Wanted Berlin Man Nabbed

BERLIN — A Berlin man wanted for failing to appear for trial for an assault case last July was apprehended last week at the Atlantic Club on Route 50 after being disorderly.

Around 12:20 a.m. last Wednesday, Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Atlantic Club on Route 50 for a reported disorderly individual. Deputies were informed the suspect in question was Cortez Eugene Brittingham, 22, of Berlin. Officers knew Brittingham had an active warrant for his arrest and the suspect was located inside the Atlantic Club and taken into custody without further incident.

The active warrant was sworn out after Brittingham failed to appear in court last Monday to faces charges of first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, theft and malicious destruction of property. Brittingham was taken to the Worcester County Jail and was held without bond.

Brittingham’s arrest on the active warrant last week came just a little over a week after he was arrested in Ocean City on assault and trespassing charges following an incident during which he was loitering around the Gold Coast Mall and was later nearly Tased by OCPD officers.

Wal-Mart Theft Bust

BERLIN — A Berlin woman was arrested on theft charges last week after allegedly swiping roughly $50 worth of merchandize from the Wal-Mart in Berlin.

Around 2:30 p.m. last Thursday, a Worcester County Sheriff’s deputy responded to the Wal-Mart on Route 50 for a reported theft. The deputy met with store staffers, who advised a female suspect, later identified as Annalee Thompson, 50, of Berlin, had passed through all points of sale without paying for numerous home décor products valued at $50.35. Thompson was placed under arrest and charged with theft under $100.

Guilty For Gun, Weed

WEST OCEAN CITY — A Seaford man arrested in June on drug and weapons charges after getting pulled over on eastbound Route 50 at Keyser Point Rd. for having a headlight out pleaded guilty last week to various counts and was sentenced to 30 days, all of which was suspended in favor of probation and fines.

Around 11:40 p.m. last June 13, a Maryland State Police trooper was patrolling in West Ocean City when he observed a red 1976 Chevy Stingray Corvette with a headlight out. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver, later identified as Raymond M. Cook, 60, of Seaford, was asked to step out and perform field sobriety tests. Cook was asked if he was in possession of any weapons and the suspect explained he was carrying a gun attached to his hip. Cook was taken into custody at that point.

The trooper then located a loaded .38 caliber Taurus revolver in a brown holster attached to Cook’s hip. A further search revealed 7.8 grams of marijuana and a smoking device located in the center console. Cook was then placed under arrest and transported to the MSP Berlin barrack. A criminal history check of Cook found he was prohibited from possessing a regulated firearm. The MSP Maryland Gun Center was also contacted and assisted with the investigation.

Last week, Cook pleaded guilty to wearing or carrying a handgun and was sentenced to 30 days, all of which was suspended. He was then placed on probation for 18 months and fined $500. He also pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and was fined an additional $100.

Obscene Distribution Plea

POCOMOKE — A Pocomoke man charged with distribution of obscene material in July after an investigation revealed someone in his residence was downloading and sharing files over the Internet pleaded guilty last week and was sentenced to 60 days, all of which was then suspended.

On July 11, members of the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) along with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police, the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Pocomoke Police Department responded to a residence on Walnut Street for a distribution of obscene matter investigation. The investigation determined the suspect, Darrell Lee Richardson, 55, of Pocomoke, was involved in downloading and sharing illegal obscene matter via a peer file sharing network.

Once inside, an interview of residents revealed Richardson was responsible for downloading and sharing the images. Richardson was subsequently charged with possession of obscene matter with intent to distribute and distribution of obscene matter. Last week, Richardson pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 days, all of which was then suspended. He was placed on probation for 18 months and was fined $500.