CORNELIUS BRIDDELL CONVICTED AND SENTENCED TO 145 YEARS IN PRISON FOR HEROIN DISTRIBUTION, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, KIDNAPPING, RAPE AND RELATED CHARGES

On July 15, 2015, after a three day jury trial, Cornelius Briddell, age 36, of Salisbury, Maryland, was convicted of 34 crimes to include 16 counts of Human Trafficking, Conspiracy Rape 1st, Kidnapping, and related charges. The charges against Briddell arose out of an incident that occurred during the months of October, 2014 through November, 2014. (Please note that because there are other related cases pending, the State is unable to provide additional details about this matter at this time).

Briddell was sentenced in the Wicomico County Circuit Court to a total of 145 years in prison. He received the maximum penalty of 40 years for the Human Trafficking charges; 30 years for Kidnapping, 50 years for Conspiracy Rape 1st Degree, 20 years for Sex Offense 3rd Degree, and 5 years for Distribution of Heroin. Briddell will also be subject to sex offender registration for the remainder of his life.

Matthew A. Maciarello, State’s Attorney for Wicomico County stated: “Human trafficking is occurring in cities and towns, big and small, all across the country. This case was a product of multiple agencies working together to obtain justice for many who were victimized by the defendant. The result achieved in this case is a testament to the fact that we will not stand idle as heroin dealers and agents of prostitution profit off of those unable to protect themselves. Law enforcement officers are working very hard to identify and arrest those involved in these heinous crimes—and when such offenders are caught, our office will prosecute with earnestness and vigor.”

Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello commended the Salisbury City Police, the Maryland State Police, and the Department of Homeland Security, along with investigating officers, Sgt. Howard Kennard, Sr. Tpr. Kenny Moore, Special Agent Cara Rose, Det. Matthew Thompsen, Det. Jeff Miller, Sgt. Chris Devoe, and Det. Jason Caputo. Mr. Maciarello also thanked Senior Assistant State’s Attorney, Kristen Schultz and Deputy State’s Attorney Ella Disharoon who prosecuted this case.

For more information or for an interview please call the Office of the State’s Attorney at (410) 548-4880 or go to www.wicomicosao.com.