Wanted For Burglary / Theft Of Christmas Gifts

DATE & TIME: December 7 and December 8, 2010
Case # 10-0262

LOCATION: Pocomoke, Worcester County
CRIME: Burglary First Degree, Theft: $10,000 to Under $100,000
VICTIM: Christopher Litton and Shagmar Connors

ACCUSED: LeAnder Dynte Ward, age 18, Pocomoke, MD (Arrested)
***** Robert Irvin Branch Jr. age 27, from Pocomoke, MD (WANTED)

CHARGES: Burglary First Degree, Burglary Third Degree, Theft: $10,000 to Under $100,000, Theft: $1,000 to Under $10,000, Malicious Destruction of Property Under $500, Conspiracy to Commit Burglary in the First Degree

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, Deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office were sent to a reported Burglary on Critcher Road, Pocomoke, Maryland. Deputies determined that the suspect(s) had gained entry into the residence by prying one of the exterior doors open. The victim determined that over $43,000 in personal property had been taken. Detectives from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation were contacted to assist with the investigation.

On Wednesday, December 8, 2010, Troopers from the Maryland State Police were
dispatched to Brantley Road, Pocomoke, Maryland. The homeowner had arrived at
his residence and observed three black males walking out of his house carrying his wrapped Christmas presents as well as other personal property.
While the victim was on the telephone with the Police, the three suspects fled.

Troopers from the Maryland State Police, assisted by Deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Pocomoke City Police Department searched the area for the suspects.

LeAnder Ward, of Pocomoke, was subsequently located, arrested and charged with these two crimes.

Further Investigation revealed that Robert Irvin Branch Jr was identified as the second suspect involved in the burglaries. An arrest warrant has been issued charging Robert Branch Jr with 2 counts of Burglary First Degree, 2 counts of Burglary Third Degree, Theft: $10,000 to Under $100,000, Theft: $1,000 to Under $10,000, 2 counts of Malicious Destruction of Property Under $500, 2 counts of Conspiracy to Commit Burglary in the First Degree and Conspiracy to commit Theft: $10,000 to under $100,000.

Anyone with any information please contacts TFC. Sigmund at Worcester County
Bureau of Investigation at 410-352-3476.