Probation, Fine For Indecent Exposure

OCEAN CITY — A Virginia man, arrested in August for indecent exposure after witnesses saw him pleasuring himself while driving a vehicle on Coastal Highway, pleaded guilty last week and was sentenced to six months, all of which was suspended in favor of probation and a fine.

On Aug. 29, Ocean City Police received a call from a witness that a man, later identified as Mark Horner, 53, of Vienna, Va., was observed masturbating while driving southbound on Coastal Highway in the area of 62nd Street. A description of the vehicle was broadcasted by Ocean City Communications and officers located the vehicle at 8th Street and conducted a traffic stop.

Through the investigation, it was determined Horner was allegedly the driver of the vehicle observed by the witness back at 62nd Street. Horner was arrested and charged with three counts of indecent exposure and disorderly conduct.

Last week, Horner pleaded guilty to one count of indecent exposure and was sentenced to five months and 29 days, all of which was then suspended. He was placed on probation for 18 months and fined $500.

Roommate Woes Lead To Assault Arrest

OCEAN CITY — An Ocean City man faces assault and malicious destruction of property charges this week after an alleged domestic incident during which he threw his roommates’ property into a dumpster.

Around 8 p.m. last Tuesday, Ocean City Police were dispatched to a residence on 136th Street for a reported ongoing domestic dispute resulting in malicious destruction of property. Upon arrival, OCPD officers observed three individuals retrieving personal items from a dumpster outside the residence.

When questioned, the individuals told police their roommate, identified as Gideon Smith, 34, of Ocean City, had thrown their personal items in the dumpster as a result of the ongoing domestic dispute. Among the items Smith allegedly threw in the dumpster were a vacuum cleaner and a Ninja-brand blender.

Two of the individuals told police when they returned home from work about 20 minutes earlier, they found the residence full of smoke. One of the individuals told police he ran immediately to the kitchen and found a toaster oven on fire. The individual told police he believed Smith intentionally left something in the toaster oven to catch on fire.

Another resident told police he believed Smith had attempted to enter a roommate’s locked bedroom door and the officer observed damage to the door with multiple tools, nails and screws lying on the floor directly in front of it. When questioned, Smith told police he did throw his roommates’ property in the dumpster because they were “dirty or broken.” He also told police he attempted to screw the damaged bedroom door shut because it was full of evidence and the next time the police came they would find all of the evidence.

Another roommate told police Smith had assaulted him back on Nov. 27. The roommate told police he was arguing with Smith, who “got in his face” and grabbed him by the shirt. The victim told police Smith then grabbed him with both hands around his neck and squeezed. For his part, Smith said it was the roommate who had cornered him and that he grabbed him by the throat in self-defense. Smith told police the alleged victim had punched him in the nose. It was noted in the police reports Smith was involved in another incident last Thursday after which he was taken to PRMC for an emergency evaluation.

During the officers’ contact with Smith, he said repeatedly he was moving out and leaving his current housing situation. Due to the ongoing domestic incidents with the roommates, the uncertainty of his location and the unpredictability of his actions, Smith was charged with second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property.

Four Held In Mall Parking Lot Robbery

SALISBURY — Four individuals have been charged with first-degree assault, theft and other counts for their roles in the alleged strong-armed robbery of a female victim at the Centre at Salisbury last Wednesday.

Around 7:30 p.m. last Wednesday, Salisbury Police responded to the Centre at Salisbury parking lot just outside the food court for a reported robbery and assault. The investigation revealed a two suspects approached the 56-year-old victim as she was entering her vehicle in the mall parking lot. One of the suspects pushed the victim, causing her to fall to the ground. While the first suspect was holding the victim on the ground, a second suspect reached into the passenger compartment of the vehicle and stole the victim’s purse.

The suspects then fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction. The victim was not injured and did not require medical attention. Based on information obtained during the investigation, detectives were able to positively identify four suspects, including Raymer Beulah, 22; Michael Tyrone Jackson, 20, Karen Michele Deveerdt, 20; and a 17-year-old female juvenile, all of Salisbury, as the suspects.

Salisbury Police detectives, with assistance from the Capitol Area Regional Task Force, were able to locate the four suspects at a residence on Adams Ave. in Salisbury on Friday evening without further incident. Search and seizure warrants were executed at the residence, resulting in the collection of additional evidence against the suspects.

The three adult suspects were taken before a District Court Commissioner for an initial appearance. The juvenile suspect was released to the custody of her parents at the direction of the Department of Juvenile Services. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the Salisbury Police Department at (410) 548-3113, or Crime Solvers at (410) 548-1776.

“Mr. President” Mourned

Mr. President, who passed away last week, was a high-profile member of the Ocean City Police Department Mounted Unit for 17 years before retiring in the summer of 2010. The horse is pictured with retired Corporal Ray Land. File Photo

Mr. President, who passed away last week, was a high-profile member of the Ocean City Police Department Mounted Unit for 17 years before retiring in the summer of 2010. The horse is pictured with retired Corporal Ray Land. File Photo

OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Police Department and the entire resort community this week are mourning the passing of veteran police horse Mr. President, who passed away last Wednesday.

Mr. President joined the OCPD in 1994 and loyally served the Ocean City community for over 17 years before his retirement in July 2010. During his tenure as a police horse, Mr. President was known for his speed and durability. He routinely patrolled the south end of Ocean City and was involved in several arrests, crowd control scenes, crime prevention events and search and rescue incidents.

Mr. President was a strong asset for the OCPD Mounted Unit during his time as a police horse. As the senior horse in the OCPD stable for many years, Mr. President was often tasked with assisting in the training of both new police horses and new riders. After a successful career and 17 years of dedication, Mr. President lived out his retirement on a farm in Worcester County where he continued to be cared for by his long-time ride, Retired Corporal Ray Land. Land was at Mr. President’s side as he passed last week.

Two Held In Store Armed Robbery

SALISBURY — Two Salisbury men were arrested on multiple felony charges including armed robbery following the hold-up of a convenience and package goods store last Saturday afternoon.

Around 12:40 p.m. last Saturday, Salisbury Police officer responded to the Wetcher Whistle store on Old Ocean City Rd. for a reported armed robbery. The investigation revealed a suspect, later identified as John David Hudson, 21, of Salisbury, entered the business wearing a mask covering his face while displaying what appeared to be a handgun. Hudson allegedly displayed the weapon and demanded money from the clerk.

After receiving an undisclosed amount of cash, Hudson fled the business on foot and entered a vehicle operated by a second suspect, later identified as Matthew Woodard, 35 of Salisbury. Both Hudson and Woodard then fled the scene in the vehicle, according to police reports.

Less than three hours later at around 3:25 p.m., Salisbury Police were able to locate the suspect vehicle operating in the area of Church Street and Priscilla Street. A traffic stop was initiated, which led to the identification and arrest of the suspects. Hudson has been charged with armed robbery, robbery, theft, first- and second-degree assault, wearing and carrying a handgun, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to commit robbery and theft.

Woodard has been charged with armed robbery, theft, first- and second-degree assault, wearing and carrying a handgun in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to commit robbery, and accessory to robbery and theft. Both suspect were being held this week in the Wicomico County Detention Center while awaiting an appearance before a District Court Commissioner.

Shoplifting Arrest

BERLIN — An Ocean Pines man was arrested on shoplifting charges last week after allegedly swiping cough medicine from the Wal-Mart in Berlin.

Around 6:30 p.m. last Friday, Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Wal-Mart for a reported suspicious person. The suspect, identified as Alex Corbett, 20, of Ocean Pines, was reportedly attempting to enter a vehicle. Corbett was located on nearby Sam Bowen Blvd. and was detained for questioning.

Through the investigation, deputies located two bottles of Robitussin gel-caps in Corbett’s pockets. When he could not produce a receipt and told a wavering story about the purchase, Wal-Mart’s loss prevention was contacted. A review of video from the store’s surveillance revealed Corbett concealing the Robitussin in his pockets and exiting the store without paying. Corbett was released on a criminal citation and charged with theft less than $100.

Phony Meter Reader Scam

BERLIN — Delmarva Power has been notified by law enforcement and its customers of persons posing as Delmarva Power meter readers.

Almost all of Delmarva Power’s electric meters are Smart Meters that can be read remotely. However, the company still employees around a dozen meter readers throughout the service territory to read the minimal amount of traditional meters still in use as well as help to properly maintain the entire pool of Smart Meters.
If customers or members of the public have questions or concerns about a meter reader or suspect a person is posing as a meter reader, Delmarva Power invites anyone to contact customer care at 1-800-375-7117. When speaking with a Delmarva Power customer care representative, notify the representative of the location in question and ask if official Delmarva Power work conducted in that vicinity. If the Delmarva Power call center cannot verify any official work or personnel that are scheduled area, please contact local authorities or dial 911.
Official Delmarva Power field personal including contractors representing the company are required to have a Delmarva Power identification badge, which is to be worn and visible at all times. If a Delmarva Power employee is asked to display his or her badge for safety purposes by anyone including customers and authorities, he or she must always comply.
An official Delmarva Power vehicle or Delmarva Power contract company vehicle will have clearly marked Delmarva Power logos on the driver and passenger side doors. This holiday season and throughout the year, Delmarva’s Power’s focus is safety and customer service excellence. The company will continue to work with local law enforcement to alert our customers regarding any scams or fraudulent activity that jeopardizes their safety or misrepresents our company.