Local Campaign Rhetoric Moves from Nasty to Libelous

 
Maybe I’ve missed it up to now.  Perhaps I just wanted to ignore this foolishness until after the election.  Sadly, when you come across a LIE that is so blatant you just have to respond.
What am I talking about?  This headline from local blogger Jonathan Taylor:

McDermott To Stand Trial December 7th

Taylor claims that District 38-B candidate Mike McDermott “will have to answer for the "handgun" incident he is hoping everyone has forgotten.”

Unlike Taylor, I did a little checking.  McDermott has been neither charged with a crime nor indicted.  He won’t be standing trial for anything on December 7th.  Hopefully, if the voters of 38-B see fit, both he and Marty Pusey will be preparing for the trial of serving in the Maryland House of Delegates.

Taylor falls flat in the credibility game, so I’m not particularly concerned with his libelous ways tarnishing a good man like Mike McDermott.  Unfortunately, in addition to pimping for poor candidates like Worcester County State’s Attorney Joel Todd, he has also been hawking the candidacies of a few first rate folk, like Pusey and Wicomico State’s Attorney candidate Matt Maciarello.  I wouldn’t want Taylor’s lying ways to diminish the reputations of two such sterling individuals.

In anticipation of a venomous (and typically illiterate) reply, the onus is not on me (or anyone else) to prove a negative.  Any remarks regarding “attacks” on a certain former Maryland House candidate will be answered with a repeat of the candidate’s own writings.  I can’t help it if certain candidates insist on making foolish statements – in writing.

UPDATE -
It didn’t take long.  Taylor has now “re-worded” his post to state that McDermott is scheduled for a “Disciplinary Hearing” on December 7th.  Is this true?  I couldn’t say.  The only thing I do know is that McDermott had not been notified of any such hearing as of 9PM Wednesday night (when I spoke with him).

Should we be surprised?  Of course not!  Harken back to early August.  In what was an obviously political act, McDermott was placed on suspension by Sheriff Chuck Martin.  In that post, we noted that rumors emanating from Snow Hill about the action were circulating at least a full day before McDermott was even notified.
It’s not the usual occurrence when I agree with the Daily Times on political matters.  However, on this matter we were in agreement.  This whole affair smelled then of political retribution.  I maintain that this current matter is nothing more than a ham-handed attempt at an October surprise.
As Parker noted in her op-ed:

… the bottom line is this: McDermott’s reputation before the electorate might be damaged by a sheriff whose twin interests — running a smooth police department and helping his political allies get elected — are in conflict.

As we noted Wednesday:

If McDermott is returned to duty (per the review board), the matter dropped or a formal complaint filed, and promptly investigated (if a formal complaint is filed), then the entire affair could simply be chocked up to a misunderstanding.  Each day that this affair continues without an objective conclusion in sight makes the matter appear more and more sordid.  This does not bode well for either Conway’s candidacy or the last few months of Sheriff Martin’s distinguished career.

Given the probable route of this “news”:  Martin to Worcester State’s Attorney Joel Todd to Taylor, and the low credibility of the whole crew, the voters District 38-B shouldn’t be too concerned about the man they are about to elect as one of their Delegates.

Unfortunately, the lack of a swift, independent investigation into charges that appear to be baseless is ending Sheriff Martin’s career on a bitter note.  Is attempting to protect his pal, incumbent delegate Norm Conway, worth it?  Using Taylor as their drum beater only makes Martin, Todd, and Conway look more petty, and pathetic, than they seem to be.

from Delmarva Dealings


Local Campaign Rhetoric Moves from Nasty to Libelous

VIA: DelmarvaDealings.com

This Weekend At the MarVa Theater

Friday, Oct 22nd Sat, Oct 23rd
Time: 7 p.m.
Tickets: $5

PLOT:
Starring Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Odette Yustman, Kristin Chenoweth and Betty White, YOU AGAIN is an outrageous comedy about a successful PR pro who discovers that her brother is marrying her high school arch nemesis.
Rated PG-13

Northampton County Court

Northampton County Commonwealth's Attorney Bruce Jones reports that on Monday, October 18, the following cases were heard in Northampton County's Circuit Court:

William Marcel Custis, 26 of Onancock, had probation revoked on the original charges of stealing a firearm. Custis will serve out an 18 month prison sentence that was suspended.

Christopher J. Barcroft, 21 of Nassawadox, had probation revoked on the original charges of stealing a firearm. Barcroft will serve the 5 year prison sentence that was suspended.

Milton Darnell Faison, who was arrested in connection with 3 robberies, was sentenced to 55 years imprisonment for robberies at Rene's Exxon, La Hacienda and B&B Market. He was convicted of breaking and entering while armed with a deadly weapon, robbery, use of a sawed off shotgun and use of a firearm during the commission of a robbery.

Davon Lamar Davis, 21 of Painter, was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment with all suspended but 4 years conditioned on entry into and successful completion of the Youthful Offender Program. Davis was convicted of 2 counts of robbery, use of a sawed-off shotgun and breaking and entering while armed with a deadly weapon.

Sherri Parks, 33 of Willis Wharf, was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with all suspended but time served for breaking and entering, grand larceny and petit larceny.

Ashley Nicole Cummings, 20 of Painter, was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment suspended but time served and restitution for breaking and entering, grand larceny and petit larceny.
www.shoredailynews.com

County Laptop Stolen- County Employee Responsible Resigns

ACCOMAC -- Accomack residents who may have had personal information compromised when a government-owned laptop computer was stolen Oct. 7 should receive official notice from the county this week.

"The notice is being provided by Accomack County as quickly as possible following the theft, given the totality of the circumstances," said county attorney Mark Taylor in an e-mail.

County Administrator Steve Miner said as many as 35,000 names and Social Security numbers, and some resident addresses, were on a computer stolen from a Las Vegas hotel room.

The computer had been taken there by county employee Joshua Taylor on a personal vacation; Miner said it was taken there without permission.

The letter states that the county has no proof that the recipient's personal information has been accessed "by any unauthorized person." It asks recipients to review account statements and monitor credit reports by providing websites and phone numbers.

It asks recipients to call the county office if they feel personal information has been accessed or misused.

It also suggests a change in how county computers are used "by ensuring that no other computers are permitted to leave county facilities containing such data."

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department spokesman Marcus Martin said Taylor reported missing a Dell laptop valued at $1,300 and a backpack.

Taylor resigned shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday, according to a news release issued by the county.

The theft took place at the Mandalay Bay Hotel Casino. He said there are two periods of time in which the electronically monitored room lock wasn't fully latched.

"Who did that is still up for the detective to determine," Martin said. "Was it a maid? Was it engineered? Was it the visitor's carelessness? We can't say."

While the county waited seven days before notifying the media of the computer's theft, Miner said last week that the county had to determine what exactly was on the laptop.

"Any suggestion that Accomack County has 'waited' to take action is simply wrong," said Mark Taylor, county attorney. "Responding to this computer theft has been the county staff's top priority since the theft was reported."

www.delmarvanow.com

Wife Of Justice Clarence Thomas Leaves Voice Message For Husband's Accuser

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was narrowly appointed to the bench almost 19 years ago to the day after a notoriously bitter confirmation process in which he was accused, but never found guilty, of sexual harassment by a former colleague named Anita Hill. His wife, Virginia Thomas, has never quite gotten past that ugly episode, it seems.

Just this weekend, she reportedly left a voice mail on Hill's answering machine to the following effect, according to an ABC News investigative report:

"Good morning, Anita Hill, it's Ginny Thomas," said the voice, "I just wanted to reach across the airwaves and the years and ask you to consider something. I would love you to consider an apology sometime and some full explanation of why you did what you did with my husband. So give it some thought and certainly pray about this and come to understand why you did what you did. Okay have a good day."

Hill, who is now a professor at Brandeis University in Massachusetts, said she "initially thought" the message was a "prank," but went ahead and forwarded it to campus police, who passed it along to the FBI, The New York Times reports.
When contacted by reporters, Virginia Thomas responded: "I did place a call to Ms. Hill at her office extending an olive branch to her after all these years, in hopes that we could ultimately get past what happened so long ago." When told of the response, Hill said that she would not apologize since she had testified to the truth of her experience so many years ago.

In the confirmation hearings, Hill told the Senate that back when Thomas was her boss at the Department of Education, she repeatedly declined his invitations for the two of them to go out socially before he began "to use work situations to discuss sex" of a graphic and sadistic nature in vivid detail. At the time of the alleged harassment, Thomas was married to another woman, Kathy Ambush, whom he later divorced.

Thomas steadfastly denied all of Hill's accusations and countered that she was just a minor part of the larger plot against him, which he characterized as a "high-tech lynching for uppity blacks," though it's worth noting that Hill herself is African-American.

Hill's testimony was a political bombshell in what had already been a fairly contentious confirmation process: Even before her words went public, many black-activist and liberal groups opposed Thomas, a noted conservative-leaning judge and the second black nominee in U.S. history. After she spoke, a number of women's groups, including congresswomen, also joined their voices in opposition. Still, Thomas ended up getting appointed by a slim majority vote, 52-48.
For her part, the second Mrs. Thomas, nee Lamp, has also courted controversy of her own: Last year, she launched Liberty Central Inc., a nonprofit tea party activist group that opposes President Barack Obama's "hard-left agenda," a move that many liberals denounce as a clear conflict of interest when it comes to her husband's role as a Supreme Court justice (though it is technically legal).

She gave no indication to reporters why she was "reaching out" to Hill on this occasion, after so much time.

www.aolnews.com

A New "Eyeball" For the Science Museum

The Science Museum of Virginia is getting its eyeball back.

Eighteen days after thieves stole an eyeball cover that sheathed the museum’s Grand Kugel, a replacement eyeball is set to be unveiled Wednesday at noon.

“When our eyeball was stolen a few weeks ago, there was so much community support that we had to replace it,” Richard Conti, the museum’s director, said in a statement.

The eyeball’s vendor replaced the cover at a “considerably reduced price,” Conti said, because “of all the incredible news coverage around the world.” The original cover cost $4,000.

During the early morning hours of Oct. 2, thieves cut away the eyeball that tightly wrapped the 8½ foot diameter, 29-ton ball. The decoration had been installed just 12 hours earlier to promote a new exhibit — “Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear” — at the museum.

The thieves have yet to be caught and the eyeball remains missing. Virginia’s Capitol Police, who have jurisdiction over the Science Museum Property, continue to investigate.

To celebrate the replacement eye, the museum staff “is asking for eye-deas on how to keep an eye on our eye,” Conti said. Suggestions can be posted on the Science Museum of Virginia’s Facebook page.

All ideas will be entered into a random drawing for an “eye-pod” and a free family museum membership, Conti said. The winner will be announced at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

www.timesdispatch.com

FirstGiving - Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter Inc - Sprout and Pickles Page

Hello Everyone.....
As an animal lover and owner I am raising money during a fundraiser for BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue And Care Shelter). I volunteer my time as often as I can at this shelter and since I have known about BARCS I have become the owner of the best pets ever! Animals that live at BARCS are animals that the city has cast out for one reason or another.

A few months ago I fostered a dog whose family had to give him up due to job loss and could no longer care for him. He came to me a very sad dog and missed his previous owners so much and the small children that once played with him. He wasn't the prettiest dog in the world and had some severe skin issues. I took him in, changed his food, treated his skin and changed him back into a happy dog. A few weeks ago he was adopted and the last I heard he was going camping on the weekends and going to work daily with his new owner.

Currently I have a cat named Billy Ripkin. Billy came from BARCS and every day he sees me off to work and is waiting on the sidewalk when I return home. He walks too, beside me, when I walk the dog.

Pickles is the a cat that no one wanted because his fur looked as if he had gone through shock. Today as a grown and has beautiful long fur with a fluffy tail.

Then there is Sprout, the silly dog, that I have had for over a year. She had not been given the love puppies need nor discipline and was mildly abused This year she has attended obedience school and I am now able to schedule "doggy play dates".

All these animals came from BARCS and otherwise would have gone to a shelter that would have put them to sleep after a waiting period.

BARCS needs your donations so they can continue to take care of the animals that have fallen upon hard times. All of the wonderful people that care for these unfortunate animals are volunteers, including myself, that understand that even animals need out constant care and love.

And that's what Sprout, Billy Ripken, Pickles and I are trying to do.

You will find the link below that will take you the BARCS donation site. You don't have to give alot. The smallest amount will be so appreciated. My fundraiser goal has not been met yet and I did not set it high because I know these are hard times for most of us.

If I meet my fundraising target Sprout will get to parade around in his Shark costume and Pickles dressed as a Pumpkin for Halloween.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for you kind donation and all the animals at BARCS thank you too.

Deborah Northam

FirstGiving - Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter Inc - Sprout and Pickles Page
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

If you have any questions please feel free to email jmmb.
And if you are a frequent reader of this site you have seen some of my pets.

Hampton Man Gets Life Sentence And Rambles On For 100 Minutes

HAMPTON — Just before defendants are about to be sentenced, the judge asks them if they want to say anything.

Most times, defendants opt to say nothing. But sometimes, what follows is perhaps a brief plea for mercy, an apology to the family, or an assertion of innocence.

But John Anya-Onwuka — being sentenced in Hampton Circuit Court Monday for murder in the slaying of his ex-wife — rambled for more than an hour and a half. The hand-written statement began with being in his mother's womb.

A court reporter had difficulty transcribing Anya-Onwuka's words, due to his low tone and thick Nigerian accent. Judge Wilford Taylor Jr. even took a short recess to "stretch."

But after the statement — which lasted from about 4:20 p.m. to just before 6 p.m. — Taylor sentenced Anya-Onwuka, 50, to life in prison in the murder, plus three years for using a knife in a felony in the slashing death of his ex-wife, Gloria Anya-Onwuka, in 2006. The couple was divorced, but lived together in the upscale Farmington subdivision.

"It's the first time I had a defendant give his entire life story at that point in the case," said Anya-Onwuka's court-appointed lawyer, Stephen J. Weisbrod. Then again, he was also the first client who ever pleaded guilty to first-degree murder without a plea agreement.

Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Anton Bell twice objected to the statement while Anya-Onwuka was reading it. But Taylor declined to stop him.

The Daily Press reporter could not hear much of the statement, but Bell said the gist was: "Everybody was bad, and he was a saint." Bell said Anya-Onwuka never apologized to his ex-wife's family, including her mother who traveled from Nigeria for the hearing.

Weisbrod said he apologized "in a roundabout way."

During Monday's testimony, the victim's brother, Emeka Renner, glared at Anya-Onwuka in court, saying: "I want to know why you did what you did. That was a defenseless woman."

Weisbrod said the statement tends to show Anya-Onwuka is mentally ill. Taylor denied Weisbrod's motion before the sentencing to have Anya-Onwuka evaluated for a third time.
www.wtkr.com

WARNING! This Maze is Addictive

For a little Halloween fun try your hand at trying to navigate through the maze, it's very addictive but you can make if you keep trying, I did.

To Play The Halloween Maze CLICK HERE>

A Halloween Card

When the front door opens check-out the cool wallpaper

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR HALLOWEEN CARD>

Terrafugia has completed flight testing of the Transition POC (Proof of Concept).

Terrafugia has completed flight testing of the Transition POC (Proof of Concept).

Introducing the Transition. Simply land at the airport, fold your wings up and drive home.

Fly a distance of 725 kilometers at speeds of 115 km/hour;
requires a special license to drive and fly.

The time required for the transition from plane to car takes less than 30 seconds.
Vehicle speed 185 km/hour, range is 724 km on highways
Vehicle is fueled with gasoline, and the price of the car is expected to be around $200,000.
The first shipment will be in 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hat Tip; Kack

Honda commercial

READ THE EXPLANATION BELOW BEFORE YOU WATCH THE VIDEO

If you thought that the people who set up a room full of dominos to
have them knocked over later was amazing, you haven't seen anything yet.  There are no computer graphics or digital tricks in these images.

Everything that you see happened in real time exactly as you see it.
The recording required 606 takes and in the first 605 takes there
always was something, usually of minor importance, that didn't work.
It was necessary for the recording team to install the set-up time
aftertime and it took several weeks working day and night to achieve
this effect...  The recording cost 6 million dollars and it took 3
months to finish, including the engineering design of the sequence.

The duration of the video is only 2 minutes, but every time that Honda shows the commercial on British television, they make enough money to support any of us for the rest of our lives. However, this commercial has turned out to be the most displayed in the history of the Internet.  Honda execs think that it will pay for itself simply because of the free showings.  When Honda senior execs viewed it, they immediately approved it without hesitation -- including costs.

Everything you see in the sequence (besides the walls, floor, ramp,
and untouched Honda Accord) is part of two automobiles.  The voice is that of Garrison Keillor.  The commercial was so well received by Honda execs when they saw it, that their first comment was how amazing the computer graphics were.  They almost fell out of their chairs when told that the recording was real without any graphics manipulation. By the way, about the windshield wipers in the new Honda Accords, they are sensitive to water and designed to start working as soon as they get wet.

Possible Shots Fired Near Pentagon

Pentagon entrances were locked down early Tuesday after a report of possible shots fired near the building.

Maj. Chris Perrine, a Pentagon spokesman, says a civilian reported he may have heard shots at about 5 a.m. EDT on the south side of the massive Defense Department headquarters.

Perrine says police authorities did a sweep of the area and didn't find anything.

The roads and pedestrian entrances leading to the Pentagon were reopened a little after 5:30.

www.wtop.com

Gumboro Mudbog October 9, 2010 ~ Last Race Day Of The Season

Johnny Edwards driving 'In The Mix' sped through the 200 feet of mud on Saturday October 9, 2010 in 4.311 seconds!
Good job!

Here's a video of his run that tied him for second place with Ken Daisey, driver of 'Ole Blue'.




'Ole Blue' ~ Driver Ken Daisey

I don't have a video of Ken Daisey and his 4.311 second run but I do have a photo to show just exactly WHERE 'Ole Blue' and his driver ended up..............
They ended up in the bean field!
Now, some say it was the fault of the throttle. Some argue the brakes. Brakes???? I've asked around and I have heard that the breaks on these trucks (for some of the drivers) have been tested ONE time this year during the tech check they go through before each and every race.

And that's fine because if you race knowing you don't have breaks on your truck you classify as an idiot.

At the end of this race the winnings were split between the driver of 'In The Mix' and driver of 'Ole Blue' and both share second place. I wonder HOW this can be so!

Well, I'm calling bullshit on this decision!

Why? Because the driver of 'Ole Blue' (who has only raced ONE time this year) ended totally out of the mudding arena! Johnny Edwards and 'In The Mix' have been at EVERY race this year and sometimes races in two classes. I guess the money Edwards spends, or any driver in any class, on any race day to keep Gumboro in the mudbog business, isn't appreciated. The Edwards family spends alot of time and money and have every racing season.

Now back to 'Ole Blue'.......
The driver of 'Ole Blue' never stopped his truck.......consequently ending in the bean field. He never applied the brakes. Did he even have brakes??

AND WHAT ABOUT THIS: Vehicles must have a KILL Switch (shutting off power to electric pumps and ignition systems) within easy reach of driver. Master Disconnect Switch to be located at the rear of the vehicle and clearly labeled. EXCEPT STREET AND PROSTOCK CLASSES.

Had Mr. Daisey hit that kill switch and applied breaks that truck could have and would have stopped within the arena.

OR WHAT ABOUT: Driver MUST maintain PROPER control of vehicle at ALL times!

And there is nothing mentioned under the Rules and Regulations concerning proper control!!

This should have been a total disqualification NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

But it's typical decision making for those with the last call on matters at Gumboro. It seems another driver had the misfortune of sharing his 1st place status with another driver during another racing season.

I remember very well an issue of a driver finding out AFTER the race that he shared the 1st place status with another driver. Now keep in mind that this driver left and collected the FULL winnings. It was AFTER the races that a recording was timed and the other truck was declared the winner also!

So, not only did Gumboro "decision makers" award another 1st place status they paid the full amount to the other driver as well!

Both of these drivers that ended up with winnings were/are personal friends of the Gumboro "final decision makers". And that makes it bullshit!

Virginia Man Accused In Terror Case Faces Two New Charges

WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors have brought two new charges against a northern Virginia man accused of offering himself as a fighter to a Somali terror group, and have charged his wife with making a false statement in connection with the case.

Zachary A. Chesser, who was arrested this summer and allegedly told FBI agents he had twice tried to travel to Somalia to join a terror group, was charged Monday in federal court in Virginia with one count of communicating threats and another count of soliciting crimes of violence, both related to his previous case. The new charges carry a total of 15 years in prison.

Chesser, 20, was charged in July with material support to terrorists, which carries a potential 15-year sentence. Chesser acknowledged to FBI agents that he wanted to travel to Somalia to join the al-Qaida-linked terrorist group al-Shabab, according to an FBI affidavit filed this summer.

Before Chesser's arrest this summer, he was best known for posting harshly worded online warnings to the creators of the animated TV show "South Park" that they risked death for mocking the prophet Muhammad.Chesser's wife, Proscovia Kampire Nzabanita, was also charged Monday with one count of making a false statement, which carries a possible prison sentence of up to eight years. Her charge is related to her husband's case, but it was not clear how.

Chesser and Nzabanita, who is from Uganda, have an infant son whom Chesser tried to take with him on a flight from New York to Uganda this summer in order to appear less suspicious, the affidavit said. Chesser was denied entry to the flight and told he was on the no-fly list. He and his wife had previously tried to go to Somalia by way of Kenya, but that attempt also failed.

After his latest attempt to leave the country, Chesser apparently tried convincing FBI agents he had renounced his extremist views and said he would work for the FBI if the government helped him travel to Africa, according to the affidavit. Instead of accepting Chesser's offer, FBI agents arrested him.

Chesser has not yet been indicted in the case and the timeline for doing so has been extended twice. Lawyers often seek an extension of the indictment deadline to work out details of a plea bargain

An attorney for Chesser, Michael Nachmanoff, said in an e-mail that he could not comment further on the case. An attorney for Nzabanita, David Smith, did not immediately respond to e-mailed requests for comment.

www.washingtonexaminer.com

Woman's Club of Accomack County Hosting "Meet and Greet"

The Woman's Club of Accomack County is holding a "Meet and Greet" the candidates for the United States House of Representatives in Virginia's 2nd District on Thursday, October 21 at 2:00 PM at the Carrie Watson House on Richmond Avenue in Onley, according to Valena Gibb, Legislative Chairman of the Woman's Club of Accomack County.

Incumbent Glenn Nye, Kenny Golden and Mrs. Scott Rigell, in place of her husband, will be on hand representing their respective campaigns.

Each representative will have time to outline what they hope to accomplish in Congress. There will be time for questions, followed by refreshments and more time to talk with the candidates.

All voters, male and female, are invited to attend the event.

The election to decide the 2nd District of Virginia's next Congressman will be on Tuesday, November 2nd.

www.shoredailynews.com

SURF DOG RICOCHET INSPIRES AMRLESS WOMAN TO SURF!

Sabine Becker was born without arms. She uses her feet for daily tasks.

One day, on Ricochet's Facebook page, she asked "Do you think I can surf without arms". Ricochet answered YES! And referred her to Ampsurf.
A few weeks later, Sabine drove 1100 miles to attend a surf camp in California. She DID surf!, but is also faced with disappointment while there. This is her video highlighting her & Ricochet's journey of inspiration together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUfY9tbk0FI 

For more details, please visit: Sabine's website: http://www.nmspiritdancer.com/  
Ricochet's website: http://www.surfdogricochet.com or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet, AmpSurf's website http://www.ampsurf.org/.

Please feel free to share this video/story with anyone you think would be inspired... or wants to surf!

Thank you!

Surf dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog

Eddie Plank 'WE WILL NEVER FORGET'

Thanks to an astute reader that sent this in.

15 YEARS AGO TODAY TFC. EDWARD A. PLANK WAS MURDERED AFTER MAKING A TRAFFIC STOP IN SOMERSET COUNTY. 

'WE WILL NEVER FORGET'

Trooper First Class Edward Plank
Maryland State Police
Maryland
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 17, 1995
Cause: Gunfire
Biographical Info
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available

Trooper Edward Plank was shot and killed during a traffic stop near Princess Ann, Maryland, at 0109 hours. Unknown to Trooper Plank at the time, the driver and passenger of the car were returning to the state after a drug re-supply. Trooper Plank called for back-up when he became suspicious of the driver and after conferring with another officer approached the vehicle a second time at which point he was shot in the face and killed instantly. The two suspects fled but were caught later in the day. One of the suspects was caught after breaking into a house. The owner of the house clubbed the suspect with an empty rifle after being shot at and held him until police arrived. Four hundred grams of cocaine were found in the suspect's car.

The shooter pled guilty to first degree murder on May 14, 1996, and was sentenced to death. In July 1998 the suspect's death sentenced was overturned and he now is facing life in prison.

Trooper Plank had served with the agency for 7 years. He was survived by his wife and 7-month-old daughter.

VIA: The Officer Down Memorial Page

Be Sure To Look For The Meteor Shower This Week

A spectacular stream of meteors believed to be leftovers from Halley's Comet is expected to streak across the skies this week, but a full harvest moon will compete for attention and may obstruct some of the show.

The meteors, a junior version of the famous Perseid meteor shower, are called the Orionids because they appear to shoot from the second-brightest star in the Orion constellation, or from the hunter's elbow. Up to 30 meteors -- fast, bright streaks like shooting stars -- could be visible each hour in the night sky, starting tonight, Space.com reports.

"The Orionids are fast meteors and also have fireballs. The radiant of the shower will be observed north of Betelgeuse, the brightest star in the constellation Orion, the Mighty Hunter," Graciano Yumul, an officer at the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, told GMA News.

The shower's radiant point is near the celestial equator, meaning that it'll be visible in both the northern and southern hemispheres, according to iSurf News.

The annual show usually happens from Oct. 17 to Oct. 25, and this year it'll peak before dawn on Thursday. But that's also when a full moon will appear over North America, in most places on Saturday, perhaps dimming the light of the meteors. So the best viewing times are believed to be earlier in the week, when the moon isn't as bright. The best places from which to view the meteor shower are in rural spots that don't have other light pollution.

The Orionids are thought be caused by Halley's Comet, which was named for astronomer Edmond Halley and passes through the inner solar system once every 76 years. The last time was in 1986.

But every time Halley's Comet zooms past the sun, bits of ice and rock are evaporated off the comet and go flying into space. The debris hangs there in space and create the annual Orionid display.
www.aolnews.com

Facebook Apps Transmitted Personal Info

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that 10 popular Facebook applications have been transmitting users' personal identifying information to dozens of advertising and Internet tracking companies.

The newspaper said Monday that the breach also includes users who set all their information to be completely private. And in some cases, it says, the apps provided access to friends' names.

A Facebook spokesman told the Journal on Sunday that the company would introduce new technology to contain the breach. It's not clear how long the breach went on.

The paper says Facebook also has taken immediate action to disable all applications that violated their terms.

Most apps are made by independent software companies, not by Facebook.
www.aolnews.com

Two New Names In The Running For Worcester County Commissioner

POCOMOKE CITY -- Two men whose backgrounds share military service but little else are contending to represent District 1, Worcester's southernmost region, as a Worcester County Commissioner.

Merrill Lockfaw Jr., a Republican, won his primary against three other contenders, while Jimmy Schoolfield, a Democrat, advanced to the general election unopposed.

The seat represents Pocomoke City and surrounding areas. It is currently held by Bobby Cowger, who did not seek re-election.

Lockfaw and Schoolfield have served in the armed forces. Lockfaw spent four years in the Air Force, while Schoolfield spent six years in the Army.

Lockfaw worked for Worcester County government as a road superintendent for 19 years, retiring in June.

"I thought with my business experience as well as working with large budgets and county government would make me a good candidate," Lockfaw said.

Schoolfield has been a minister at Georgetown Baptist Church in Pocomoke for 14 years, in addition to being vice president of the NAACP for Worcester County. He resigned his NAACP role when he decided to run for the County Commissioners seat.

His life path wasn't a smooth one. In the early 1990s, between the ages of 29 and 32, Schoolfield was charged with 12 separate crimes in Maryland courts, including assault, theft and malicious destruction of property.

"A lot of those extended from when I was out in the world drinking," Schoolfield said. "I watched what alcohol and drugs did to me, and that has given me a lot of things I can talk with youth about. I can say from experience there are other things we can do besides hanging on the street and drink."

He has not been charged with a crime since 1995, although he has three active cases in the civil court system, including one in which his wages were ordered to be garnished by $13,622. Schoolfield said he and his wife took out a loan to start a fashion store shortly before she had to undergo heart surgery. As a result, they closed the store and incurred the debt.

If elected, Lockfaw said he wants to be able to provide citizens with the services they need, such as police officers and firefighters.

"While protecting ourselves, we can't overregulate ourselves to the point it would drive businesses away," Lockfaw said.

Schoolfield said he wants to focus on ways to improve the housing situation, build the community and reach out to youth.

"I want to be a force for the lower district," Schoolfield said. "I would like to work with the youth and on education issues. Crime is also an important issue, especially in downtown Pocomoke."

When asked about legislation requiring all homes built after Jan. 1 to contain residential sprinkler systems, both men said they would like to tweak the law as it would apply to Worcester.

Lockfaw said he opposes mandating sprinklers, while Schoolfield would be satisfied with an amendment restricting the requirement to homes on a municipal water supply.

www.delmarvanow.com

Trick Or Treat In Pocomoke City

Trick or Treat

Will be observed in Pocomoke City on

Saturday October 30th

From 5:00pm-7:00pm.

Children 12 and under in costume.

Two Major Accidents In Virginia Over Weekend

Saturday morning at 7:40 an empty trailer became uncoupled from it's tractor and fell into the Chesapeake Bay. The accident occured at mile post 12 on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

There were no injuries.

The tractor trailer was headed to North Carolina on the southbound trestle when the fifth wheel hitch failed and the trailer became separated from the rig careened across the guard rail and fell into the bay. The accident occurred at mile post 12.

According to Bridge Tunnel Chief Executive Officer Jeff Holland, the trailer then drifted east under the northbound trestle and then sunk. Rough waters on Saturday prevented salvage of the empty trailer.Traffic on Southbound lane of the CBBT was halted for approximately 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, an accident on Rt. 13 near Nandua High School closed Rt. 13 South of Onley for several hours. Traffic had to be rerouted around the accident and was not back to normal for several hours.

www.shoredailynews.com

Baltimore Police Detective Killed Over Parking Spot

An off-duty Baltimore police detective, taking part in the Canton nightlife on the eve of his birthday Saturday, was killed after being struck in the head after an argument over a parking spot, police said. He would have turned 38 today.

Brian Stevenson, an 18-year veteran and married father of three, was pronounced dead at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center not long after he was attacked in the 2800 block of Hudson St. at about 10 p.m.

Acting on information from witnesses, police arrested 25-year-old Sian James later Saturday night at a downtown club. On Sunday afternoon, he was charged with first-degree murder.

Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III told reporters outside the hospital that the argument was "incredibly petty."

"It's an incredible tragedy for the family, for all of us," said Bealefeld, who spoke with Stevenson's family members along with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. "The city's losing … we're losing a fantastic detective who works to make people safe in this city. It's just senseless."

Stevenson grew up in the city and went on to investigate shootings and robberies in the Northeast District. He went to have dinner with a longtime friend near Canton Square when an argument broke out in the parking lot of an eye care clinic. Residents say the neighborhood is typically jam-packed, with some area bars offering valet service and drivers jockeying for precious parking spots.

Police sat James picked up an object — a rock or piece of concrete — and hurled it at Stevenson, striking him in the right temple and causing him to fall to the ground.

Stevenson lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

James went on to a club in the Power Plant area, where officers found and detained him, police said.

Stevenson is the first city officer to be killed in an attack since January 9, 2007, when Officer Troy Lamont Chesley Sr. was fatally shot during a robbery while he was off-duty in Northwest Baltimore. Last month, Officer James Fowler died after losing control of his vehicle while driving to a training program in Pennsylvania.

Friends recalled Stevenson as a jovial man who was one of the department's snappiest and unique dressers, pairing wild colors and patterns. Detective Thomas Jackson, a homicide investigator who worked with Stevenson in the Northeast District investigating shootings and robberies, said Stevenson was called "Smiley" because of his consistently upbeat mood.

As a detective, Jackson said, Stevenson was able to relate to those he interacted with in the streets. He grew up in the city and graduated from Dunbar High School, Jackson said.

"He loved doing his job, and he made sure his family was provided for," said Detective Sandra Forsythe, who continued to bring baked goods to her former partner after she moved on to the homicide unit this year.

Stevenson was featured in a 1994 Baltimore Afro-American article about the first class of officers to graduate under the then-new police commissioner, Thomas Frazier. His mother beamed with pride when discussing her son.

"I think that it is wonderful because he's doing something for society," Sheila Dorsey told the Afro. "He has always been the type of person who would help other people in any way that he could. I know that he will be a good police officer, because he has the Lord on his side."

At the scene, neighbor Tricia Zebron said that the neighborhood is typically chaotic on weekends. She said parking spots are hard to come by - her car was parked in the same lot where Stevenson was struck, though there are "private parking" signs posted that warn that driver's will be towed.

"It's a circus every weekend here," she said.

The suspect, James, lived around the corner in the 2800 block of Dillon St.. Court records show he was charged in July with attempted rape, third-degree sex offense, assault and false imprisonment. Initially held without bond, he was released in mid-September on $150,000 bond. Details of that case were not immediately available.

Records also show that in late July James was ordered to stay away from a woman who had filed her second protective order against him in a span of four months. Reached for comment, a man who answered the woman's phone said that they could not discuss James because of an "ongoing situation."

Outside the emergency room entrance at Hopkins Bayview on Saturday night and into Sunday morning, dozens of officers in uniform or street clothes stood solemnly. Some were retired officers. There was little discussion. Deep into the morning, relatives of Stevenson continued to arrive.

As one group of officers walked to their cars to head home, they each shook hands.

"Be safe," they said to each other.

Jackson, who investigates city homicides, many over petty disputes and slights, said Stevenson's death was one of the most senseless he could think of.

"All of them are terrible, but a parking spot?" Jackson said.

The driver of a limo parked outside the nearby Clutch sports lounge said he didn't see or hear the commotion from the attack, but he noted that he was an off-duty Prince George's County police officer. "It hurts," he said of news that a fellow law enforcement officer had been killed.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/

~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY~~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR DAD TODAY ON WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN HIS 86th BIRTHDAY!

Our Dad.... one of the wisest, humorous, dedicated, personable person that ever lived. We all continue to love and miss you and still use your good advise.

Thankyou for always (and still) being there for all of us.

Aquarium Comes To Life At Delmarva Discovery Center In Pocomoke

POCOMOKE CITY -- The final step in the installation of Delmarva Discovery Center's 6,000-gallon freshwater aquarium is just days away.

A dedication ceremony for the aquarium is scheduled for Oct. 21 from 6-8 p.m. and will call attention to a $250,000 grant from the Fulton Owen Foundation, which made the purchase and operation of the tank possible.

Staff and volunteers are ready to show off the exhibit to the public, after working to install the tank and prep and introduce the fish to their new habitat.

"(The tank) is a great opportunity to highlight the ecology of the Pocomoke River and the unique fish that live in it," says Executive Director Brian Garrett. "We just want to recognize their generous donation and acknowledge the positive impact it's having on the discovery center."

The ceremony will include a speech by Garrett, in addition to a presentation of the tank, acknowledgment of the donors, a short speech by representatives of the Snow Hill-based Fulton Owen Foundation and a casual reception.

The tank is designed to look similar to the underwater world of the Pocomoke River and has been stocked with native fish, including Atlantic sturgeon, largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegills.

Garrett expects the tank to increase learning opportunities for area residents as well as the attractiveness of Pocomoke City as a regional tourist destination.

"For this summer, between June 1 and the end of August, we had 3,600 general admissions," said Garrett. "We are on pace to put between 7,500 and 8,000 through the center this year."

After the ceremony has ended, staff at the Discovery Center are expected to get to work on their next big project. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore recently donated a 1,500 gallon tank for a Chesapeake Bay ecological exhibit.

Garrett says before moving forward on that, the Discovery Center needs to secure additional funding, to ensure once the tank is installed there will be enough money to keep it operational and allow for the care of marine life.

If you go

WHAT. Fulton/Owen Foundation Dedication

WHERE. Delmarva Discovery Center, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City

WHEN. Oct. 21, 6-8 p.m.

COST. $20 per ticket, $18 for members, $35 for couples

INFO. 410-957-9933

www.worcestercountytimes.com

SEVERNA PARK, Md. - Is there life after death? For one local woman, there most definitely is.

A neighbor says 89-year-old Ruth Johnson had not been seen for days when Anne Arundel County police went to her home in Severna Park, on Oct. 1.

A police report says officers found Johnson motionless on a bathroom floor. Her skin was blue and she wasn't breathing. Because she appeared to be dead, according to the report, police did not check her pulse.

Police told Johnson's family she had passed away. They also notified her doctor, and the Chief Medical Examiner's office in Baltimore.

Three hours later, a man with the State Anatomy Board came to pick up the body, which Johnson had agreed to donate to science. It was then that Johnson was seen moving her arm, and taking breaths.

The Annapolis Capitol reports she was rushed to a hospital and has since been discharged.

A police spokesman says the case is under administrative review to make sure the officers involved followed proper procedures.

www.wtop.com

Trailer Goes Over Side Of Chesapeake Bay Bridge -Tunnel

High winds caused a trailer to come loose from a tractor and fall over the side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Saturday morning at the 12 mile mark, according to tunnel police.

Chief Edward Spencer said the trailer was empty and no one was injured.

Traffic was stopped at about 7:45 a.m., but there is no back up now.

As of mid-day, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has issued a Level 2 advisory for winds of about 47 mph.

www.hamptonroads.com

Rome's Colosseum Opens Gladiator Pits

Rome’s Colosseum has opened the underground pits where gladiators and wild beasts waited before being winched from darkness into the light of the killing ground, the Italian news agency ANSA reported Friday.

At the same time, the famed monument is also reopening its third story, closed since the 1970s, which offers a breathtaking view of Rome.

The two new attractions aim to boost visitor numbers at the site, which is already Italy's single most visited monument at some 19,000 people a day.

Crowds were already flocking to get up to the 33 meter (108 feet) third ring to enjoy its spectacular views Friday, while fans of ancient bloodletting will have to wait until Tuesday when groups of 25, strictly by reservation, will take the first steps by members of the public into the underground pits.

According to Colosseum site director Rossella Rea, the gladiatorial areas are all the more fascinating because "they were completely buried in the 5th century AD and have been perfectly conserved."

"They never suffered the depredation which the surface parts of the monument were victims to," ANSA quoted her as saying.

The so-called 'hypogeum' (literally, 'underground') has been restored in a project that has also installed new, muted lighting.

Rea said the aim was to recapture "some of the atmosphere" of the breathless moments before the games commenced, when the armored or naked fighters and the wild animals were hauled up through 80 trapdoors.

The visit starts from the Porta Libitinaria, named after the goddess of the dead Libitina, through which the gladiators marched in and from which their corpses were taken out, ANSA said.

Construction on the city's iconic monument started between 70 and 72 AD under the Emperor Vespasian.

It was completed in 80 AD by his son Titus. Titus inaugurated it with 100 days of games including the recreation of a sea battle between Romans and Greeks.

www.myfoxdc.com

Absentee Voting Deadline is Nearing For Virginia Voters

RICHMOND, VA. — The deadline is approaching for Virginians planning to vote by absentee ballot.

The State Board of Elections says the deadline to apply to vote by absentee ballot for the Nov. 2 election is Oct. 26 by mail. Virginians looking to vote by absentee ballot in person can apply and vote by Oct. 30.

There are more than 18 different ways to qualify to vote by absentee ballot. That information and an application are available on the State Board of Elections website.

Officials are encouraging qualified voters to consider voting by absentee ballot to make sure they are able to take part in the election.

The board says there are currently more than five million voters registered in Virginia.

Online: www.sbe.virginia.gov

www.washingtonexaminer.com

Accomack Property Owners At Risk For Identity Theft

An Accomack County employee returned from apersonal holiday to Las Vegas without a computer that belongs to the county. Files in that laptop contain vital information, including the Social Security numbers of local personal-property owners.

No, Josh Taylor, who works in the Information Technology (IT) Department, didn’t gamble away the equipment. Sources close to the situation say it was stolen from either his hotel room or the vehicle he rode to the airport. Taylor was not available for comment. The taxpayers could become the victims of identity theft.

Local officials said Wednesday they aren’t sure how many files were stored in the computer. They aren’t saying if it was acceptable for Taylor to have taken the laptop on the trip. But they don’t suspect foul play by any of their workers.

Finance Director Mike Mason said the computer was stolen on Oct. 7 and was reported as such to the county on Oct. 8. Another source said Mason sent Taylor home from the job on Tuesday to await further action. Central Accounting told a caller that Taylor was expected back at work Monday. Part of his duties reportedly will be fielding calls from property owners concerned about this issue.

Now officials are trying to figure out how they are going to keep the thief from accessing the programs, how they will deal with Taylor (who is still on the clock), what policies they will enact to keep this mishap from being repeated and what will happen when property owners start complaining. Sources said hiring a company to help with the problems could cost $300,000 to $500,000.

After more than an hour in a closed session. Wednesday evening, Accomack supervisors voted to release a brief statement. Supervisors Ron Wolff and Steve Mallette were absent. Supervisor Phil McCaleb voted against going into the private meeting where personnel issues were discussed and advice from County Attorney Mark Taylor (no relation to Josh Taylor) was obtained. I voted no because I did not believe that all of what we were to discuss was covered by the ‘Closed Meeting’ criteria,” McCaleb said on Thursday in an e-mail. “Our deliberations on what to do and how to handle the employee should be closed.

The stolen computer was the result of ‘brain vacuum’ idiocy and in all likelihood the result of either a lack of a clear written policy regarding laptop computers or a failure to consistently enforce same.

I made the comment in the meeting that I do not believe this is a ‘fireable’ offense unless there is a written policy requiring it.”

According to the statement released by the supervisors, “The
theft is under a separate criminal investigation. There is no allegation
of criminal wrongdoing by the employee or anyone else affiliated with Accomack County.

Accomack County believes that the stolen computer contained a file or files
from which taxpayer identity might be extracted.

Any citizen who is concerned about the security of their identity may request a fraud alert on their credit report by calling 888-766-0008, 888-397-3742 or 800-680-7289.

Citizens who may be affected will receive a more specific written notice from AccomackCounty. This is Accomack County’s entire comment on this matter pending advance of the ongoing criminal investigation and the internal personnel issue involved.” Board Chairwoman Laura Belle Gordy called for Wednesday’s meeting Eastern Shore Post that afternoon.

The announcement stated that the meeting would be closed and would only be used to discuss personnel. The session started at 5 p.m. and began with the usual prayer and
Pledge of Allegiance. Before a motion was made, Gordy said, “I know we can go into closed session for personnel, but that’s not the real reason.” The attorney suggested
that they also meet under another section of law that allows the group to speak privately with him.

County Administrator Steve Miner defined taxpayer identity as name, Social Security number, perhaps address and the personal property owned. He said real-estate holdings are not in question.

Josh Taylor did not attend the session. Miner, Mason, County Treasurer Dana Bundick, Commissioner of the Revenue Leslie Savage and another IT worker attended the private session.

Asked about the IT Department, Miner said there is only one person “who reports back to me” and others who work in IT are under other departments. He said he is unsure if the
employee in question regularly takes the laptop home. “I’m not sure but suspect the answer is no,” Miner said.

"I don’t provide anyone with Social Security numbers,” Savage explained Thursday. “Josh Taylor has been part of the project team” working on software that provides the county with the capability of twice-a-year billing.

Las Vegas Police Officer Marcus Martin said Josh Taylor reported the incident on Oct. 8. Taylor was staying at the Mandalay Bay, an upscale hotel and casino. Upon awakening that morning
he found that clothing was thrown on the floor and the laptop and a red backpack were gone, Martin said.

An investigation of the electronic entry to the room showed that between 10:53 a.m. and 12:35 p.m. on Oct 7 and from 8:14 p.m. Oct 7 and 9:21 a.m. Oct 8, the door to Room 16122, where he
was staying was “not properly latched.” Martin said it is unclear why. Taylor was out of the room between 8 p.m. Oct 7 and 2 a.m. Oct 8 and hadn’t noticed anything missing or in disarray
upon return. Martin added that the case just landed on a detective’s desk and he had not had time to check a video of the hallways.

“It appears the suspect also drank (the contents of) two mini liquor bottles” while in the room, the officer said.

www.easternshorepost.com

Wow! That's quite a story! But which is it? Was it taken from the rental car or was it taken from the room? From 8 p.m. on Oct. 7 until 2 a.m. on Oct. 8. Taylor was out of his room yet the door was not "properly" latched until 9:21 on the 8th. And whomever stole the laptop from the room was thirsty enough to sit and have a drink. I don't know about anyone else but I don't think so. Not much of this makes alot of sense.

So, because Mr. Taylor was whooping it up in Las Vegas Accomack taxpayers have endure the risk that private information has been obtained by those other than Accomack County workers. Shame on you, Mr. Taylor, for being so inconsiderate! Keeping hours like those it"s quite apparent that you did not intend on doing any "work" while vacationing.

And shame on Accomack County for not knowing if employees ARE allowed to take laptops home. Well, Mr. Taylor and Accomack County officials this isn't the "brain vacuum idiocy" you claim it is. This is lack of consideration for ALL of the people that now may be jeopardized with fraud and identity theft. And YOU expect US to straighten it up by calling the telephone numbers listed.

The county is in bad enough shape without having this happen. Besides, when hard working Accomack County taxpayers pay their taxes we assume our private information is just that. PRIVATE!! Lock those computers to the desks!

Most computer users today go to great extremes making sure that their personal computers do not become privy to hackers. We are very concious about everything we do on our computers.

Identity theft is a horrible thing to happen. And NOW because of ONE person one must be concerned about the practices of the employes hired by the county.

Somerset County Arrests

REVOKED LICENSE. David Alan Widdowson, 48, of Pocomoke City was issued a citation for driving on a revoked and suspended license on Oct. 5 by Somerset deputies. Deputies rersponded to the area of Whitehaven Ferry road regarding a car in the ditch, and found Widdowson to be the driver. Widowson was released after signing citations.

FAILURE TO APPEAR. Richard Nathaniel Armstrong, 42, of Salisbury was taken into police custody on Oct. 5 by Somerset deputies on a warrant for failure to appear in court. Armstrong was later held on a $500.00 bond.

FAILURE TO APPEAR. Ernest Wells, 40, of Princess Anne was taken into police custody on Oct. 6 by Somerset deputies on a warrant for failure to appear in court. Wells was held on a $500.00 bond.

DRUGS. Robert William Handy, 48, of Crisfield was taken into police custody on a Circuit Court indictment for drug possession - not marijuana and narcotics possession with intent to distribute on Oct. 11 by Somerset deputies. Handy was later held on a $75,000 bond.

DRUGS. Clifton Ricardo Fields, 34, of Crisfield was taken into custody on a Circuit Court indictment for drug possession - not marijuana and narcotics possession with intent to distribute on Oct. 11 by Somerset deputies. Fields was later held on a $75,000 bond.

FAILURE TO APPEAR. Quinton Jerome Bailey, 27, of Princess Anne was taken into police custody on Oct. 12 by Somerset deputies on a warrant for failure to appear in court. Bailey was later released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

PROBATION VIOLATION. Gregory Davis Sterling Jr., 28, was taken into custody by Somerset deputies on Oct. 12 on a bench warrant for violation of probation. Sterling was later held without bond.

FAILURE TO APPEAR. Kenneth Martin Stachowski Jr., 45, of Princess Anne was taken into police custody on Oct. 13 by Somerset deputies on a warrant for failure to appear in court. Stachowski was later released after posting a $500.00 bond.

SUSPENDED LICENSE. Larry Kefford Linton, 40, of Pocomoke City was issued a citation for driving on a suspended out of state drivers license on Oct. 13 by Somerset deputies. Linton was later released after signing citations pending trial.

SUSPENDED LICENSE. Stacey Paulette Holden of Withams Virginia was issued a citation for driving on a suspended out of state license on Oct. 13 by Somerset deputies. Holden was later released after signing citations pending trial.

SUSPENDED REGISTRATION. Elizabeth Anne Cullen, 31, of Marion was issued a citation for driving on a suspended registration on Oct. 13 by Somerset deputies. The Maryland Motor Vehicle placed a police pick up order on the tags for insurance violations. Cullen was later released after signing citations pending trial.

www.delmarvanow.com

Trial Set For Steven Molin- Son Accused In Mother's Death

SNOW HILL -- A man charged with murdering his mother by hitting her with a van on a rural Worcester road has pleaded not guilty, and is set to have a jury trial on Jan. 4.

Steven Molin, a 58-year-old man from Darby, Pa., was charged after allegedly running over his 85-year-old mother, Emily Belle Molin, with a large work van on Carey Road on Aug. 31.

Police were alerted to the crime when Molin called 911 around midnight to report a serious motor vehicle accident, according to officers from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation.

Molin later told police he and his mother were riding in his vehicle, which he was driving, when his mother fell out. He told police once he realized she had fallen, he stopped and drove in reverse.

Accident reconstruction specialists looking at the scene were able to tell the elderly woman had been driven over two to three times, police said.

Based on his interview with police and the forensic evidence from the scene, Molin was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder and manslaughter. He is being held without bond in Worcester County Jail.

Worcester County State's Attorney Joel Todd said he is not seeking the death penalty for Molin if he is convicted. Under Maryland law, to press for a sentence of death there must be "aggravating circumstances," such as a robbery or rape, which are not present in this case, Todd said.

Burton Anderson, assistant public defender for Worcester County, is representing Molin. "Because the case is pending before the court, it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment," Anderson said.

Court records show the Public Defender's Office has filed several motions to prepare Molin's defense, including one seeking a transcript of the 911 call made by Molin, as well as copies of all police photographs taken at the scene.

The Public Defender's Office has also filed routine motions to receive pre-trial documents and evidence, including the name and address of each person the state intends to call as a witness, and the criminal history of anyone the state intends to call as a witness or who has been viewed as a suspect.

www.delmarvanow.com

CVS Fined For Selling Meth Ingredient

CVS Pharmacy, the largest retail drug store chain in the nation, agreed to pay $77.6 million in fines for unlawfully selling pseudoephedrine to criminals who made methamphetamine, the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles announced today.

It's the biggest civil penalty in the history of the Controlled Substances Act.

CVS' troubles began in mid-2007, when Mexico banned the sale of pseudoephedrine.

Los Angeles County soon saw a spike in sales of cold and cough remedies that contained the ingredient used to make the often addictive methamphetamine street drug.

Criminals were turning to CVS to buy the products because the chain, unlike others, allowed customers to make repeated purchases that exceeded the federal daily and monthly limits. The criminals inundated stores in the Los Angeles area and Nevada, buying cough and cold remedies that contained the key ingredient, sometimes wiping out store shelves, authorities said.

They also noted that there were sales violations at CVS stores in more than 20 states.
"This case shows what happens when companies fail to follow their ethical and legal responsibilities," U.S. Attorney Andre Birotte Jr. said in a statement. "CVS knew it had a duty to prevent methamphetamine trafficking, but it failed to take steps to control the sale of a regulated drug used by methamphetamine cooks as an essential ingredient for their poisonous stew."

Authorities said that CVS eventually cracked down and changed its sale practices, but only after learning that federal investigators were probing the matter.
The problem, authorities said, was that CVS in 2007 implemented an "electronic logbook system" to record sales of pseudoephedrine sales, but it failed to prevent multiple purchases by an individual on the same day.

As part of the historical settlement, the government has agreed not to pursue criminal charges. CVS has agreed to pay $75 million in fines by Friday and $2.6 million in profits from sales within 30 days.

In a statement issued today, Thomas M. Ryan, chairman and CEO of CVS Caremark, the parent company, said: "We are announcing today that we have resolved this issue, which unfortunately resulted from a breakdown in CVS Pharmacy's normally high management and oversight standards.

"While this lapse occurred in 2007 and 2008 and has been addressed, it was an unacceptable breach of the company's policies and was totally inconsistent with our values."
www.aolnews.com

Military Wants To Ban Synthetic Marijuana Sellers

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY.com) - The military wants to ban synthetic marijuana sellers, and heard from local retailers selling Spice on Thursday.

Former Marine, Andy Martin drove an hour and a half to get to Lazy Dayz Hookah Lounge in Newport News. "Keeps kids from running out on the streets, doing drugs, you can come in here, lounge, get a hookah, get on your laptop, sit on a couch with your friends and do your thing," said Martin.

The Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board heard from business owners selling Spice.

"It was part public flogging, part sincere information seeking," said Lazy Dayz Owner Jay Sedwick.

Sedwick and co-owner Andrew Erickson presented their side. "We don't sell to people in uniform or fatigues or anyone that has a military ID," said the owners.

The Military said it will put Lazy Dayz and any other business on the Off Limits List if it doesn't stop selling Spice. Spice is on the military's zero tolerance policy. It's packaged and sold as an incense, but when smoked, acts like marijuana.

Andy Martin showed WAVY.com the kind he likes.

"It's comatose candy," said Martin.

Comatose candy is just one brand of Spice.

Lazy Dayz owners said it's unfair for the military to put them on the Off Limits List, especially since they say servicemembers are a huge part of their clientele.

"With service men and women coming back from Iraq, Dubai, Afghanistan, Hookah smoking is a big hobby over there," said Sedwick.

So, why not stop selling Spice?

"They definitely asked us that, there's a huge demand for it, we're in America we shouldn't have to choose one market over another," said Sedwick.

Sedwick and Erickson believe if the military bans all the big spice selling shops, service members will likely buy spice from smaller shops and gas stations, that they say could sell a more dangerous counterfeit version of the product.

"I hope they'll see our side and will take into consideration what we said," said Sedwick.

Lazy Dayz does not allow customers to smoke spice in the Hookah lounge.

The Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board will make a recommendation to the Regional Commander next week.

The admiral will then make the final decision and a letter will be sent to the business.

www.wavy.com