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!
Saturday, February 22, 2014
MARYLAND STATE POLICE INVESTIGATORS LAUNCH NEW STRATEGY ...
(Pikesville, MD) – Maryland State Police property crime investigators launch a new strategy to patrol the online marketplace for stolen property.
Since the inception of RAPID, the Regional Automated Property Information Database, in 2009, law enforcement agencies statewide have recovered over $18 million dollars in stolen property. Using the innovative tool, equipped with over 11 million searchable records, police are now able to strategically search eBay, an online marketplace, in an effort to return more stolen property to the victims of property crime. Property includes jewelry, camera equipment, expensive electronic items, tools, lawn equipment, scrap and precious metals.
Maryland was the first state in the nation to create a central database for the transaction of this kind of data, which has proved successful in solving property crimes and a variety of other crimes.
Although the RAPID database is managed by the Maryland State Police, it is the collaborative effort among all law enforcement agencies in the state which has resulted in more stolen property recovered, more arrests and more closed cases. The Maryland State Police RAPID team continually provides advanced training to allied law enforcement agencies.
“RAPID has proved to be an invaluable resource as police seek to dismantle criminal operations and recover stolen property”, says Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police. “Criminal investigators continue to strategically use the database as a cross jurisdictional crime fighting tool to make arrests in all types of cases, not only property crimes.”
In April 2013, the use of RAPID assisted police in locating a prime suspect in several bomb threats in Maryland. The suspect was later apprehended and charged on fifteen counts of threats to government buildings.
In May 2013, Maryland State Police took a report of a burglary involving theft of twenty firearms. A check of RAPID indicated the guns had been sold to a local shop which resulted in criminal arrests and the recovery of all the stolen firearms.
In July 2013, RAPID was checked in reference to a homicide investigation. The information provided resulted in the apprehension of the murder suspect in Prince Georges County.
Later the same month, police investigated a rash of heating, ventilation and air conditioning thefts from local businesses. While searching RAPID, two suspect names and their vehicles were discovered. The investigation resulted in the closure of 18 cases and the recovery of stolen tags.
Also in July, police received a hit on a stolen vehicle connected to an auto dismantler. The suspect was convicted for auto theft and sentenced to eight years in prison.
In September, the Maryland State Police RAPID Team assisted in a jewelry store armed robbery. Using the database, sellers of the stolen merchandise were located, resulting in three arrests in three different armed robberies in Virginia and in Baltimore.
“RAPID is one of the most effective tools to fight crime,” said First Sergeant Brian Gill, RAPID Project Manager. “As we continue to collaborate with our allied law enforcement agencies, the goal is to expand and strengthen the database to improve its efficiency.”
On October 1, 2009, a new law took effect requiring second hand precious metal dealers and pawnbrokers to electronically report their transactions to the primary law enforcement agency in the county of his/her operation. RAPID became the state’s central repository for transaction data of all pawn, secondhand, precious metal, automotive dismantler transition records, and scrap metal dealers statewide. Due to the immediate access investigators gained to information about property sold to brokers, dealers and salvage yards, stolen property has been returned to victims in several states including West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, California, and Florida.
Although law enforcement professionals endorse the efficiency of RAPID, police continue to urge citizens to take preventive measures to minimize the chances of ever becoming a victim of a property crime. Property crime is a category of crime that includes burglary, larceny, theft, vandalism and motor vehicle theft.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, property crime makes up slightly more than three-quarters of all crime in the United States. Homes, garages, cars and businesses are all susceptible to the attention of property crime thieves. Most of these crimes occur during the victim’s absence which makes prevention a critical component in planning for the security and the recovery of stolen property.
So what can you do to recover your property if it is stolen? According to the Maryland State Police RAPID Administrator, “The best thing you can do to assist police in the quickest recovery of your stolen property is to have a record of model numbers, serial numbers, photographs or a video of all of your valuables,” said Maureen Walter, a veteran Maryland State Police property crimes investigator. “Be sure to keep this information in a safe place and not saved on your computer, in the event your computer is stolen too.”
Maryland State Police
Friday, February 21, 2014
Delegate Mike McDermott ~ PRESS RELEASE
Alex’s Law Passes the House of Delegates
(ANNAPOLIS) House Bill 31 “Alex’s Law,” sponsored by Delegate Mike McDermott (R-Worcester & Wicomico Counties), passed unanimously in the House today. The bill, which codifies the right of crime victims to deliver impact statements in court, was initiated after a Maryland mother was denied the opportunity to address the court on behalf of her son, the victim of a car accident that led to brain injuries and ultimately his death.
“Alex’s mother simply wanted the opportunity to tell the court what happened on that day her son’s life was transformed forever. Being permitted to personally express how the crime had impacted her family would have been an important milestone in her healing process,” said Delegate McDermott, who is once again sponsoring the bill after it stalled in the Senate at the close of last session. With the addition of a Senate cross-file with bipartisan support, the bill has gained more traction this session, and McDermott looks forward to full passage.
Under current law, courts “may” allow victim impact statements at sentencing hearings, but some victims find themselves denied the opportunity by courts without an explanation. Alex’s Law changes the language to “shall,” using the stronger wording to clarify the legislature’s intent and change the norm while still allowing a judge discretion to deny victim impact statements when allowing such statements would be unpractical.
McDermott hopes that the modified language will ensure that victims and their representatives are allowed begin their resolution process in the courtroom. “When someone and their loved ones have suffered from a life altering crime, whether in an alcohol related vehicular accident or a domestic case, they deserve the right to formally express how that experience has affected them. Alex’s Law is about making sure that the victim’s right to speak is universally upheld in Maryland” concluded Delegate McDermott.
The Senate version of House Bill 31, Senate Bill 272, awaits a vote in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.
Federalsburg Lions Club ~ BINGO
Federalsburg Lions Club
BINGO !
Come out and support the Federalsburg Lions Club
Federalsburg VFW
Sunday, March 23, 2014
2:00 pm
(doors open at 1:00 pm)
Celebrating Home prizes!!
Tickets are $15 in advance
($20 at the door)
ALL proceeds from this bingo go to purchase new books for the Federalsburg Elementary School LIBRARY!!
For tickets contact Lisa Schmitt, Mary Harding or Wayne Cole
Nuisance & Problem Wildlife
 |
| Photo/BW |
As human populations continue to rise and move into traditional wildlife habitat, human/wildlife contact is becoming more prevalent. This section provides general information and techniques for Virginia property owners when wildlife becomes a problem.
Below are some easy techniques which will usually solve the problem and prevent it from re-occurring:
•If you are feeding wildlife, stop. This will cause them to lose their natural fear of humans.
•Keep trash inside until the morning of trash pick-up or place trash in an animal proof container, such as a metal trashcan with latches on the lids.
•Do not leave pet food outside; keep pet feeding areas clean.
•Remove bird feeders when problem species, such as bears, have been seen around them.
•Close up all openings under and into your buildings. Animals look for places to den and raise their young—don't give them that opportunity.
•Clear overhanging tree limbs and branches which may be providing wildlife access to structures.
•Clear fallen fruit from around trees.
•Pass along this information to your neighbors. If anyone in the neighborhood is feeding wildlife directly, or indirectly, it can cause trouble for everyone.
•Soak a rag in ammonia and place the rag in or on the trash can(s) or building(s) that are the problem areas. The smell will discourage future visits. Remember, you will need to repeat this after a rainstorm.
•Moth balls placed in trashcans or around buildings will achieve the same results.
•Reflective tape, lights, or noise sometimes works, but they will eventually grow accustomed to these methods, so this is only a temporary solution.
•Electric fencing can be very effective in keeping wildlife out of crops, beehives and structures.
•It is illegal in the State of Virginia to trap and relocate an animal to another area.
If these techniques do not solve the problem, you can contact a licensed trapper or a critter removal service which you can find in your local phone directory.
Source:
Dominion Energy Company Leases Site Off Ocean City
Dominion says the site 10 to 30 miles east of Ocean City offers the potential of up to 1,450 megawatts of wind power.In September, the company won an auction for nearly 112,799 acres off the Virginia coast for the development of wind power.Dominion Resources Inc. is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy.Energy company Dominion says it plans to bid on a lease for a vast expanse of ocean off Maryland's coast set aside for the development of wind farms.
The Richmond, Va.-based company said Tuesday it has filed with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to be among the bidders for the nearly 80,000 acres off the coast of Maryland.The area will be auctioned in two separate leases. The north lease area totals 32,737 acres and the south lease area consists of 46,970 acres.An auction date has not been set but is expected to take place this year.
Dominion says the site 10 to 30 miles east of Ocean City offers the potential of up to 1,450 megawatts of wind power.In September, the company won an auction for nearly 112,799 acres off the Virginia coast for the development of wind power.
Source:
Signup For Pocomoke Little League
Pocomoke Little League
Signups for the 2014 Season will be held over the next 3 Saturdays,
February 22
March 01
March 08
February 22
March 01
March 08
To sign up stop by Eastern Shore Lanes- 9-11 AM.
Cost is $50 for 1 child and $45 for each additional child in the same family.
Please be sure to bring 3 proofs of residency and your child(ren)'s birth certificate.
Opening Day will be held on Saturday, April 12th.
More info to follow soon.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Pocomoke City Police Department Seize Cigarettes and Large Amount Of Cash During Traffic Stop
.jpg)
POCOMOKE CITY POLICE
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
Kelvin D. Sewell, Police Chief
GOOD POLICE WORK
On February 20, 2014 the Pocomoke City Police Department received a complaint for a person purchasing a large amount of cigarettes and is about to cross the Virginia State line into Maryland.
Pocomoke City Police set up surveillance on Maryland Route 13 and Ocean Highway and observed the suspect vehicle crossing the Virginia State line into Maryland.
The Pocomoke City Police conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle, a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban green in color. Upon contact with the driver Pocomoke City Police Officers recovered 40 cartons of cigarettes and $4,313 in cash.
Pocomoke City Police arrested Mansour A. Shabaik, age 64 of Jamaica New York. Shabaik was also arrested in December 2013, and is currently pending similar charges from Somerset County, Maryland for transporting cigarettes over the state line.
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
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
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.
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:
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) |
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
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
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.
OCPD SEEKING PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE
(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
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 |
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:
STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE MURDER IN PORT DEPOSIT
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.
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:
