Fraud In The Government, Pllllease

The Defense Department inspector general says it's getting five times as many complaints to its hotline as it did a year ago. 

In all, it has received more than 200 calls since the beginning of the year from whistleblowers alleging waste, fraud, abuse or other misconduct. 

The office credits a new law that went into effect one year ago. It covers people working on Defense Department contracts, grants and task orders. 

Companies with contracts of at least $5 million must post signs around the office about whistleblowers' rights.

Animation of Asiana Flight 214 accident sequence

AUTOPSY FINDS DEATH OF SOMERSET CO. MAN DUE TO NATURAL CAUSES

(PRINCESS ANNE, MD) – An autopsy has determined the death of a Somerset County man found dead in his apartment early last month was due to natural causes.   

The deceased is identified as Kevin M. Green, 34, of the 11000-block of Stewart Neck Road, Princess Anne, Md.  An autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore has concluded Green died of natural causes.   

Green was found deceased in his apartment by a friend who had gone to check on him on the morning of June 5, 2014.  He had not been heard from since June 3rd and he had failed to report for classes June 4th at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where he was a graduate student.   

An investigation was initiated by the Maryland State Police.  Investigators found no signs of foul play in the apartment and observed no obvious signs of trauma on Green’s body.  Based on the results of their investigation and the autopsy, Maryland State Police investigators have concluded their investigation.   

Contact:	Greg Shipley
	Office of Media Communications & Marketing
	410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer

Traffic Alert For Salisbury

Salisbury Fire Department

Salisbury Fire and EMS units are working at a car accident at Northwood Dr and Gordy Rd. Avoid the area or expect delays.

National Night Out in Worcester County

Worcester County Sheriff's Office
 
Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 5th; the National Night Out in Worcester County. Plan to celebrate a Crime Free community and "Keeping an Eye Out" for each other.
Area festivities include:
Berlin, Henry Park on Flower St at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Pocomoke City, Cypress Park at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Snow Hill, Byrd Park from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
and Ocean City, Fiesta Park, N Ocean City at 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Hope to see you at one of the locations!
Together, WE can take a bite out of Crime!

WBI Investigates False Report of an Aggravated Assaulted With a Gun

INCIDENT:

False Report of Shooting

DATE:

July 21, 2014

LOCATION:

21000 Block of Nanticoke Road, Bivalve, MD 21814

NARRATIVE:

   On July 21, 2014 at 1340 hours the Wicomico Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call indicating there had been a shooting at the above listed address.  Deputies assisted by Troopers from the Maryland State Police responded and learned Cory Long was reporting he had been shot in the right side of his chest by someone leaving his residence.

   WBI was contacted and responded.  After extensive investigation detectives were able to determine that Long had shot his self.  The case will be reviewed with the Wicomico States Attorney’s Office for future possible charges. 

   Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Wicomico Bureau of Investigations at 410-548-4898 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776

SUSPECT:

Long, Cory Patrick 23 YOA W/M

CHARGES:

None at this time

State Police Investigate Double Fatal near Little Creek

Little Creek, DE – Troopers are investigating a single vehicle crash that killed two Dover men.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:05 p.m. Monday July 21, 2014 as Benjamin W. Hibbler, 26 of Dover, was operating a 2001 Chevrolet flatbed tow truck (AA Towing & Rollback Service Inc.) northbound on Bayside Drive (SR9) north of North Little Creek Road. As the vehicle entered a left curve, it’s right side tires traveled off the east edge of the roadway and due to its apparent high rate of speed, the truck began to rotate and cross both lanes of travel while spinning in a counter-clockwise motion. The truck then exited the west side of the roadway and struck a large metal telephone pole with the passenger side door and came to a stop.

Benjamin Hibbler, who was not properly restrained, was transported to Kent General Hospital where he later died as a result of multiple traumatic injuries.

A passenger, Michael J. Shahan, 23 of Dover, was not properly restrained and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation into this incident. Speed and alcohol may be contributing factors in this collision. SR9 between North Little Creek Road and White Oak Road was closed for approximately three and a half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

MD Coastal Bays Presentation Cancelled

The MD Coastal Bays Management Plan Presentation scheduled to be heard Tuesday, July 22 during the Worcester County Commissioner's meeting at 10am in Snow Hill has been cancelled. As soon as I hear of the new date, I will it share with everyone.

The regular County Commissioner meeting will still take place however the presentation will not be conducted. I encourage everyone to attend these meetings to learn about how our county government operates and stay on top of issues, rules, laws, etc. To stop the whittling away at our Sovereignty on the Eastern Shore, we must be educated about the issues in order to effectively oppose the gradual death of our Liberty. Loss of liberty is the loss of our Freedom.

Respectfully,

Kellee Kennett
Chair, Worcester County Tea Party

NRP Blotter

The Maryland Natural Resources Police issued citations this month for illegal crabbing, alcohol-impaired boating and driving, and responded to the report of a shark bite.

Allegany County ─ A Midland man was charged July 6 with driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding after a traffic stop on Route 36.

An officer saw a vehicle cross the double yellow line and weave from shoulder to shoulder while traveling 85 mph in a 50 mph zone.

Wesley Wilson Wamsley, 19, failed field sobriety tests and recorded a .18 blood alcohol content on a preliminary breathalyzer test. A person who has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or greater is assumed to be under the influence of alcohol in Maryland.

Wamsley refused to take a breathalyzer test at the State Police barracks in LaVale.

His trial date has not been set in Cumberland District Court.

Somerset County ─ Officers arrested a man on July 16 for operating a vessel while impaired, drug possession and negligent operation after his vessel struck a dock at Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield.

Barry Chew Jr., 39, of Fruitland, faces maximum fines of $1,500 for the boating violations, and $25,000 and four years in prison for drug possession. He is scheduled to appear in Somerset District Court on Sept. 9.

St. Mary’s County ─ A St. Inigoes man was charged with multiple crabbing violations after officers on saturation patrol stopped a boat without navigational lights at 3:30 a.m. on June 28.

Ronald Francis Welch, 65, had 1 ¼ bushels of hard crabs aboard his 16-foot boat on Smith Creek. He admitted to officers that he caught the crabs with crab pots, an illegal method on that waterway, where the legal starting time is 5:12 a.m.

After sorting and measuring the catch, officers found Welch had 10 undersized hard crabs.

Welch received five citations and four written warnings. If found guilty, he faces a maximum fine of $3,500.

Washington County ─ A Baltimore man was charged July 9 with negligent driving, and possession of marijuana and paraphernalia after a traffic stop on Interstate 68 westbound.

Richard Iammarino, 19, was charged after an officer noticed a vehicle drifting back and forth across the highway. After stopped the car, the officer noticed the strong smell of marijuana and saw a glass bong and two containers of the drug.

Iammarino faces maximum fine of $1,500 and up to 90 days in jail. His court date has not been set.

Washington County ─ Officers evicted campers from Greenbrier State Park after they committed a series of violations over a three-day period during the July 4 holiday.

Maria DeJesus Saucedo Bustos, 49, of Chantilly, Va., was charged with alcohol possession in a non-designated area. If found guilty, she could be fined a maximum of $500 in Washington District Court.

A 16-year-old, also from Chantilly, was charged with disorderly conduct, failure to obey a police officer and driving without a license. If found guilty, he could be fined a maximum of $1,500 and up to seven months in jail.

Worcester County ─ Officers responded to the report of a shark bite on July 6 in Chincoteague Bay off George Island Landing in Stockton.

Kevin Patrick Musgrave, 57, said he and another clammer anchored their vessel off Mills Island about 9 a.m. When he entered the water, Musgrave said something struck his left leg. He got back in the boat and determined the wound was consistent with a shark bite.

Officers concurred and advised Musgrave to seek immediate medical attention.

Join us this Saturday at Adam's Ribs

BBQ for Carl BBQ fundraiser to support Mayor Carl Anderton's run for the Maryland House of Delegates, district 38b. Adam's Ribs Fruitland, Maryland July 26th 6pm - 8pm

Join host Doug Marshall and our featured speaker, House of Delegates Minority Leader Nic Kipke for an evening of fun and BBQ. Delegate Kipke and Mayor Anderton will both address the current state of affairs in Maryland including: bringing jobs back to Maryland, spending in Annapolis, and lowering taxes, with the goal of creating a brighter future for all. Before and after dinner there will be time to talk to Carl one-on-one. The menu for the evening includes Adam's Pork & Beef BBQ, sides, rolls and beverage. Cash bar. The suggested contribution is $25, payable at the event. Cash, check, or credit card accepted. Thank you for your support! Whether you will be able to make the event or not, please consider contributing to us using the button below. Contribute

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICIALS ADVISE RESIDENTS TO STAY AWAY FROM STRAY/FERAL CATS

"Love Your Own, Leave Others Alone"

Salisbury, MD – A Feral cat was found in Pittsville in the area of Friendship Road which tested positive for rabies.  Environmental Health Officials in Wicomico County are reminding residents to stay away from feral cats and other stray animals posing a serious public health threat to both humans and domestic animals.  Feral cats may carry and spread diseases such as Rabies, Cryptosporidiosis, Giardiasis, Toxoplasmosis, Bartonellosis (cat scratch fever) and Salmonellosis.  These diseases are known to cause serious illness and in some cases, if left untreated, are fatal.

The feral/stray cat population in Wicomico County is similar to that of many other neighborhoods across the nation dealing with this issue.  Residents are urged to consider a few pro-active steps to reduce the number of feral cats in their neighborhood and protect themselves, their family and their pets.

Please keep the following tips in mind:

• Avoid all contact with wild or stray animals;
• Teach children to leave unfamiliar animals alone;
• Vaccinate pets-Maryland law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets, 4 months of age and older have a current rabies vaccination;

·         Avoid feeding pets outside  - do not leave food or water outside;

·         Secure outside garbage lids

To report abnormal animal behavior, please call Animal Control at the Wicomico County Humane Society: (410) 749-7603.  All animal bites or scratches should be reported to the Wicomico County Health Department (410) 546-4446. 

Illegal Children Crossing The Border Drops In Texas

While the United States dealt with crises in Ukraine and the Middle East, one closer to home eased a little. 

Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas say they found fewer than 500 children crossing the border illegally last week. That's down from a high of 2,000 per week. A total of 57,000 have crossed since Oct. 1, 2013. 

The influx has strained the ability of the federal government to deal with it. President Obama meets Friday with the presidents of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador — the sources of most of the illegal immigrants.

What A Special Day To Be Gay

President Barack Obama will sign executive orders today to protect gay and transgender employees from discrimination. 

White House officials say the President will amend a 1965 directive that prohibits federal contractors from discriminating based on race, religion, gender or nationality in hiring. Obama will add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list. He'll amend a second directive to make clear federal agencies cannot discriminate against transgender employees. 

Officials tell the Associated Press, Obama will not remove an exemption for religious contractors that lets them hire only people of the same faith.

Are You Looking For Work?

If you want a federal job, try the Housing and Urban Development Department. HUD is catching up after a multi-year hiring freeze in both headquarters and field offices. It plans to add 1,000 jobs by Oct. 1. It's about halfway through. Human resources officials tell Government Executive, competition is fierce. HUD receives more than 95 applications, on average, for each position. It expects to fill half of the jobs with people who already work at the department. Most job candidates identify themselves as minorities. About a quarter say they are veterans.

Are You Buying It?

IRS lawyers confirm that a crashed hard drive from the computer of Lois Lerner was destroyed. That means there is no hope of recovering the emails from the former head of the IRS tax exempt division. In a court filing, the IRS says the drive was shredded three years ago, after two sets of technicians tried to retrieve the data. IRS lawyers say the agency always destroys hard drives that potentially contain confidential taxpayer information. U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton had ordered the IRS to explain what happened to the hard drive. Lerner is at the center of a House investigation into whether the IRS slowed down tax exempt applications from conservative groups.

7 Signs You’re Drinking Too Much

Actors Shia LaBeouf and Robin Williams both announced last week that they’re seeking treatment for alcoholism: LaBeouf as an outpatient following an outburst in a New York City theater and Williams in a rehab facility. A representative for Williams, 62, told People that the comedian is still sober—as he has been since a 2006 relapse—but wants to “focus on his continued commitment” to recovery.

Now, not everyone who drinks too much starts hitting strangers at a Broadway play like LaBeouf did. They could be having a more silent struggle like Williams. Regardless, alcohol problems are more common than you think. About 15% of people who drink go on to become alcohol dependent, says Carlton Erickson, PhD, director of the Addiction Science Research and Education Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

“Those who recognize the problem before they develop full-blown addiction have a greater chance they’ll be able to cut down and minimize the role alcohol plays in their life,” says John F. Kelly, PhD, director of the Recovery Research Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

So how can you tell if you’re developing a problem? Not all the clues are the same for all people, but here are common signs you could be headed for trouble—and how to turn it around.

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Sarah Palin: Barack Obama Is Like A “Mob Boss” Who’s Trying To “Play God”

Over the weekend Sarah Palin spoke in Denver, Colorado at the Western Conservative Summit where she once again called for the impeachment of President Obama. During her speech she condemned the administration’s response to the overflowing of illegal immigrants pouring over the southern border and accused the president of ‘dereliction of duty’ and ‘violating his oath of office.’

‘If that’s not impeachable, then nothing is,’ she said to generous applause. ‘And if he’s not impeachable, no one is.’

She continued,

‘No serious person can deny that team Obama has abused and violated the public trust and the Constitution,’

More

Ulman Loosens Healthy Food And Drink Standards For Events Not On County Property

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman on Monday announced that he plans to loosen some of the restrictions in an executive order that banned sugary sodas and other high-calorie drinks at county-sponsored events.

The rule generated a passionate community debate earlier this month after some vendors complained about the standards, which were implemented for the first time at a Fourth of July event at downtown Columbia's Lake Kittamaqundi.

In a letter to the Howard County Council July 21, Ulman said he plans to remove food and drink restrictions on county-sponsored events that do not take place on county property.

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Boy, 7, Was Held Captive, Beaten, and Starved Down to 25 Pounds

A Pennsylvania boy was held captive for over a year by his mother and grandparents before social workers found him, and at the time of his rescue, he’d withered down to 25 pounds–lighter than the average 2-year-old.

The boy was regularly beaten, and apparently so starving that witnesses saw him eat bugs he caught on the porch.

Interviews with the victim and siblings revealed that the victim was fed only small portions of tuna fish and eggs. He was beaten frequently with a belt, especially when he was caught sneaking food, usually peanut butter and bread…The only time he was given a shower was as punishment and the water was ice cold. He also had two abscessed teeth which had to be removed.

The boy’s mother, Mary C. Rader, 28, and grandparents, Dennis C. Beighley, 58, and Deana C. Beighley, 47, all of the same address, were arrested Wednesday and each charged with two counts of aggravated assault, aggravated assault of a victim under 13, unlawful restraint of a minor, false imprisonment, endangering the welfare of children, and criminal conspiracy, the Herald noted.

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Delaware Route 1 Toll Increases Effective Aug. 1st

$1 Added to Weekend Fees to Fund Transportation Projects

Dover -- Tolls will increase on Route 1 for weekend traffic effective August 1, 2014, at 7 p.m., DelDOT announced today. The increase will be $1 above the current weekend toll rates for all vehicle classes, except oversize loads. Route 1 ramp tolls in Smyrna and Dover will not change and all E-ZPass frequent user discounts will remain in effect.

DelDOT has the authority under Title 2, Chapter 14, Section 1403 of the Delaware Code to set toll rates. The choice to increase the Route 1 tolls at this time was made in consultation with the Delaware General Assembly. The new revenue will be used to fund paving and other transportation projects statewide. The added revenue will be supplemented with an additional $20 million in borrowing in fiscal year 2015.

Route 1 Toll Rates Monday - Friday Weekend
Class 2 Passenger Vehicle $1 $3
Class 3 Vehicle $3 $5
Class 4 Vehicle $4 $6
Class 5 Vehicle $5 $7
Class 6 Vehicle $6 $8
Wide Load Permit Vehicle $11 $11
* Weekend toll rates on Route 1 are effective from 7 p.m. on Friday nights until 11 p.m. on Sunday nights.

The Route 1 access ramps at Dennys Road and Boyds Corner will remain a $.50 fee for Class 2 passenger vehicles and $.50 per axle for all commercial class vehicles. The Route 1 access ramp at Smyrna will remain a $.25 for Class 2 passenger vehicles and $.25 per axle for all commercial class vehicles.

Delaware E-ZPass customers will also continue to receive current discount rates. The 50 percent discount for frequent passenger vehicle users who meet the standard of 30-trips-in-30-days will remain in effect. Additionally, commercial vehicles using E-ZPass will continue to receive a 25 percent discount.