 
HB-311 would require the courts, upon request of the State’s Attorney, to indicate whether or not a crime should be designated as “gang related”. There was much discussion on the need to see this designation applied.
 
HB-312 would include Parking Enforcement Officers under the statute which provides a felony charge for 2nd Degree Assault as in the case with law enforcement officers. We heard from several officers that have been seriously assaulted committed against them while they were performing their duties in issuing citations.
 
HB-342 would provide protection from civil or criminal prosecution if someone reports a drug/alcohol overdose when they otherwise might be charged based upon evidence of drug use or alcohol violations at the scene of the incident. This is said to be a “good Samaritan bill”. We heard testimony from family members of those who died as a result of a drug/alcohol overdose when the incident was not reported. It is in the same posture as HB-425. I asked how far the immunity would be extended under these circumstances and the response seems that it is unclear in the both bills.
 
HB-358 would direct the Governor’s Office of Crime Control to develop a training program to address human trafficking in Maryland.
 
HB-362 would insure that certain employees and volunteers in the public schools would fall under the statute that prohibits sexual contact with a minor. It would designate certain persons as “person in a position of authority” at a school that could be deemed not to be included under this law. The bill is in a similar posture as HB-781.
 
HB-410  would allow a person convicted of a non-violent misdemeanor to file for an Expungement of the offense after 2-years if the person has no previous criminal record. This bill goes way beyond the concept of “shielding” a record (certain exceptions applied for public safety concerns). We heard more testimony against this bill rather than for it to be adopted.
 
 
HB-425 would provide protection from civil or criminal prosecution if someone reports a drug/alcohol overdose when they otherwise might be charged based upon evidence of drug use or alcohol violations at the scene of the incident. This is said to be a “good Samaritan bill”. We heard testimony from family members of those who died as a result of a drug/alcohol overdose when the incident was not reported. It is in the same posture as HB-342. I asked how far the immunity would be extended under these circumstances and the response seems that it is unclear in the both bills.
 
HB-491 is another “Revenge Porn” bill. We have seen multiple bills this session which seek to make it illegal for a person to distribute sexually explicit photos or video of another without their permission.
 
HB-552 would grant certain police powers to the law enforcement staff currently serving the Anne Arundel Community College. This designation would make them capable of conducting law enforcement practices including the wearing and carrying of firearms and the powers of arrest.
 
HB-599 would alter the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights so that a trial board could not receive evidence that was collected in a way that is contrary to the manner which is stipulated in the LEOBR. It would apply the Exclusionary Doctrine to evidence utilized in these trial boards.
 
HB-646 would extend the Statute of Limitations for the crimes of Solicitation to Commit Murder or Arson to be the same as the underlying crime (no limitation). There were questions raised about having an unlimited time period to address these crimes which may not have resulted in the act actually ever having occurred.
 
HB-781 would insure that certain employees and volunteers in the public schools would fall under the statute that prohibits sexual contact with a minor. It would designate certain persons as “person in a position of authority” at a school that could be deemed not to be included under this law. The bill is in a similar posture as HB-362.
 
Wednesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:
 
HB-195 is another misdemeanor Expungement bill. It would require a person to have committed the misdemeanor crime before they were 35 and 10-years has passed since the crime was committed-they would then be eligible. We will probably see a bill that seeks to shield these types of convictions except for public safety purposes this year.
 
HB-439 would provide that someone serving jury duty could be exempt from service if they are the caregiver for a child under 6, a breastfeeding mother, or is a parent on maternity/paternity leave.
 
HB-568 would allow a court to award “reasonable attorney’s fees” in cases where there is  a civil action which results in the enforcement of the Maryland Constitution or Maryland’s Declaration of Rights.
 
HB-570 would alter the calculation of an estate for a surviving spouse by allowing the election of several options by the surviving spouse.
 
HB-641 would allow for a psychiatrist to break their confidentiality agreement with a patient or former patient when placed under oath in court or if they need to provide information for a peace order hearing. We heard from several representatives of the doctors that it is often in the interest of public safety for them to disclose certain conversations they may have with a patient to prevent harm to another.
 
HB-656 would provide a definition for “serious crime” as it relates to a person being granted Letters of Administration  (which relates to wills and estates). It would prevent the court from assigning a person as such who had been convicted of certain crimes defined in the legislation.
 
HB-726 proposes a Constitutional Amendment that would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from the current age of 70 to age 75.
 
 
Wednesday Afternoon Judiciary Voting Session:
 
 
Thursday Morning Session: Bills introduced on First Reader
 
Third Reading Calendar (House Bills) #2
 
 
Third Reading Passed (118-3)
 
 
Third Reading Passed (121-0)
 
 
Third Reading Passed (120-0)
 
 
Third Reading Passed (119-1)
 
 
Third Reading Passed (121-0)
 
 
Third Reading Passed (118-3)
This is the Earmark Bond Bill for $1.5 million for the Sailwinds project in Cambridge. Although this was a technical name change on the project, I do not vote for additional state debt as we are already in over our heads.
 
Third Reading Calendar (House Bills) #3
 
Third Reading Passed (117-3)
 
 
Third Reading Passed (119-0)
 
 
Third Reading Passed (119-0)
 
 
Third Reading Passed (121-0)
 
 
Third Reading Passed (121-0)
 
 
Third Reading Passed (120-0)
 
 
Third Reading Passed (120-0)
 
Third Reading Calendar (Senate Bills) #2
 
 
Third Reading Passed (117-4)
 
This is the Senate companion Earmark Bond Bill for $1.5 million for the Sailwinds project in Cambridge. Although this was a technical name change on the project, I do not vote for additional state debt as we are already in over our heads.
 
There were no Committee Hearings on Thursday due to weather conditions.
 
Friday Morning Session:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, February 17, 2014

Gov. Candidate David Craig to Announce Major Tax Cut

 
David Craig to Announce Major Tax Cut 

Who: Maryland Governor Candidate David Craig
What: Major Tax Cut Proposal Press Conference

When: Tuesday, Feb. 18 @ 11:00 AM (note: starts promptly at 11:00 AM)

Where: Governor Calvert House / 58 State Circle,  Annapolis (1st floor ballroom)

RICOCHET GRANTS WISH FOR 15 YEAR OLD MAKE-A-WISH KID...

RICOCHET GRANTS WISH FOR 15 YEAR OLD MAKE-A-WISH KID WITH STAGE 4 BRAIN TUMOR WHO FLEW CROSS COUNTRY JUST TO SURF WITH HER!


Caleb has stage four brain cancer that spread to his spine causing him to use a wheelchair.
 
When Make-A-Wish® asked what he wished for, he said “I saw this cool dog on ESPN that surfs with kids who are disabled or have special needs, I wish that one day I could surf with her.” His wish was granted on Wednesday, February 12th.
 
Blowing a kiss to his mom, he was helped from his chair into the ocean and onto the board by Ricochet’s amazing team of water helpers.
 
With Ricochet positioned behind him, she gave him the balance he needed as they were pitched on a number of waves. Caleb’s huge, infectious smile said it all as he flew through the waves feeling a sense of freedom, “It was super fun. I felt almost normal… finally. It felt really good to be free, not worrying about anything and having someone to be my balance”, Caleb said when asked about the experience. 
 
With microphones from several news stations surrounding her, Caleb’s mother Cathy was brought to tears and said “I’m just so happy to see my son happy. Today is a great day for our family.” Everyone on the beach felt the magic of this wish and the electrifying positive energy of Caleb. He is an inspiration.
 
Caleb’s goal is to beat this cancer and tell everyone how he beat it. He believes God has a plan for him and anything is possible. So Ricochet asks if you can please share this inspirational video of his memorable surfing wish http://youtu.be/hxe3EBu5h4g, and also say a prayer for him. You can find Caleb and Ricochet on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/PrayForCaleb and https://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet
 
Ricochet was honored to grant Caleb’s wish and hopes it was an experience he  will remember for years to come.
 
Watch inspirational video http://youtu.be/hxe3EBu5h4g
 
Additional news reports can be seen at these links:
 
Good Morning America
Terminally Ill Boy, Dog Fetch a Wave for Surfing Wish
 
CBS 8 San Diego
Terminally ill teen surfs with Ricochet the dog

ABC 10 News San Diego
Cancer-stricken Caleb Acosta granted wish to surf with Ricochet the surfing dog

Yahoo News
Terminally Ill Teen Wishes to Surf with Ricochet the Dog
 
AOL News
Surfing Dog Grants Teen With Cancer's Wish

Fox 5 San Diego
Surf Dog Makes Teen With Cancer's Wish Come True

NBC San Diego
Dog Helps Teen Cancer Patient Achieve Surfing Dream

Channel 6 the CW
San Diego’s Surfing Dog Grants a Special Wish

Four Arrested In Accomack County’s First Meth Lab Bust (Photos)

William Williams
Accomack County, Va. – Four people were arrested and a home condemned in what is believed to be the first meth lab bust involving a resident of Accomack County.

On Friday, members of the Virginia State Police Clandestine Lab Team executed two search warrants at two residences located in the immediate area of Gargatha Landing Road just south of Nelsonia.

A home located at 17394 Music Circle was condemned by Accomack County Department of Building and Zoning following the raid.
Joanna Strickland


William Allen Williams and Joanna Strickland of Nelsonia were charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, manufacture methamphetamine and manufacture methamphetamine with a child under 15 present in the dwelling.

Investigators say Williams and Strickland lived in the meth house with their three young children. Saturday crime scene tape was left hanging right next to dozens of toys in the front yard.

Victor M. Garced

Victor Manuel Garced and Christian Hope Hemphill were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Investigators say the couple did not live in the meth house, just worked there cooking up drugs. Deputies search their home down the road, but nothing was found.

Williams, Strickland and Garced were all held with bond denied. Hemphill was held on a $10,000.00 secured bond.

Christian Hope Hemphill

Specially equipped and trained members of the Virginia State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration searched and processed the two residences, with support from the Eastern Shore Haz-Mat response team, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management  Services and the Bloxom Fire Department.

No injuries were reported in the raid.  Also assisting in the investigation was Worcester County Sheriff’s Office-Criminal Enforcement Team and the Accomack County Department of Social Services.

Accomack County Sheriff Todd Goodwin urges anyone with information related to any additional methamphetamine labs or other drug information to contact his office at 757-787-1131 or the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force at 757-414-0746.

  Any information you provide will remain confidential.

Source: