On 11/22/17 Tfc. Cannon conducted a traffic stop on a green bicycle on Atlantic Avenue and Race Street in Cambridge, MD. The operator of the bicycle was identified as Willie Lee Caldwell, 57 years of age of Cambridge, MD. Caldwell was taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. A search of his person revealed that he was in possession of marijuana less than 10 grams. He was cited for the marijuana and DUI and released to a sober person.
On 11/22/17 Tpr. Heun responded to the Talbot County District Court for a warrant service. Antoine Dorrell Deshields, 45 years of age of Salisbury, MD was taken into custody on a parole retake warrant and taken directly to the Dorchester County Detention Center.
On 11/22/17 Tpr. Meekins responded to a black Toyota Corolla in the ditch at MD 392 and Finchville Reliance Road, Federalsburg, MD. During the course of the investigation it was learned that a passenger identified as Levin James Jolley Jr., 23 years of age of Laurel, DE, was in possession of marijuana less than 10 grams. Jolley was issued a civil citation and released on his signature pending a court date.
On 11/22/17 Tpr. Graef conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Preston Road at Greenfield Court Preston, MD. The operator was identified as Luke Albert Stoltzmann, 24 year of age of Federalsburg, MD. During the course of the investigation Stoltzmann was found to be in possession of marijuana less than 10 grams. He was issued a civil citation and released on his signature pending a court date.
On 11/22/17 Tpr. Hansley responded to a report of a subject walking in the roadway on Greensboro Road at Kibler Road in Greensboro, Md. The subject was identified as Alexis Abdiel Jimenez, 28 years of age of Greensboro, MD. Jimenez was found to be a fugitive through the Anne Arundel Sheriff’s Office. He was taken into custody and taken to the Caroline County Commissioner’s Office for an initial appearance. Jimenez was then released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.
On 11/23/17 Tpr. Caraballo conducted a traffic stop at Holly Road and Greensboro Road Greensboro, MD. The driver was identified as Stephen Charles Figiel, 28 years of age of Henderson, MD. Figiel was taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was later released to his parents.
On 11/23/17 Tpr. Caraballo conducted a traffic stop on a black Chevrolet truck on Shore Highway at Greensboro Road in Denton, MD. The driver was identified as Jacob Connor Fluharty, 24 years of age of St. Michaels, MD. Fluharty was taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was cited and later released to a sober person.
On 11/23/17 Tpr. Griffin conducted a traffic stop on a silver Dodge vehicle on Central Avenue and Holly Road Ridgely, MD. The operator of the vehicle was identified as Erika Jae Tolson, 41 years of age of Denton, MD. Tolson was taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. She was cited and then later released to a sober person.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, December 02, 2017
Teacher arrested over fling with teen that started at Chick-fil-A
A Texas world history teacher is accused of having a sexual relationship with a male former student after the two met at a restaurant, authorities said.
Michelle Schiffer, 23, of Houston, allegedly had sexual intercourse with one of her former students, now 16, in July after the two met up at a local Chick-fil-A restaurant, court documents stated.
The alleged improper relationship was reported by an anonymous student to Cheryl Henry, principal of Cypress-Springs High School, where Schiffer taught.
Authorities said Schiffer admitted meeting the student at the restaurant before they went to a friend’s apartment to have sex, Click 2 Houston reported.
Schiffer also allegedly admitted she and the student smoked marijuana in her vehicle.
The student was 15 years old at the time of the alleged incidents.
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Michelle Schiffer, 23, of Houston, allegedly had sexual intercourse with one of her former students, now 16, in July after the two met up at a local Chick-fil-A restaurant, court documents stated.
The alleged improper relationship was reported by an anonymous student to Cheryl Henry, principal of Cypress-Springs High School, where Schiffer taught.
Authorities said Schiffer admitted meeting the student at the restaurant before they went to a friend’s apartment to have sex, Click 2 Houston reported.
Schiffer also allegedly admitted she and the student smoked marijuana in her vehicle.
The student was 15 years old at the time of the alleged incidents.
More
Media figures apologize, sort of, for sexual misconduct
For the second time in two weeks, a high-profile media personality apologized for alleged sexual misconduct, but with a caveat: All or none of the accusations may be true, possibly.
Ousted NBC “Today” anchor Matt Lauer released a statement Thursday responding to claims by multiple female colleagues who said he sexually assaulted them.
“To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry,” the statement said, effectively admitting his guilt. But then he created room for some deniability.
“Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized,” the statement said, “but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed.” Lauer did not dispute any specific allegations, which include giving a sex toy to a colleague as a gift and telling her how he wanted her to use it and having sex with an unwilling coworker in his office.
A similar episode played out last week when veteran TV journalist Charlie Rose was removed as the anchor of CBS’s “This Morning” when he, too, faced accusations related to inappropriate behavior.
On Nov. 20, the day Rose was accused, he released a statement that said, “In my 45 years of journalism, I have prided myself on being an advocate for the careers of the women with whom I have worked. Nevertheless, in the past few days, claims have been made about my behavior toward some former female colleagues.”
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Ousted NBC “Today” anchor Matt Lauer released a statement Thursday responding to claims by multiple female colleagues who said he sexually assaulted them.
“To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry,” the statement said, effectively admitting his guilt. But then he created room for some deniability.
“Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized,” the statement said, “but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed.” Lauer did not dispute any specific allegations, which include giving a sex toy to a colleague as a gift and telling her how he wanted her to use it and having sex with an unwilling coworker in his office.
A similar episode played out last week when veteran TV journalist Charlie Rose was removed as the anchor of CBS’s “This Morning” when he, too, faced accusations related to inappropriate behavior.
On Nov. 20, the day Rose was accused, he released a statement that said, “In my 45 years of journalism, I have prided myself on being an advocate for the careers of the women with whom I have worked. Nevertheless, in the past few days, claims have been made about my behavior toward some former female colleagues.”
More
Trump condemns 'disgraceful verdict' in Kate Steinle murder case
President Trump called the jury's decision in the Kate Steinle case, finding an illegal immigrant not guilty of murder, a "disgraceful verdict" in a tweet that echoes the sentiment of many outraged figures on the Right.
"A disgraceful verdict in the Kate Steinle case! No wonder the people of our Country are so angry with Illegal Immigration," Trump said in a pointed tweet Thursday evening, hours after the verdict was announced.
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"A disgraceful verdict in the Kate Steinle case! No wonder the people of our Country are so angry with Illegal Immigration," Trump said in a pointed tweet Thursday evening, hours after the verdict was announced.
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Could we see Senator Sarah Huckabee Sanders?
Among those under discussion is White House press secretary Sarah Sanders, the daughter of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
“I would support Sarah in a New York minute!” former U.S. Rep. Tommy Robinson, an Arkansas Democrat turned Republican, told the Washington Examiner.
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War on Christmas: Disney's New Frozen Short Replaces 'Christmas' with 'That Time of Year'
Theatergoers report cracking up during screenings and asking each other, "What time of year? Oh, THAT time of year. You know!" It has to be heard to be believed.
More/Video
It's Half Time, Delmar Is Up 14 To 7 Over Milford: DELMAR WINS STATE CHAMPIOMSHIP 14-7
I will keep you updated throughout the game.
GO DELMAR!
Court Says Two Women Cannot Conceive a Child, Same-Sex Divorcee Shouts 'Discrimination!'
The Mississippi Supreme Court heard arguments this week on whether a boy born to a woman in a lesbian union should be considered the biological son of his mother's lesbian spouse. A county judge ruled against the former lesbian spouse on the grounds that two women cannot conceive a child and thus be biological parents. In legal arguments, the woman claims that this is unconstitutional discrimination against same-sex marriages.
The legal battle concerns Christina "Chris" Strickland, a 44-year-old woman who wants to be listed as the legal parent of 6-year-old Zayden Strickland. Strickland hopes to gain equal custody with her former wife Kimberly Day, who bore Zayden after the boy was conceived through artificial insemination with eggs from Day and sperm from an anonymous donor.
Strickland and Day divorced last year, and Strickland wants the state to recognize her as the boy's parent, even forcing the hospital to change his birth certificate to recognize her as the a mother.
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The legal battle concerns Christina "Chris" Strickland, a 44-year-old woman who wants to be listed as the legal parent of 6-year-old Zayden Strickland. Strickland hopes to gain equal custody with her former wife Kimberly Day, who bore Zayden after the boy was conceived through artificial insemination with eggs from Day and sperm from an anonymous donor.
Strickland and Day divorced last year, and Strickland wants the state to recognize her as the boy's parent, even forcing the hospital to change his birth certificate to recognize her as the a mother.
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Deputies recover body they believe is NC toddler Mariah Woods
Authorities said earlier Saturday afternoon it was with “deep sadness” that they believed Mariah Woods was dead.
Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller said during the news conference that divers had recovered the girl’s body in Shelter Creek along Shaw Highway in Pender County.
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Why Are Millennials Leaving New Jersey?
Jersey’s supply of compact, mixed-use neighborhoods is limited, and Millennials are noticing.
For 69-year-old Jeff Whipple, Bergen County, New Jersey, was about as good a place to grow up as anywhere. “Suburban New Jersey in the ‘50s, in a working-class town—it was like Leave It to Beaver,” he said. “I lived on a block where there were probably 50 other kids. I had four brothers, I married a girl from my hometown … That’s just the way things were in those days.”
Whipple left New Jersey for college, but returned soon after. He estimates that 20 percent of his high-school friends still live within a 20-mile radius of Bogota, the small town in Bergen County where they grew up. But most of those friends’ kids have moved away: “They couldn’t afford it. That’s not a scientific survey, but it’s the scuttlebutt. It’s in the air.”
These days, some Millennials can’t get out of New Jersey fast enough. From 2000 to 2013, the number of 22-to-34-year-olds living in New Jersey fell by 2.3 percent, according to Census data, even while the number of people in this age bracket increased by 6.8 percent nationally during the same timeframe. According to a calculation byGoverning using Census estimates, New Jersey ranked 47th out of 50 states and Washington, D.C., for its percentage of Millennials in 2012.
Why are so many young people leaving the Garden State? The smart-growth nonprofit New Jersey Future considered this demographic trend in a report released in September. The report measured New Jersey’s municipalities on three smart growth metrics: walkability and street connectivity; the presence of a mixed-use center; and net activity density (defined as population plus employment, divided by developed square miles).
Unsurprisingly, New Jersey’s Millennials are just like Millennials everywhere else: They gravitate toward dense, mixed-use, walkable areas. Across the 118 places that scored well on all three smart-growth metrics, Millennials are 25 percent more prevalent than they are statewide. Conversely, they are 19 percent less likely than the general New Jersey population to live in the places that scored badly on all three metrics.
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For 69-year-old Jeff Whipple, Bergen County, New Jersey, was about as good a place to grow up as anywhere. “Suburban New Jersey in the ‘50s, in a working-class town—it was like Leave It to Beaver,” he said. “I lived on a block where there were probably 50 other kids. I had four brothers, I married a girl from my hometown … That’s just the way things were in those days.”
Whipple left New Jersey for college, but returned soon after. He estimates that 20 percent of his high-school friends still live within a 20-mile radius of Bogota, the small town in Bergen County where they grew up. But most of those friends’ kids have moved away: “They couldn’t afford it. That’s not a scientific survey, but it’s the scuttlebutt. It’s in the air.”
These days, some Millennials can’t get out of New Jersey fast enough. From 2000 to 2013, the number of 22-to-34-year-olds living in New Jersey fell by 2.3 percent, according to Census data, even while the number of people in this age bracket increased by 6.8 percent nationally during the same timeframe. According to a calculation byGoverning using Census estimates, New Jersey ranked 47th out of 50 states and Washington, D.C., for its percentage of Millennials in 2012.
Why are so many young people leaving the Garden State? The smart-growth nonprofit New Jersey Future considered this demographic trend in a report released in September. The report measured New Jersey’s municipalities on three smart growth metrics: walkability and street connectivity; the presence of a mixed-use center; and net activity density (defined as population plus employment, divided by developed square miles).
Unsurprisingly, New Jersey’s Millennials are just like Millennials everywhere else: They gravitate toward dense, mixed-use, walkable areas. Across the 118 places that scored well on all three smart-growth metrics, Millennials are 25 percent more prevalent than they are statewide. Conversely, they are 19 percent less likely than the general New Jersey population to live in the places that scored badly on all three metrics.
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Next Massachusetts Senate President Should Be Liberal, Not Nuts
The Stan Rosenberg era is ending not with a whimper but with a bang.
When Governor Charlie Baker thinks you need to be investigated, you know the end is near. This is the same Charlie Baker who doesn’t think the whitewashing of a Massachusetts State Police report on the arrest of a judge’s daughter needs much investigating.
Lawyers have this phrase “known or should have known.” That’s the one that’ll get the Senate president to leave, as his civil-law husband stands accused by four men of sexually assaulting them while flaunting his influence with the Senate president.
As with all such allegations, the possibility of the accused being innocent must be allowed for. But while the accusations are anonymous, no one is publicly doubting them. Even the target, Bryon Hefner, didn’t deny them in a statement released by his lawyer.
More
When Governor Charlie Baker thinks you need to be investigated, you know the end is near. This is the same Charlie Baker who doesn’t think the whitewashing of a Massachusetts State Police report on the arrest of a judge’s daughter needs much investigating.
Lawyers have this phrase “known or should have known.” That’s the one that’ll get the Senate president to leave, as his civil-law husband stands accused by four men of sexually assaulting them while flaunting his influence with the Senate president.
As with all such allegations, the possibility of the accused being innocent must be allowed for. But while the accusations are anonymous, no one is publicly doubting them. Even the target, Bryon Hefner, didn’t deny them in a statement released by his lawyer.
More
WH on Trump's Retweet of Muslim Videos: 'Never the Wrong Time to Talk About Security'
Following outrage on both sides of the Atlantic on Wednesday, the White House is defending President Trump's re-tweet of various videos, posted by a British woman who leads a nationalist group calling itself "Britain First."
The videos, which may or may not be real, purport to show Muslims attacking Christians or Christian symbols.
Trump's re-tweets drew a response from British Prime Minister Theresa May, whose spokesman issued a statement, saying:
“Britain First seeks to divide communities by their use of hateful narratives that peddle lies and stoke tensions. They cause anxiety to law-abiding people. British people overwhelmingly reject the prejudiced rhetoric of the far right which is the antithesis of the values this country represents, decency, tolerance and respect.”
Trump tweeted back: ".@Theresa May, don’t focus on me, focus on the destructive Radical Islamic Terrorism that is taking place within the United Kingdom. We are doing just fine!"
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The videos, which may or may not be real, purport to show Muslims attacking Christians or Christian symbols.
Trump's re-tweets drew a response from British Prime Minister Theresa May, whose spokesman issued a statement, saying:
“Britain First seeks to divide communities by their use of hateful narratives that peddle lies and stoke tensions. They cause anxiety to law-abiding people. British people overwhelmingly reject the prejudiced rhetoric of the far right which is the antithesis of the values this country represents, decency, tolerance and respect.”
Trump tweeted back: ".@Theresa May, don’t focus on me, focus on the destructive Radical Islamic Terrorism that is taking place within the United Kingdom. We are doing just fine!"
More
White House releases 'explosive' tally of green cards issued in 'chain migration'
For the first time, the White House said, the federal government has counted the green cards issued between 2005 and 2015 to migrants admitted through family preference, or as immediate relatives of migrants already admitted into the country in perhaps the fullest portrait of “chain migration” ever developed.
“For years, we've known that large numbers of immigrants have been coming based on petitions from previous immigrants,” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Lee Cissna told Fox News. “But this is the first time we really kind of see the whole scope of the problem. And legislators or policymakers at DHS can do what they need to do address the problem.”
During the ten-year time frame, officials said, the U.S. permanently resettled roughly 9.3 million new immigrants on the basis of family ties.
That’s more than 70 percent of all new immigration in that period, the White house said, adding it is also the primary driver of low-skilled workers’ entry into the U.S. A phenomenon analyst say most directly hurts American minority groups with comparable skills.
More here
“For years, we've known that large numbers of immigrants have been coming based on petitions from previous immigrants,” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Lee Cissna told Fox News. “But this is the first time we really kind of see the whole scope of the problem. And legislators or policymakers at DHS can do what they need to do address the problem.”
During the ten-year time frame, officials said, the U.S. permanently resettled roughly 9.3 million new immigrants on the basis of family ties.
That’s more than 70 percent of all new immigration in that period, the White house said, adding it is also the primary driver of low-skilled workers’ entry into the U.S. A phenomenon analyst say most directly hurts American minority groups with comparable skills.
More here
DOJ May File Federal Charges in Kate Steinle Murder Case
Attorney General Jeff Sessions reacted to Thursday's verdict in a statement, saying sanctuary cities put Americans at risk.
"San Francisco's decision to protect criminal aliens led to the preventable and heartbreaking death of Kate Steinle," Sessions said. "While the State of California sought a murder charge for the man who caused Ms. Steinle's death — a man who would not have been on the streets of San Francisco if the city simply honored an ICE detainer — the people ultimately convicted him of felon in possession of a firearm.
"I urge the leaders of the nation's communities to reflect on the outcome of this case and consider carefully the harm they are doing to their citizens by refusing to cooperate with federal law enforcement officers."
Trump ripped Thursday's verdict in a series of Twitter posts:
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US Approves Monthly Injection for Opioid Addiction
U.S. health officials on Thursday approved the first injectable form of the leading medication to treat patients recovering from addiction to heroin, prescription painkillers and other opioids.
The Food and Drug Administration approved once-a-month Sublocade for adults with opioid use disorder who are already stabilized on addiction medication.
The monthly injection has the potential to reduce dangerous relapses that occur when patients stop taking the currently available daily medication. But that benefit has not yet been shown in studies and the new drug comes with a hefty price: $1,580 per monthly dose.
The older version of the drug, Suboxone, costs $100 a month.
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The Food and Drug Administration approved once-a-month Sublocade for adults with opioid use disorder who are already stabilized on addiction medication.
The monthly injection has the potential to reduce dangerous relapses that occur when patients stop taking the currently available daily medication. But that benefit has not yet been shown in studies and the new drug comes with a hefty price: $1,580 per monthly dose.
The older version of the drug, Suboxone, costs $100 a month.
More
Amazon Steps up Pace in Artificial Intelligence Race
Amazon.com Inc this week announced a flurry of new machine learning features for its Amazon Web Services cloud computing business, raising its challenge to Silicon Valley's biggest tech firms for the lead in artificial intelligence.
The new offerings will enable AWS customers to develop and quickly "train" their own artificial intelligence algorithms, build software applications capable of translating language on the fly, analyze video, and scan text for trends or key phrases.
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to machines carrying out tasks that are normally associated with human intelligence. Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI in which sophisticated computer algorithms are developed to recognize patterns in large volumes of data to solve problems on their own.
For example, with two of the new AWS features a company could quickly transcribe customer phone calls and then analyze the text for customer sentiment.
More
[For some perspective on multi-billionaire Amazon/Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, see: Jeff Bezos & Amazon.com]
The new offerings will enable AWS customers to develop and quickly "train" their own artificial intelligence algorithms, build software applications capable of translating language on the fly, analyze video, and scan text for trends or key phrases.
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to machines carrying out tasks that are normally associated with human intelligence. Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI in which sophisticated computer algorithms are developed to recognize patterns in large volumes of data to solve problems on their own.
For example, with two of the new AWS features a company could quickly transcribe customer phone calls and then analyze the text for customer sentiment.
More
[For some perspective on multi-billionaire Amazon/Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, see: Jeff Bezos & Amazon.com]
Williams: Black Self-Sabotage
The educational achievement of white youngsters is nothing to write home about, but that achieved by blacks is nothing less than disgraceful. Let's look at a recent example of an educational outcome all too common. In 2016, in 13 of Baltimore's 39 high schools, not a single student scored proficient on the state's mathematics exam. In six other high schools, only one percent tested proficient in math. In raw numbers, 3,804 Baltimore students took the state's math test, and 14 tested proficient. Citywide, only 15 percent of Baltimore students passed the state's English test.
Last spring, graduation exercises were held at one Baltimore high school, 90 percent of whose students received the lowest possible math score. Just one student came even close to being proficient. Parents and family members applauded the conferring of diplomas. Some of the students won achievement awards and college scholarships. Baltimore is by no means unique. It's a small part of the ongoing education disaster for black students across the nation. Baltimore schools are not underfunded. Of the nation's 100 largest school systems, Baltimore schools rank third in spending per pupil.
Baltimore's black students receive diplomas that attest that they can function at a 12th-grade level when in fact they may not be able to do so at a seventh- or eighth-grade level. These students and their families have little reason to suspect that their diplomas are fraudulent.
More here
Last spring, graduation exercises were held at one Baltimore high school, 90 percent of whose students received the lowest possible math score. Just one student came even close to being proficient. Parents and family members applauded the conferring of diplomas. Some of the students won achievement awards and college scholarships. Baltimore is by no means unique. It's a small part of the ongoing education disaster for black students across the nation. Baltimore schools are not underfunded. Of the nation's 100 largest school systems, Baltimore schools rank third in spending per pupil.
Baltimore's black students receive diplomas that attest that they can function at a 12th-grade level when in fact they may not be able to do so at a seventh- or eighth-grade level. These students and their families have little reason to suspect that their diplomas are fraudulent.
More here
Imagery Available: Coast Guard repatriates 67 migrants to Haiti
The cutter Valiant crew interdicted the migrants Thursday approximately 32 miles northeast of Ile de la Tortue, Haiti.
“The Caribbean and Florida Straits are dangerous and unforgiving for migrants on illegal and ill-advised voyages in overloaded vessels,” said Capt. Jason Ryan, chief of enforcement for the Coast Guard 7th District. “The Coast Guard and its partner agencies continue to maintain a strong presence along our maritime border and will continue to interdict and rescue those who embark on these illegal voyages in unsafe vessels such as this one.”
Once aboard Coast Guard cutters, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and medical attention.
Approximately 179 Haitian migrants have attempted to illegally migrate to the U.S. via the maritime environment since the beginning of the 2018 fiscal year, which started Oct. 1, compared to 1,869 Haitian migrants in fiscal year 2017. These numbers represent the total number of at-sea interdictions, landings and disruptions in the Florida Straits, the Caribbean and Atlantic.
Maryland Officials: 26 Indicted In Prison Gang Conspiracy
BALTIMORE, MD (November 30, 2017) – Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Stephen T. Moyer joined Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh today
in announcing the indictments of 26 defendants after a nearly year-long, multi-agency investigation of gang activity in Maryland correctional facilities.
Charges in the indictments include attempted first-degree murder, gang participation, drug distribution, smuggling of contraband into prison facilities, and misconduct in office. The investigation was led by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).
The initial target of the investigation was Correctional Officer Sergeant Antoine Fordham. Fordham is a high-ranking member of the 8-Trey Crips street gang. The 8-Trey Crips is a Crips set that operates inside Baltimore City and in several Maryland counties both inside Maryland correctional facilities and on the street. In his position, Fordham oversaw much of the 8-Trey Crips’ drug dealing and other illicit activities near the intersections of Frankford Avenue and Sinclair Lane in Baltimore City. Fordham and other members of the gang authorized and/or committed acts of violence including shootings and assaults to protect the gang’s turf and to maintain discipline within the gang.
More
in announcing the indictments of 26 defendants after a nearly year-long, multi-agency investigation of gang activity in Maryland correctional facilities.
Charges in the indictments include attempted first-degree murder, gang participation, drug distribution, smuggling of contraband into prison facilities, and misconduct in office. The investigation was led by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).
The initial target of the investigation was Correctional Officer Sergeant Antoine Fordham. Fordham is a high-ranking member of the 8-Trey Crips street gang. The 8-Trey Crips is a Crips set that operates inside Baltimore City and in several Maryland counties both inside Maryland correctional facilities and on the street. In his position, Fordham oversaw much of the 8-Trey Crips’ drug dealing and other illicit activities near the intersections of Frankford Avenue and Sinclair Lane in Baltimore City. Fordham and other members of the gang authorized and/or committed acts of violence including shootings and assaults to protect the gang’s turf and to maintain discipline within the gang.
More
FBI Chief: Nations Teaming With Criminals to Launch Cyberattacks Against US
FBI Director Christopher Wray is warning that countries are now partnering with criminals to launch cyberattacks against the United States, The Washington Free Beacon is reporting.
"We are seeing an emergence of that kind of collaboration," Wray testified before the House Homeland Security Committee on Thursday.
He noted governments and criminals had carried out cyberattacks separately in the past, but have teamed up in recent years, according to the Free Beacon.
"Now there's this collusion, if you will, that's occurring on a number of instances … like mercenaries being used to commit cyberattacks," he said.
He cited the indictment of a Canadian who had pleaded guilty this week to aiding Russian spies in hacking into Yahoo email accounts.
More here
"We are seeing an emergence of that kind of collaboration," Wray testified before the House Homeland Security Committee on Thursday.
He noted governments and criminals had carried out cyberattacks separately in the past, but have teamed up in recent years, according to the Free Beacon.
"Now there's this collusion, if you will, that's occurring on a number of instances … like mercenaries being used to commit cyberattacks," he said.
He cited the indictment of a Canadian who had pleaded guilty this week to aiding Russian spies in hacking into Yahoo email accounts.
More here
Steve King Pledges to Block ‘Every Form’ of Amnesty for Illegal Aliens in Kate Steinle’s Honor
Rep. Steve King (R-IA) says he will do his part in honoring 32-year-old Kate Steinle — whose illegal alien killer was acquitted of her murder — by blocking “every form” of amnesty that the GOP-led Congress attempts to push.
After five-time deportee and seven-time felon illegal alien Jose Garcia Zarate, also known as Juan Francisco López-Sánchez, was not convicted of the murder of Steinle — despite previously admitting to shooting and killing the woman while she was walking on a pier with her father — King called the decision “Sickening!”
“The illegal alien who, no one disagrees, killed Kate Steinle is found NOT guilty in sanctuary city, San Francisco. Sickening!” King wrote.
King also vowed to oppose any amnesty for illegal aliens that the Congress may attempt to pass by the end of the year.
“I will spare no effort to do my own killing-- of all amnesty in every form!” King continued.
More here
After five-time deportee and seven-time felon illegal alien Jose Garcia Zarate, also known as Juan Francisco López-Sánchez, was not convicted of the murder of Steinle — despite previously admitting to shooting and killing the woman while she was walking on a pier with her father — King called the decision “Sickening!”
“The illegal alien who, no one disagrees, killed Kate Steinle is found NOT guilty in sanctuary city, San Francisco. Sickening!” King wrote.
King also vowed to oppose any amnesty for illegal aliens that the Congress may attempt to pass by the end of the year.
“I will spare no effort to do my own killing-- of all amnesty in every form!” King continued.
More here
Fatal crash shuts down several lanes at Bay Bridge toll plaza
A toll booth worker was killed and another person badly injured when a westbound box truck smashed into a toll booth on the Oakland side of the Bay Bridge early this morning, the California Highway Patrol said.
The northbound Interstate Highway 880 to westbound Interstate Highway 80 connector is closed, as well as two westbound lanes of Interstate Highway 80, according to Officer Vu Williams of the CHP.
Williams said motorists should expect the lanes to be closed for at least 8-10 hours.
More/Video
The northbound Interstate Highway 880 to westbound Interstate Highway 80 connector is closed, as well as two westbound lanes of Interstate Highway 80, according to Officer Vu Williams of the CHP.
Williams said motorists should expect the lanes to be closed for at least 8-10 hours.
More/Video
Allen West posted this on facebook
Yes, this is "fake news" but it's a heckuva lot more important than an indictment on Michael Flynn. But I gotcha thinking, didn't i?
An F.B.I. agent was cut from the Russia inquiry after questions about whether he expressed anti-Trump political views in text messages
The agent, Peter Strzok, is considered one of the most experienced and trusted F.B.I. counterintelligence investigators. He helped lead the investigation into whether Hillary Clinton mishandled classified information on her private email account, and then played a major role in the investigation into links between President Trump’s campaign and Russia.
WCSO Press Release: Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substance
Date of Incident: October and November 2017
Location: 411 Naylor Mill Road Salisbury, Maryland
Suspects:
Dorman, Evelyn J, white female, 63 years old
Monroe, Ronald W., white male, 44 years old
Narrative:
In October 2017 members of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by members of the Wicomico County Detention Center, and the Eastern Shore Information Center (ESIC), began an investigation into the distribution of controlled substances into the Wicomico County Detention Center. The investigation revealed that someone was mailing Suboxone, a controlled substance, to multiple inmates in the Detention Center. The investigation was eventually forwarded to the Sheriff’s Office Community Action Team (CAT) for investigation. Members of the Community Action Team were able to identify the potential suspect, Evelyn Dorman, of Crisfield, Maryland. It was learned that Dorman was mailing Suboxone to Ronald Monroe, who is an Inmate at the Wicomico County Detention Center. Monroe and Dorman conspired on numerous calls made by Monroe from the Detention Center to Dorman.
On December 1, 2017, members of the Community Action Team, assisted by the Criminal Investigation Division, executed a search and seizure warrant in the 300 Block of Broadway Crisfield, Maryland. Deputies were also assisted by the Crisfield Police Department. During the execution of the warrant, Deputies located evidence that Dorman was sending the Suboxone to Monroe and other Inmates in the Detention Center. Dorman was arrested and charged with multiple offenses related to the distribution, and was taken to the Somerset County Detention Center. Dorman is being held on $15,000 bond. Charges against Monroe are pending at the time of this release.
Charges: Distribution of CDS: not marijuana, conspiracy, CDS delivery into a place of confinement, and other related charges. Dorman was charged with (34) total charges.
Many Vets Unaware of New Federally Funded Healthcare Services
Congress has passed new legislation, signed by President Donald Trump, extending a program allowing veterans to seek medical care in the private sector. But many vets may not be aware of this benefit, and others providing home healthcare assistance and other cost-free services.
Under the new law, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be allowed to continue operating its so-called Choice Program until the funding runs out early next year. The program had been scheduled to expire on Aug. 7 with nearly $1 billion left over.
Trump said veterans have "not been taken care of properly" and that the program will continue to be able to see "the doctor of their choice."
Advocates of the program said it is needed to pay for stopgap services while the Trump administration works on a longer-term plan to revamp the VA health system, which has come under fire for long delays in veteran services and mismanagement.
The Choice Program is just one of several veteran healthcare programs that many vets may not be aware of and are available to them free of charge.
More here
Under the new law, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be allowed to continue operating its so-called Choice Program until the funding runs out early next year. The program had been scheduled to expire on Aug. 7 with nearly $1 billion left over.
Trump said veterans have "not been taken care of properly" and that the program will continue to be able to see "the doctor of their choice."
Advocates of the program said it is needed to pay for stopgap services while the Trump administration works on a longer-term plan to revamp the VA health system, which has come under fire for long delays in veteran services and mismanagement.
The Choice Program is just one of several veteran healthcare programs that many vets may not be aware of and are available to them free of charge.
More here
Humbled hunter recalls mistakes in the marsh
As told by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nate Littlejohn
I was shivering in a marsh one drenched December dusk with only a bruised ego for company. But my pride was giving way to a growing fear about my predicament.
The pelting rain and occasional taunt from a duck's beating wings were all I could hear over my chattering teeth.
My mind churned with stories of accidents where a hunter didn't make it home. Ones where people read about it in the paper, then shake their heads and think, "That guy was so foolish." I knew because I'd been one of those readers.
Now I was that guy. 
Excitement about a duck hunting trip that morning had really clouded my judgment. Now I was stranded in an aluminum boat after a rapidly-receding low tide. If I'm not lying, I was worried.
Duck hunting is an inherently dangerous, labor-intensive endeavor, largely because of the cold conditions and the places you need to be to succeed. There are countless reasons to always hunt with at least one companion. One reason is to make critical decisions together.
After a friend canceled on our hunting plans that morning, my mistake of going out alone now haunted my old boat, stuck and surrounded in waist-deep mud. So did some other foolhardy assumptions I made.
I convinced myself there was no real need to tell anyone where I was going or when I'd be back since I was planning to hunt less than a mile from the boat launch. I had my cell phone, that was enough. EPIRBs and marine radios were for people heading offshore or to the middle of nowhere, I told myself. I chose to ignore that I had no way to recharge my phone, as well as the brisk conditions that robbed it of power.
I assumed the depth of the water where I was hunting would remain good for two more hours at least, based on what the tide seemed to be doing.
Finally, completely wrapped up in the hunt, I lost track of the tide and the time. As far as duck hunting was concerned, I was in an awesome position: hidden from sight, with ducks approaching my decoys both on the water and from the air.
It wasn't until there were less than four inches of water left under me that I realized I was stranded. I tried to push out of there through the reeds and the mud, but it was useless. Soon my boat was sitting on the bottom. An icy rain began to pelt my back as I dug into my pockets for my cell phone.
I made a call to my buddy and explained my situation. He rightfully mocked me for being a fool, but told me to check in with him later. I'd simply have wait for the tide to return. At least now I had someone back on shore who understood my situation and location.
As the day's light began to dim, I realized I was shivering. I'd dressed for a day hunt. I had on a relatively waterproof pair of pants and jacket. But it was now pouring rain, with an air temperature of about 39 degrees. Water was penetrating my gear.
I was in the early stages of hypothermia when the cold killed my phone's battery.
My shivering grew steadily more violent. I began to experience mild confusion. While silhouettes of mice climbed reeds to peek at the quivering intruder, larger shapes of the marsh played tricks on my mind. I began to wonder what sort of dangerous, hungry creatures lurked nearby.
Still there was nothing to do but wait. Those were some long hours. I ate some crackers I'd brought along, sipped a sports drink and passed time by making up haikus. I recall one in particular:
Stuck in marsh nine hours
Cold and wet but stay with boat
Patience, tide rolls in
Cold and wet but stay with boat
Patience, tide rolls in
The tide did eventually turn. By around 10 p.m., I could feel my boat begin to float. With weak and trembling arms, I used an oar to push the boat through the suction of the surrounding muck. I pulled the start on the '76 Johnson 2-stroke. It didn't start at first. That engine never did. But lucky 17 was the charm.
An hour later I arrived at my house, boat in tow behind my truck.
The buddy I'd called just happened to be walking past, returning from a late dinner out.
"Dude, are you okay?" he asked. "I've been calling. You're an idiot, you know that right?"
"Yeah, I know." I said. "I'll be fine after a hot shower."
I'd made it home without help, but was lucky to be home at all. I'd soon have been too weak to get myself out of there.
Nobody plans to break down or get stuck out there in the dark. We all strive to avoid that. But going out alone, with no flares and no reliable means of communication, is a bad way to show our families we care.
I no longer go out alone. I always go prepared for the worst. And I'll never forget how lucky I am to have suffered those mistakes unscathed.
-USCG-
Trump backs Tillerson, calls reports of ouster ‘fake’
President Trump on Friday shot down speculation that he is looking to oust Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, calling a spate of breathless reports this week fake news.
It was the strongest statement of support yet by Mr. Trump for his top diplomat, a day after the White House would only defend Mr. Tillerson by saying he was still in the job.
“The media has been speculating that I fired Rex Tillerson or that he would be leaving soon - FAKE NEWS!” the president said via Twitter and Instragram. “He’s not leaving and while we disagree on certain subjects, (I call the final shots) we work well together and America is highly respected again!”
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It was the strongest statement of support yet by Mr. Trump for his top diplomat, a day after the White House would only defend Mr. Tillerson by saying he was still in the job.
“The media has been speculating that I fired Rex Tillerson or that he would be leaving soon - FAKE NEWS!” the president said via Twitter and Instragram. “He’s not leaving and while we disagree on certain subjects, (I call the final shots) we work well together and America is highly respected again!”
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Shapiro: Steinle verdict a great example ‘why President Trump won’
Conservative author and lawyer Ben Shapiro says a San Francisco jury’s decision to acquit an illegal immigrant of murder for the 2015 death of Kate Steinle encapsulates why voters put President Trump in the White House.
Jose Ines Garcia Zarate was deported five times before the July 1, 2015, shooting death of Ms. Steinle on a San Francisco pier. Mr. Shapiro, a Harvard Law School graduate, told Fox News after Thursday verdict that it is inexplicable how Mr. Zarate escaped involuntary manslaughter charges after firing the weapon that killed Ms. Steinle.
“He was deported over and over and over again,” the Daily Wire editor in chief told Fox. “He was set free by sanctuary cities that refused to coordinate with federal law enforcement. He was out. He picked up a gun. He stole a gun, presumably, and then he shot Kate Steinle. Whether he did it, whether he meant to shoot her or whether he meant to discharge the firearm is of no consequence. When you pick up that gun, and you know that it has the possibility of firing, and it fires, then this is, at the very best, involuntary manslaughter.”
More here
Jose Ines Garcia Zarate was deported five times before the July 1, 2015, shooting death of Ms. Steinle on a San Francisco pier. Mr. Shapiro, a Harvard Law School graduate, told Fox News after Thursday verdict that it is inexplicable how Mr. Zarate escaped involuntary manslaughter charges after firing the weapon that killed Ms. Steinle.
“He was deported over and over and over again,” the Daily Wire editor in chief told Fox. “He was set free by sanctuary cities that refused to coordinate with federal law enforcement. He was out. He picked up a gun. He stole a gun, presumably, and then he shot Kate Steinle. Whether he did it, whether he meant to shoot her or whether he meant to discharge the firearm is of no consequence. When you pick up that gun, and you know that it has the possibility of firing, and it fires, then this is, at the very best, involuntary manslaughter.”
More here
Union says it has organized minimum wage activists
"Fight For $15 is the international movement of underpaid workers taking a stand against poverty wages. The activists we’ve represented have worked the front lines of that battle. So the UMG is pleased to announce we now represent organizers coast to coast in the consolidated national fast food campaign," the St. Louis-based affiliate of the Communications Workers of America announced this week.
The United Media Guild says it formally organized the activists through a card check election on Nov. 29. Its announcement does not state whether SEIU has formally agreed, though it does state, "Soon we will start bargaining their initial collective bargaining agreement with the National Fast Food Workers Union (an affiliate of SEIU)."
More here
Republicans Continue to Receive Death Threats From Net Neutrality Supporters
A New York man was arrested for making a death threat against Rep. John Katko over the net neutrality debate, the latest in a string of threats from advocates of the liberal policy.
Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai has received numerous threats since announcing the agency's intention earlier this year to repeal the Obama era rules that expanded federal regulation over the internet.
Katko, a Republican who represents upstate New York and has no role in the FCC agenda, received a threatening voicemail from Patrick Angelo, who vowed to kill Katko's family if he supports repealing net neutrality.
"Listen Mr. Katko, if you support net neutrality, I will support you," Angelo said, according to a complaint filed in federal court. "But if you don't support net neutrality, I will find you and your family and I will kill… you… all. Do you understand? I will literally find all… of… you and your progeny and just wipe you from the face of the earth."
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Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai has received numerous threats since announcing the agency's intention earlier this year to repeal the Obama era rules that expanded federal regulation over the internet.
Katko, a Republican who represents upstate New York and has no role in the FCC agenda, received a threatening voicemail from Patrick Angelo, who vowed to kill Katko's family if he supports repealing net neutrality.
"Listen Mr. Katko, if you support net neutrality, I will support you," Angelo said, according to a complaint filed in federal court. "But if you don't support net neutrality, I will find you and your family and I will kill… you… all. Do you understand? I will literally find all… of… you and your progeny and just wipe you from the face of the earth."
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What Is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau?
When Leandra English walked in to work as the new director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) earlier this week, there was one little problem: President Donald Trump had already appointed his Office of Management and Budget director, Mick Mulvaney, to head the Obama-era regulatory agency. There were two bosses, but only one had the constitutional authority to pick up the reins of power, and it wasn’t English.
It’s hard to blame English for assuming her role. After all, the CFPB was populated with strong supporters of the biggest names in the Democrat Party. So when her outgoing boss, Richard Cordray, handed over the keys, English probably didn’t give a moment’s thought to the separation of powers or that pesky old Constitution.
Moreover, she had the support of none other than House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who incorrectly tweeted that English is the “rightful Acting Director.” Well, before President Trump stepped in, the CFPB could do just about anything its director wanted — such as appointing his own replacement.
Let’s take a moment to see what the CFPB is all about, and why a seemingly simple appointment is such a big deal.
It’s hard to blame English for assuming her role. After all, the CFPB was populated with strong supporters of the biggest names in the Democrat Party. So when her outgoing boss, Richard Cordray, handed over the keys, English probably didn’t give a moment’s thought to the separation of powers or that pesky old Constitution.
Moreover, she had the support of none other than House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who incorrectly tweeted that English is the “rightful Acting Director.” Well, before President Trump stepped in, the CFPB could do just about anything its director wanted — such as appointing his own replacement.
Let’s take a moment to see what the CFPB is all about, and why a seemingly simple appointment is such a big deal.
Joe Bastardi December Observation
"I continue to push the idea, based on research into past patterns, of a cold eastern December. While details of storms are tough, the overall pattern favors increasing snow cover and cold. Great set up for more than normal snow in the east for the holidays.."
(Joe Bastard Facebook)
(Joe Bastard Facebook)
Jared Kushner Ordered the Call That Sunk Michael Flynn
UPDATE: The Associated Press appeared to confirm these reports later, saying Kushner is the “very senior” official named in Flynn’s guilty plea.
The original story follows below:
Reports in multiple outlets Friday claim White House Advisor and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner is responsible for directing then-candidate for National Security Advisor Micheal Flynn to make the phone call about which he later lied to the FBI.
UPDATE: The Associated Press appeared to confirm these reports later, saying Kushner is the “very senior” official named in Flynn’s guilty plea.
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Reports in multiple outlets Friday claim White House Advisor and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner is responsible for directing then-candidate for National Security Advisor Micheal Flynn to make the phone call about which he later lied to the FBI.
UPDATE: The Associated Press appeared to confirm these reports later, saying Kushner is the “very senior” official named in Flynn’s guilty plea.
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Amazon delivery woman defecates on customer’s front yard
When Nemy Bautista arrived to his Sacramento home on Tuesday, he found what appeared to be dog poop at the bottom of his driveway. When he looked at the footage in his security camera, however, he found a dissatisfying surprise.
Bautista told Fox News on Friday that instead of a puppy relieving itself, he watched a woman who was delivering a package for Amazon driving a U-Haul doing the deed.
He said he was “shocked” by what he saw and immediately contacted Amazon and filed a complaint. A company representative was "shocked and thoroughly apologized," and said that the deliverywoman worked for a third-party contractor Amazon had hired to make those deliveries.
“I wanted Amazon to come clean it up,” Bautista said, adding he missed the delivery by minutes.
But it seems as if the problems didn’t end there for Bautista.
He said the next day another Amazon delivery person, instead of walking up to his front door to drop off the package, was caught on camera throwing it from about 20 yards out.
More/video
Bautista told Fox News on Friday that instead of a puppy relieving itself, he watched a woman who was delivering a package for Amazon driving a U-Haul doing the deed.
He said he was “shocked” by what he saw and immediately contacted Amazon and filed a complaint. A company representative was "shocked and thoroughly apologized," and said that the deliverywoman worked for a third-party contractor Amazon had hired to make those deliveries.
“I wanted Amazon to come clean it up,” Bautista said, adding he missed the delivery by minutes.
But it seems as if the problems didn’t end there for Bautista.
He said the next day another Amazon delivery person, instead of walking up to his front door to drop off the package, was caught on camera throwing it from about 20 yards out.
More/video
Kushner reportedly instructed Flynn to contact Russia
Presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner is the “very senior member” of President Trump’s transition team who instructed former national security adviser Michael Flynn by phone to seek Russia’s help at the United Nations, according to reports Friday.
A person who was in the room when Flynn got the Dec. 22, 2016, call told BuzzFeed that Flynn described being told by Kushner to contact “every member of the Security Council and tell them to delay the vote” on a resolution critical of Israel’s settlement policy.
Two sources familiar with the matter also told NBC News that Kushner is the unidentified transition team official referenced in court papers tied to Flynn’s guilty plea Friday morning.
Flynn admitted lying to the FBI when he denied contacting Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak regarding the Security Council resolution, which later passed 14-0, with the US abstaining.
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A person who was in the room when Flynn got the Dec. 22, 2016, call told BuzzFeed that Flynn described being told by Kushner to contact “every member of the Security Council and tell them to delay the vote” on a resolution critical of Israel’s settlement policy.
Two sources familiar with the matter also told NBC News that Kushner is the unidentified transition team official referenced in court papers tied to Flynn’s guilty plea Friday morning.
Flynn admitted lying to the FBI when he denied contacting Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak regarding the Security Council resolution, which later passed 14-0, with the US abstaining.
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Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting report triggered FBI hunt for leaker
The revelation last year of an unorthodox tarmac meeting between former President Bill Clinton and then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch set off a frenzied scramble at the FBI to track down the source, newly released documents show.
Conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch, which on Thursday released 29 pages of FBI emails related to the 2016 meeting, said the messages show officials were more concerned about the leak than the substance of the report.
“These new FBI documents show the FBI was more concerned about a whistleblower who told the truth about the infamous Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting than the scandalous meeting itself,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement.
The FBI initially claimed it had no documents pertaining to the meeting..
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Conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch, which on Thursday released 29 pages of FBI emails related to the 2016 meeting, said the messages show officials were more concerned about the leak than the substance of the report.
“These new FBI documents show the FBI was more concerned about a whistleblower who told the truth about the infamous Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting than the scandalous meeting itself,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement.
The FBI initially claimed it had no documents pertaining to the meeting..
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Kunstler: Guilty Until Proven Innocent
Whipping Post Politics
Charlie Rose skulked offstage like a punch-drunk palooka with barely a whimper, and Matt Lauer offered up the now laughably pro forma press release of bathetic apology and contrition - no doubt micro-managed by his attorneys. But the hit on Garrison Keilor by his old friend Minnesota Public Radio seemed like a new low in the whipping-post politics of the moment.
Unlike the cases of Rose, Lauer, Louis CK, Harvey Weinstein, and Kevin Spacey, there seemed next to nothing in the case against Keilor. He says he placed his hand on a lady’s bare back, someone on the crew or cast or a guest on The Prairie Home Companion radio show he hosted for close to forty years. Maybe MinnPR has a file full of complaints against the old trooper, but if so they’ve released nothing, no details whatsoever, and unlike the previously “outed” line-up, in Keilor’s case no other “victims” have come forward on their own to establish anything like a pattern of truly bad behavior.
I happen to admire Keilor’s substantial body of work in print and radio, and the public persona he presented, which portrayed a lot of what was honorable, intelligent, charming, and funny in our national character, something we need to be reminded of in this new era of pervasive racketeering, affronts to the first amendment, ubiquitous porno-culture, and Deep State mischief. This may amaze some of you, but to me Keilor deserves to be ranked with Mark Twain as a literary icon. What he gave to his large radio audience over a very long run was of uniformly high quality — something manifestly absent in so many other areas of contemporary life and art.
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Charlie Rose skulked offstage like a punch-drunk palooka with barely a whimper, and Matt Lauer offered up the now laughably pro forma press release of bathetic apology and contrition - no doubt micro-managed by his attorneys. But the hit on Garrison Keilor by his old friend Minnesota Public Radio seemed like a new low in the whipping-post politics of the moment.
Unlike the cases of Rose, Lauer, Louis CK, Harvey Weinstein, and Kevin Spacey, there seemed next to nothing in the case against Keilor. He says he placed his hand on a lady’s bare back, someone on the crew or cast or a guest on The Prairie Home Companion radio show he hosted for close to forty years. Maybe MinnPR has a file full of complaints against the old trooper, but if so they’ve released nothing, no details whatsoever, and unlike the previously “outed” line-up, in Keilor’s case no other “victims” have come forward on their own to establish anything like a pattern of truly bad behavior.
I happen to admire Keilor’s substantial body of work in print and radio, and the public persona he presented, which portrayed a lot of what was honorable, intelligent, charming, and funny in our national character, something we need to be reminded of in this new era of pervasive racketeering, affronts to the first amendment, ubiquitous porno-culture, and Deep State mischief. This may amaze some of you, but to me Keilor deserves to be ranked with Mark Twain as a literary icon. What he gave to his large radio audience over a very long run was of uniformly high quality — something manifestly absent in so many other areas of contemporary life and art.
More
Mexican Cops Find 5 Tons of Drugs in Border City Bunker
The Tamaulipas government announced the seizure as part of an intelligence operation by state cops with the help of the Mexican Navy. The bust began when authorities spotted suspicious activity at a home in the Gonzaleño neighborhood in the border city of Camargo.
According to information provided to Breitbart Texas by the Tamaulipas government, law enforcement officials found a special bunker under the house. The storage facility was outfitted with lighting and air conditioning. Inside, authorities found 1,181 bundles of marijuana that are estimated to have an approximate weight of more than five tons.
More here
The Hill: Push for DACA Amnesty Deal Gaining Steam in the House
Renewed bipartisan efforts to hammer out a permanent fix for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has illegal immigration advocates hopeful that a DACA amnesty deal will reach the House floor this year where “a majority of House members” want to see it passed, Rafael Bernal reports in theHill.
From the Hill:
A group of a few dozen Republicans, led by Rep. Scott Taylor (R-Va.), is preparing a letter asking Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) for a DACA fix before year’s end, according to Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.).
From the Hill:
A group of a few dozen Republicans, led by Rep. Scott Taylor (R-Va.), is preparing a letter asking Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) for a DACA fix before year’s end, according to Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.).
Lujan Grisham said the CHC, which Democrats use to spearhead immigration efforts, is increasingly working with Republican lawmakers on finding a DACA fix. She credited the group’s whip, Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), for building those bridges.
Lujan Grisham said that Democrats would stay firm on a commitment to negotiate on government spending only when a path forward for DACA was resolved, pointing out that Republicans have enough votes to pass measures through the House.
Veteran lawmakers who’ve been involved in previous immigration reform attempts are holding increasingly open discussions on the matter.
After a long talk on the House floor with Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-Fla.), Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.) said “we’re trying out to figure out how we get there.”
Read the rest here.
Lujan Grisham said that Democrats would stay firm on a commitment to negotiate on government spending only when a path forward for DACA was resolved, pointing out that Republicans have enough votes to pass measures through the House.
Veteran lawmakers who’ve been involved in previous immigration reform attempts are holding increasingly open discussions on the matter.
After a long talk on the House floor with Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-Fla.), Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.) said “we’re trying out to figure out how we get there.”
Read the rest here.
Anthem Kneeler Says NFL Siphoning From Breast Cancer, Military Donations to Give Social Justice Causes $89M
The NFL’s $89 million pledge to fund social-justice causes comes at the expense of the league’s support for breast cancer and military charities, the protesting-player kneeling for the national anthem longer than any other active athlete claims.
“In the discussion that we had, Malcolm [Jenkins] conveyed to us—based on discussions that he had with the NFL—that the money would come from funds that are already allocated to breast cancer awareness and Salute to Service,” San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid toldSlate. “So it would really be no skin off the owners’ backs: They would just move the money from those programs to this one.”
Reid’s disgust over the deal led to his resignation from the Players Coalition, a group started by Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and retired wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Reid departed from the group along with Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas, who, like Reid, continues to kneel for the national anthem.
Reid says Jenkins and the Players Coalition leadership went rogue in agreeing to a deal that did not receive the blessing of the group’s members. “We didn’t agree with that,” he told Slate, “because we weren’t trying to cut other worthy programs.”
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“In the discussion that we had, Malcolm [Jenkins] conveyed to us—based on discussions that he had with the NFL—that the money would come from funds that are already allocated to breast cancer awareness and Salute to Service,” San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid toldSlate. “So it would really be no skin off the owners’ backs: They would just move the money from those programs to this one.”
Reid’s disgust over the deal led to his resignation from the Players Coalition, a group started by Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and retired wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Reid departed from the group along with Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas, who, like Reid, continues to kneel for the national anthem.
Reid says Jenkins and the Players Coalition leadership went rogue in agreeing to a deal that did not receive the blessing of the group’s members. “We didn’t agree with that,” he told Slate, “because we weren’t trying to cut other worthy programs.”
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Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to Mail Theft Organization Arrests
Mid-Atlantic Region- A multi-agency investigation into the theft of mail from church mailboxes has concluded with the arrest of seven individuals and two with active warrants.
The Delaware State Police Sussex County Financial Crimes Unit in conjunction with the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted a three month investigation into an organization of individuals involved in the theft of mail from church mailboxes throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. The suspects in this investigation targeted churches and removed mail from the church mailboxes, including donation checks. Once the suspects obtained the checks intended for the church, they would deposit the checks into their various bank accounts.
On Wednesday, November 29, 2017, three search warrants were executed in the Seaford area with assistance from the Sussex County Drug Unit, Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, Sussex County Property Crimes Unit, Sussex County Major Crimes Unit, Sussex County Evidence Detection Unit, Seaford Police Department, Laurel Police Department, Salisbury Police Department, Homeland Security, Division of Family Services and the Department of Corrections. As a result of the search warrants, banking documents and an undisclosed amount of cash was seized. This case is ongoing and remains under investigation by Delaware State Police, Troop 4 Sussex County Financial Crimes Unit.
Florea Ciupangel, 33 of Seaford was charged with three counts of Theft and three counts of Receiving Stolen Property. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $6,000.00 cash bond.
Florin Roman, 24 of Seaford was charged with three counts of Felony Theft, three counts of Theft, and four counts of Receiving Stolen Property. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $11000.00 cash bond.
Denis Tanasie, 24 of Seaford was charged with Theft and Receiving Stolen Property. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $2,000.00 cash bond.
Carmen Stoican, 22 of Seaford was charged with four counts of Felony Theft, five counts of Theft, Conspiracy Second, and nine counts of Receiving Stolen Property. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $24,000.00 cash bond.
Madalina Gheorghe, 22 of Seaford was charged with four counts of Felony Theft, five counts of Theft, Conspiracy Second, and nine counts of Receiving Stolen Property. She was committed to Baylor Woman's Correctional Institution on $24000.00 cash bond.
Ardeleanu Stoican, 51 of Seaford was charged with Felony Identity Theft and committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $8,000.00 cash bond.
Fausta Stoican, 48 of Seaford was charged with Felony Identity Theft and committed to Baylor Woman's Correctional Institution on $8,000.00 cash bond.
Active warrants have been obtained for the following two individuals for Felony Identity Theft; Agenol Stoican , 29 of Seaford, 5'06" tall, 160 lbs., with black hair, and Mariana Catrina, 26 of Seaford, 5'03" tall, 142 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. No photographs available.
If anyone has any information in reference to the location of Agenol Stoicanor Mariana Catrina , they are asked to please contact Delaware State Police Troop 4, Sussex County Financial Crimes unit at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com
The Delaware State Police Sussex County Financial Crimes Unit in conjunction with the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted a three month investigation into an organization of individuals involved in the theft of mail from church mailboxes throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. The suspects in this investigation targeted churches and removed mail from the church mailboxes, including donation checks. Once the suspects obtained the checks intended for the church, they would deposit the checks into their various bank accounts.
On Wednesday, November 29, 2017, three search warrants were executed in the Seaford area with assistance from the Sussex County Drug Unit, Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, Sussex County Property Crimes Unit, Sussex County Major Crimes Unit, Sussex County Evidence Detection Unit, Seaford Police Department, Laurel Police Department, Salisbury Police Department, Homeland Security, Division of Family Services and the Department of Corrections. As a result of the search warrants, banking documents and an undisclosed amount of cash was seized. This case is ongoing and remains under investigation by Delaware State Police, Troop 4 Sussex County Financial Crimes Unit.
Florea Ciupangel, 33 of Seaford was charged with three counts of Theft and three counts of Receiving Stolen Property. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $6,000.00 cash bond.
Florin Roman, 24 of Seaford was charged with three counts of Felony Theft, three counts of Theft, and four counts of Receiving Stolen Property. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $11000.00 cash bond.
Denis Tanasie, 24 of Seaford was charged with Theft and Receiving Stolen Property. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $2,000.00 cash bond.
Carmen Stoican, 22 of Seaford was charged with four counts of Felony Theft, five counts of Theft, Conspiracy Second, and nine counts of Receiving Stolen Property. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $24,000.00 cash bond.
Madalina Gheorghe, 22 of Seaford was charged with four counts of Felony Theft, five counts of Theft, Conspiracy Second, and nine counts of Receiving Stolen Property. She was committed to Baylor Woman's Correctional Institution on $24000.00 cash bond.
Ardeleanu Stoican, 51 of Seaford was charged with Felony Identity Theft and committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $8,000.00 cash bond.
Fausta Stoican, 48 of Seaford was charged with Felony Identity Theft and committed to Baylor Woman's Correctional Institution on $8,000.00 cash bond.
Active warrants have been obtained for the following two individuals for Felony Identity Theft; Agenol Stoican , 29 of Seaford, 5'06" tall, 160 lbs., with black hair, and Mariana Catrina, 26 of Seaford, 5'03" tall, 142 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. No photographs available.
If anyone has any information in reference to the location of Agenol Stoicanor Mariana Catrina , they are asked to please contact Delaware State Police Troop 4, Sussex County Financial Crimes unit at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com
Baltimore CBP and MDTAP Officers Arrest Maryland Man on Felony Rape Warrant
BALTIMORE – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MDTAP) officers arrested a Woodbine, Md., man at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Thursday on Prince George’s County, Md., rape charges.
While reviewing passenger manifests of departing international flights, CBP officers detected an arrest warrant for Bryan Keith Stirn, 53, scheduled to board a flight to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. CBP officers confirmed with the Prince Georges County Sheriff’s Office that the warrant remained active and notified MDTAP.
CBP and MDTAP officers identified Stirn at the departure gate, confirmed his identity and took Stirn into custody.
“Customs and Border Protection officers sometimes encounter travelers with outstanding arrest warrants and we work to return them to the jurisdiction of their criminal charges,” said Dianna Bowman, CBP Area Port Director for the Port of Baltimore. “This warrant arrest is another example of CBP’s collaboration with our law enforcement partners to protect victims’ rights, return fugitives to justice, and to help keep our communities safe.”
Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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While reviewing passenger manifests of departing international flights, CBP officers detected an arrest warrant for Bryan Keith Stirn, 53, scheduled to board a flight to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. CBP officers confirmed with the Prince Georges County Sheriff’s Office that the warrant remained active and notified MDTAP.
CBP and MDTAP officers identified Stirn at the departure gate, confirmed his identity and took Stirn into custody.
“Customs and Border Protection officers sometimes encounter travelers with outstanding arrest warrants and we work to return them to the jurisdiction of their criminal charges,” said Dianna Bowman, CBP Area Port Director for the Port of Baltimore. “This warrant arrest is another example of CBP’s collaboration with our law enforcement partners to protect victims’ rights, return fugitives to justice, and to help keep our communities safe.”
Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Mexican deported from US 20 times gets 35 years for assaults on women
A Mexican man who was deported from the United States more than a dozen times was sentenced Friday in Oregon to 35 years in prison after pleading guilty to sodomy, kidnapping, sex abuse and other charges in separate attacks on two women.
Sergio Jose Martinez told victims' relatives he would see them in hell after the sentence was pronounced Friday in a Portland courtroom.
Just a day earlier, another man who had also been deported multiple times for being in America illegally, Jose Ines Garcia Zarate, was found not guilty by a jury in San Francisco in the shooting death of a woman. That case that touched off a national immigration debate.
"Unfortunately, after Zarate got acquitted, Martinez is now the boogeyman of the face of immigration," Martinez's lawyer, Jonathan Sarre, said in a phone interview.
A week before the attacks, Martinez was freed from jail in Portland where he had served time for interfering with police and providing a false birth date. He was let go despite a request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office to hold him so the agency could take him into custody.
More here
Sergio Jose Martinez told victims' relatives he would see them in hell after the sentence was pronounced Friday in a Portland courtroom.
Just a day earlier, another man who had also been deported multiple times for being in America illegally, Jose Ines Garcia Zarate, was found not guilty by a jury in San Francisco in the shooting death of a woman. That case that touched off a national immigration debate.
"Unfortunately, after Zarate got acquitted, Martinez is now the boogeyman of the face of immigration," Martinez's lawyer, Jonathan Sarre, said in a phone interview.
A week before the attacks, Martinez was freed from jail in Portland where he had served time for interfering with police and providing a false birth date. He was let go despite a request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office to hold him so the agency could take him into custody.
More here
Empty Seats Aplenty for the NFL on 'Thursday Night Football'
Yet, judging by the attendance in Dallas, you never would have guessed that.
Proof of that is found in a series of tweets collected by The Big Lead. Here are shots of the “crowd,” at kickoff:
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SALISBURY FILM SOCIETY PRESENTS on Sunday December 3rd: I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO
In SU IMC Fulton at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $9 Non-SWAC Members, $8 SWAC Members, Season Pass (4 films)=$20
Purchase tickets online or at the door!
Call 410-543-ARTS (2787) for more information
LEGENDARY COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER 12-2-17
Settling Down in Salisbury
When my grandfather finally arrived back in Salisbury in 1910, he never had a chance of leaving again. He married my grandmother in 1911 and began a life fighting prejudice and the establishment. As you can see by the picture of my grandmother, taken when she was just 16, a lot of men would suffer many indignities to win her heart. She was not only Catholic but Irish-Catholic at that. This was in an era when the Methodists and Baptists looked down upon anyone of any other faith. So much so that he couldn’t find anyone to hire him for 15 years.
He once painted a house for a man and couldn’t collect his money for the job. He showed up one Saturday morning and set up a pitch pot. For anyone not familiar with pitch, it is the black, sticky coating that is heated up to a liquid and applied to a roof before shingles are nailed on. When the pitch was being heated to attain its liquid state, the man came running out of the house demanding to know what he thought he was doing. He informed the man that he was going to put pitch on his paint. If the man paid him for the paint it would be his paint and my grandfather could not put anything on it. The man was furious as he went in the house and returned with the money that he owed my grandfather.
He picked up odd jobs until he had enough money to build his own 2 ½ story house. This he did at 703 Gay St. (in Oct., 1952, the city changed all the house numbers in Salisbury and it became 307 Gay St.)
While building his house he missed work for the only time in his life. He was never sick and this was the only time he was injured. It seems he was putting on the slate roof one morning and fell off the roof. A trip to the hospital entailed having the broken leg set and a cast applied. After this interruption, he returned to the house that very afternoon and proceeded to finish the roof. His determination was unmatched by any man I ever knew.
Once he finished building his own house in 1924 and people saw that he could build a fine house, he never had any trouble finding work after that. The only change he made was he started to build commercial buildings because he said the money was better and on time. In Salisbury, he is responsible for many buildings that can be observed today. He built the Perdue plant on Cypress St. for Swift & Co., the Cannon Building, the Colonial Building, the building on Mill St. for the old Martin & Swartz Co., the original Penny’s and the Country House on E. Main St. for Manhattan Shirt Co.. The last large project was the Howard Johnson Restaurant and Motor Lodge on Route 13 North. He also rebuilt Benjamin’s after a fire in the 1930’s. He had the salvage rights to Benjamin’s and hauled out everything he could before he razed it and began rebuilding. The only two departments that had not been completely destroyed were the “linen” and “glassware” departments. I spent my youth in the 1940’s and 1950’s drinking out of Duncan Miller sandwich pattern glasses and I was grown before I knew they made towels in any color except white.
Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting report triggered FBI hunt for leaker, new emails show
The revelation last year of an unorthodox tarmac meeting between former President Bill Clinton and then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch set off a frenzied scramble at the FBI to track down the source, newly released documents show.
Conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch, which on Thursday released 29 pages of FBI emails related to the 2016 meeting, said the messages show officials were more concerned about the leak than the substance of the report.
“These new FBI documents show the FBI was more concerned about a whistleblower who told the truth about the infamous Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting than the scandalous meeting itself,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement.
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Conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch, which on Thursday released 29 pages of FBI emails related to the 2016 meeting, said the messages show officials were more concerned about the leak than the substance of the report.
“These new FBI documents show the FBI was more concerned about a whistleblower who told the truth about the infamous Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting than the scandalous meeting itself,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement.
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http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/01/fbi-account-clinton-lynch-tarmac-meeting-released-by-watchdog-group.html
Jamie Dykes Was Sworn In As Interim State's Attorney for Wicomico County
Thank you, each and every one of you.
Photo credit: Sander Photography & Ray Sander
Nancy Pelosi Has Been Enabling Sexual Predators For Decades
As Guy has thoroughly exposed, over the weekend House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosidefended Congressman John Conyers as an "icon" amid allegations he fired a woman on his staff after she refused to give him sexual favors.
Over at Vox, Pelosi is being called out as the ultimate enabler of sexual harassers and abusers. "That woman." She'll also being held accountable as part of the reason why women don't come forward more often when they are victims of sexual misconduct.
Conyers is the credible one. He is an “icon,” she told Todd. The woman? “I do not know who they are. Do you?” she asked the host. “They have not really come forward.” (The woman came forward three years ago, dogging her case through an opaque process in Congress that bars her from speaking about it. She spoke to BuzzFeed anonymously.)
Conyers is the real victim. Pelosi is withholding judgment until Conyers gets “due process,” she said. But Conyers got something better than due process. Congress wrote the rules for how sexual harassment claims are handled, exempting members from requirements that most other employers must follow. The woman, meanwhile, got less. She didn’t have a right to free lawyer. She couldn’t speak about her case. And it took months. Then she couldn’t find a job on the Hill. “I was basically blackballed,” she told BuzzFeed. “There was nowhere I could go.”
But that's exactly what Pelosi is: That woman, a faux feminist who has been enabling sexual predators for decades.
We can start with her full throated defense of former President Bill Clinton. She's been defending his documented and repetitive bad behavior since the 1990s and did so again on Meet The Press Sunday.
More/Video
Over at Vox, Pelosi is being called out as the ultimate enabler of sexual harassers and abusers. "That woman." She'll also being held accountable as part of the reason why women don't come forward more often when they are victims of sexual misconduct.
Conyers is the credible one. He is an “icon,” she told Todd. The woman? “I do not know who they are. Do you?” she asked the host. “They have not really come forward.” (The woman came forward three years ago, dogging her case through an opaque process in Congress that bars her from speaking about it. She spoke to BuzzFeed anonymously.)
Conyers is the real victim. Pelosi is withholding judgment until Conyers gets “due process,” she said. But Conyers got something better than due process. Congress wrote the rules for how sexual harassment claims are handled, exempting members from requirements that most other employers must follow. The woman, meanwhile, got less. She didn’t have a right to free lawyer. She couldn’t speak about her case. And it took months. Then she couldn’t find a job on the Hill. “I was basically blackballed,” she told BuzzFeed. “There was nowhere I could go.”
But that's exactly what Pelosi is: That woman, a faux feminist who has been enabling sexual predators for decades.
We can start with her full throated defense of former President Bill Clinton. She's been defending his documented and repetitive bad behavior since the 1990s and did so again on Meet The Press Sunday.
More/Video