WCSO Press Release - Aug. 30, 2019

Incident: Possession of Crack Cocaine
Date of Incident: 26 August 2019
Location: West Road at Olivia Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Milton Edward Cooper, 64, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 26 August 2019 at 2:51 PM, a deputy stopped a vehicle after observing the operator not wearing his seat belt. During a subsequent consent search of the vehicle, the deputy discovered what was identified as crack cocaine and a smoking device in the possession of the front seat passenger, Milton Cooper.
The deputy placed Cooper under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. Following an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Cooper on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Possession of Crack Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Witherspoon, West and Griffin

Incident: Theft
Date of Incident: 28 August 2019
Location: Wicomico County, MD
Suspects:

• Elijah J. Witherspoon, 23, Laurel, DE
• Katrial L. West, 37, Laurel, DE
• Shamicka L. Griffin, 48, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 28 August 2019 at 1:41 PM a deputy stopped a vehicle for a seat belt violation on East Road. Upon contacting the occupants, the deputy observed the driver Elijah Witherspoon and passengers Katrial West and Shamicka Griffin were visibly nervous and uncomfortable in the presence of the uniformed deputy. Based on the observed indicators, a WCSO Drug K9 responded and conducted a scan of the vehicle for the odor of illegal drugs. Following a positive alert, the deputy initiated a search of the vehicle and located crack cocaine and a smoking device where the passenger West was sitting. West was also discovered to be in the possession of heroin and related paraphernalia.

The deputy then opened a large gray tote inside the vehicle and found that it was full of unopened items such as underwear and socks, t-shirts, a new book bag and other miscellaneous clothing items. The deputy then focused his attention on a 55-inch Phillips 4K television that was still sealed in the box. All these items appeared like they could have been recently purchased, yet no one in the vehicle had any receipts.

Investigation revealed that the trio had been at the Fruitland Walmart about an hour earlier at which point these items were stolen. With the assistance of store personnel, the three suspects were located on the store’s surveillance video committing the thefts. The recording showed Witherspoon parked out front of the store waiting while West and Griffin committed the thefts inside. Griffin grabbed the plastic tote and filled it up with everything she could while West grabbed the television. Both then strolled straight out of the store without approaching a register, loaded the items in the waiting vehicle where Witherspoon was sitting behind the wheel and the trio then drove away.

The investigation was complicated by the fact both Witherspoon and West provided false names during the investigation. West’s false identity was uncovered quickly, however Witherspoon’s duplicity was not uncovered until after he was booked under his fake name. Both would be discovered to be wanted under their real names.

• Elijah Witherspoon: Circuit Court Body Attachment for Child Support, District Court Failure to Appear-Driving Without a License /Leaving Scene Accident, District Court Failure to Appear – Speeding / Driving Without a License
• Katrial West: District Court Failure to Appear – Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Theft

All three subjects were arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner.

• Elijah Witherspoon: Theft $100.00 to $1,500.00 / Conspiracy to Commit Theft / False Statement / Obstruct and Hinder / False Identity to Avoid Prosecution / Driving on a Suspended License – Held Without Bond (plus $25,500.00 on the three warrants)
• Katrial West: Theft $100.00 to $1,500.00 / Conspiracy to Commit Theft / False Statement / Obstruct and Hinder / Possession of Heroin / Possession of Crack Cocaine / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Held on $5,000 bond (plus $5,000.00 bond on the warrant)
• Shamicka Griffin: Theft $100.00 to $1,500.00 / Conspiracy to Commit Theft – Released on Personal Recognizance.