Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 5-2-16

On April 26, 2016 at approximately 1106 hours, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy responded to the Pocomoke Wal-Mart for a theft complaint.

The Deputy made contact with Asset Protection associates for Wal-Mart, who advised a male had allegedly pushed a loaded shopping cart, with merchandise of Walmart, having a value of $618.85. The subject pasted all points of sale and made no attempt to pay for the items.

Asset Protection Associates attempted to stop the male; he left the shopping cart and fled on foot. An off-duty Deputy observed the encounter, pursued and detained the male.

When asked for identification, the male could not provide any, and gave the Deputies a fictitious name. Through further investigation the suspect was properly identified as Jerry Lee Ellis, 37, of Salisbury, Md. It was also learned that Mr. Ellis had 3 outstanding arrest warrants out of Wicomico County.

Mr. Ellis was placed under arrest for theft less than $1,000.00, false statement to an officer concerning his identity, and the 3 outstanding Wicomico County warrants. Mr. Ellis was taken before the Worcester County District Court Commissioner for the theft and false statement charges, and was released on his own recognizance.

Mr. Ellis was then turned over to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office for the 3 outstanding Wicomico County warrants.

On April 27, 2016, at approximately 1740 hours, a Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputy responded to The Walmart, Berlin, Maryland for a reported shoplifter. The Deputy identified the suspect as 48 year old Stephen James Rorke of Berlin, Maryland.

Walmart Asset Protection employees advised the Deputy that Mr. Rorke allegedly took merchandise without paying, he also fraudulently altered various other items.

Mr. Rourk was charged with Theft under $100 and released on a criminal citation. Further investigation for previous fraudulent purchases is being investigated.

On April 29, 2016 at approximately 2240 hours a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was dispatched to Harborside Bar and Grill located in West Ocean City, Maryland in reference to a motor vehicle collision and attempted hit and run.

Upon arrival it was determined that Robert Benjamin Gwinn of Chincoteague, VA, was attempting to leave the bar in a silver mini-van. Witnesses stated that Mr. Gwinn allegedly hit a black Porsche parked in the same lot. The owner of the Porsche made contact with Mr. Gwinn. Mr. Gwinn attempted to give money to the owner before trying to leave the parking lot.

Mr. Gwinn appeared to have been drinking alcoholic beverages. Mr. Gwinn refused any field sobriety testing and was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. And charged.

Mr. Gwinn was released pending a trial.

On April 29, 2016 at approximately 0050 hours, units of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police responded to Green Turtle Lane in Ocean City, Maryland in reference to a residential burglar alarm.

Upon arrival it was found that the front door was unsecure. The residence was checked to ensure no one was inside. While the residence was being checked, the homeowner, Harry Janelsins of Monkton Maryland, drove up. While explaining the reason for their presence, the Deputy detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Mr. Janelsins breath and person. Mr. Janelsins did a walkthrough of the residence and advised that nothing was out of place or missing.

Mr. Janelsins submitted to a series of field sobriety tests. Mr. Janelsins was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Janelsins was charged and was released on citations pending a trial.