OCEAN CITY POLICE ARREST NINE IN BURGLARY/DRUG RING

The Ocean City Police Department recently concluded an investigation that resulted in the arrest of nine (9) individuals involved in a narcotic distribution and burglary ring. With the help of the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team (CET), the MSP Drug Task Force and the Worcester County Star team, the Ocean City Police Department was able to seize over $3,000 and recover seven (7) stolen flat screen televisions, numerous personal electronic devices and a firearm.

The Ocean City Police Criminal Investigation Division began a narcotics investigation in November 2009, focusing on the illegal distribution of Oxycodone. The burglary investigation, involving the same suspects, began in early January 2010, when the undercover detective was able to purchase two (2) stolen flat screen televisions and two (2) stolen DVD players from the suspects.

During the ensuing investigation, both Patrol Officers and detectives were able to identify suspects involved in the burglaries throughout the Ocean City area.
On January 19 and 20, 2010, Ocean City Police arrested the following individuals involved in the burglaries:

Shawn Barry White, Jr. 22, of Berlin, Maryland has been charged with;
o 18 counts of 1st Degree Burglary
o 3 counts of Misdemeanor Theft
o 1 count of Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance
o 1 count of Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
o 1 count of Purchasing a non-CDS

Christopher Tyler Kreppel, 24, of Ocean City, Maryland has been charged with:
o 13 counts of 1st Degree Burglary
o 1 count of Misdemeanor Theft
o 1 count of Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
o 1 count of Purchasing a non-CDS

David Lee Powell, 21, of Berlin, Maryland has been charged with:
o 18 counts of 1st Degree Burglary
o 3 counts of Misdemeanor Theft

During the investigation the following persons were arrested, in reference to the illegal possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances:

Gary Lee Montgomery, Jr., 33, of Bishopville, Maryland was charged with:
o 1 count of possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- Jerry Lee Gully, Jr., 23, of Pittsville, Maryland was charged with:
o 1 count of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance

Michael Alan Cooper, 25, of Ocean City, Maryland was charged with:
o 1 count of Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
o 1 count of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance

Shawna Nowell Williams, 19, of Berlin, Maryland was charged with:
o 3 counts of Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
o 3 counts of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- Justin Matthew Caple, 21, of Rawlings, Maryland was charged with:
o 1 count of Purchasing a non-CDS

Michael Anthony Gates, 21, of Bishopville, Maryland was charged with:
o 1 count of Purchasing a non-CDS

All of the suspects were seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner:

Shawn Barry White, Jr. and Christopher Tyler Kreppel are each being held on $200,000
bonds. David Lee Powell and Shawna Nowell Williams are each being held on $250,000
bond. White, Kreppel Williams and Powell were transferred to the Worcester County Jail.

Gary Lee Montgomery, Jr., Jerry Lee Gully, Jr., Justin Matthew Caple and Michael Anthony Gates were all released on their own recognizance.

At this time investigators have been able to identify 29 residences that were burglarized. Search & Seizure Warrants were served at residences in Berlin and West Ocean City and has resulted in the recovery of stolen televisions and related evidence. A search of a second West Ocean City location led to the recovery of additional stolen televisions and a shotgun which was also possibly stolen. While the Ocean City Police have recovered a portion of the stolen property, they believe
many of the stolen televisions may have been sold or traded for drugs and are still in the community.

Investigators continue to pursue active leads and anticipate recovering more of the stolen property, including approximately 25 additional flat screen televisions. The investigation may lead to the issuance of more search and seizure warrants authorizing the recovery of stolen property. The Ocean City Police Department asks that citizens contact the Criminal Investigation Division if they possess or
have knowledge of a television or electronics that they suspect may be stolen.

The OCPD, with the approval of the Worcester County States Attorney Office, is prepared to grant amnesty from prosecution to those persons not involved in the burglaries who come forward on or prior to February 14, 2010. Citizens should contact the OCPD with information regarding the burglaries or the location of any of the stolen property. Anyone found in possession of stolen items that does not
come forward will be charged and prosecuted.

If you have any information regarding the stolen items, please contact Ocean City Police Detective Brett Case at 410-723-6632, or bring the property to the Ocean City Police Department located at 6501 Coastal Highway, Ocean City.