Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 6-14-13

Members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team concluded a six month marijuana distribution investigation that was being conducted jointly with the Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit and with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration (Salisbury Post of Duty) and the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office.  During the course of this investigation, an individual identified as Michael Gates, Age 24, of Bishopville, Maryland was monitored as he was traveling back and forth from the Redding, California area to Worcester County, Maryland. Michael Gates is believed to have been facilitating the transportation and shipments of numerous packages of high grade marijuana from California to Maryland.

During the month of May, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team executed multiple search and seizure warrants at various residences and a storage facility in Worcester County that Michael Gates utilized to facilitate this criminal activity. At the conclusion of this investigation a total of 7.5 lbs of marijuana was seized along with approximately $30,000.00 in United States Currency. The following individuals associated with this investigation were charged with various offenses as listed below:

Michael A. Gates (Age 24) of Bishopville, Maryland:

• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana

Disposition: Committed to Worcester Co. Jail $45,000.00 Bond

David J. Gates (Age 28) of Bishopville, Maryland:

• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana

Disposition: Committed to Worcester Co. Jail $35,000.00 Bond

Michael T. Herr (Age 23) of Berlin, Maryland:

• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana

Disposition: Committed to Worcester Co. Jail $5,000.00 Bond

Michael T. Herr (Age 53) of Berlin, Maryland:

• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana

Disposition: Committed to Worcester Co. Jail $7,500.00 Bond

Justin M. McDonald (Age 33) of Berlin, Maryland:

• Possession of Marijuana

Disposition: Criminal Summons