OCPD Press Release

OCPD and Worcester Co. Sherriff Crack Down on Drugs in June

During the past several days, the Ocean City Police Criminal Investigation Division and Narcotics Unit, as well as the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team, conducted multiple undercover drug enforcement operations at various locations in Ocean City. So far this month, these plain clothes drug investigations have resulted in 12 arrests and the seizure of various drugs and paraphernalia. 

Police seized approximately $1,600 in cash, assorted drug paraphernalia and multiple controlled dangerous substances. The following people have been charged with various drug charges by Ocean City Police:

- Kassahun Assefa Kassa, 20, of Alexandria VA

• Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana

- Maurice George Gay, 26, of Washington, DC

• Possession, Distribution and Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana

- Gervon William Norris, 19, of Capital Heights, MD

• Possession and Distribution of Marijuana

- Keith Aaron Ruffin, Jr., 18, of Harrisburg, PA

• Possession and Distribution of Marijuana

- Patrick Marquis Clemons, 19, of Baltimore, MD

• Possession and Distribution of Marijuana

- Christopher Joseph Benedetto, 22, of Ocean City, MD

• Possession and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana

- Andres Salvador Collier, 28, of Amityville, NY

• Possession and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana

- Isadora Marie Thomas, 20, of Ocean City, MD

• Possession of Marijuana

- Arius Kajuan Marcelin, 22, of Salisbury, MD

• Possession with Intent to Distribution Crack Cocaine
• Distribution and Possession of Crack Cocaine

- Beau Brandon Fitzgerald, 20, of Severn, MD

• Possession and Distribution of Marijuana

- Desmond Njemsen Acha, 18, of Westminster, MD

• Possession and Distribution of Marijuana

- Justin Andrew Parsons, 18, of Narvon, PA

• Possession and Distribution of Cocaine

Citizens are encouraged not to buy, use or sell illegal drugs in Ocean City and Worcester County. Police remind citizens that undercover officers will be actively ensuring the safety of residents and visitors this summer on the boardwalk and throughout the town of Ocean City.

Police Locate Suspects of Armed Robbery

On June 10, 2013, at approximately 2:20 a.m., Ocean City Police responded to 12^thStreet for a report of an armed robbery. The victims, who are not being identified, advised police that they were walking along 12^th Street and came in contact with a group of four males who robbed the victims at gunpoint. 

Police broadcast a description of the suspects and their vehicle and were able to stop the suspect’s vehicle on 12^th Street a short time after the initial lookout. The vehicle was occupied by four males, who were all detained until the victims were brought to the stop. 

The victims positively identified the suspects as the persons who had committed the armed robbery. Police identified the perpetrators as; Dominique LA Paul Pratt, 20, of Waldorf, MD, Derrell Levon Prince, 19, of Waldorf, MD, and John Riley, 23, of Washington, DC. The investigation revealed that the fourth suspect, who was identified as Darien Xavier, Britton, 18, of Waldorf, MD, acted as the group’s driver.

Police recovered the victims stolen property, which consisted of two wallets that contained approximately $500, and two IPhones, from the suspects’ vehicle. Officers also located a handgun that was believed to be used during the robbery. A check of the handguns by serial number revealed the gun was reported stolen in Charlotte, NC.

Pratt and Prince have both been charged with two counts of armed robbery, two counts of 1^st degree assault and use of a firearm in a violent crime. Riley has been charged with two counts of armed robbery, possession of a dangerous weapon with intent to injure and 2^nd degree assault. Britton has been charged with two counts of armed robbery and transportation of a handgun. Charges for the stolen handgun are pending.

All of the suspects were seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and are being held of $500,000 bond. The suspects have been transferred to the Worcester County Jail.