Field Notes

Field Notes

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

Week 11 March 19-24, 2012
The news I bring you this week from Annapolis is not good. I will be providing a supplemental to these notes on some budget specifics. There will be changes and further compromises with the Senate before the final version is voted on. While I do not normally include amendment links, I did so on the budget and tax bills so you could see what was rejected by the democrat majority that rule the House. Not one Republican amendment was accepted.
Monday Evening Session
Second Reader, Third Reader
Tuesday Morning Session
Second Reader, Third Reader
There was only one controversial bill voted on this morning. HB-1204 will impose fees and further regulations for companies seeking to develop drill sites in western Maryland. No other state requires these types of fees, and now Maryland seeks to impose fees charged per acre on “potential” sites and continue to put the brakes on discovery and drilling for natural gas deposits located in Marcellus Shale. There was a significant amount of propaganda put forward by Chairman McIntosh citing many ground water contamination concerns. Although none of these instances has shown to have been caused by hydraulic fracturing in the process described, the chairman is a believer and is not swayed by many known facts. The passage of this bill only continues to set Maryland up for terrific losses of revenue due to the crafted moratorium by the General Assembly and the Environmental Matters Committee. This bill was passed on a vote of 88-49…many taking a walk on this bill while sitting at their desks.
Judiciary Hearings on Tuesday
HB-1365 would transfer collections for restitution payments from agencies like Juvenile Justice to the Central Collection Unit of the Department of Budget and Management. It was said that victims should benefit from a streamlined process and the CCU is better able to address the demands of these types of collections. The collection rate is currently 9% while CCU collection rate is 42.5%. HB-1143 would create a felony crime of Armed Home Invasion to address the increase in these types of offenses, particularly in the metropolitan areas. While there are particular cases which would support this bill, all of these offenses can be charged on existing law for the same or even greater combined sentencing. HB-1324 seeks to establish a standard for law enforcement on using eyewitness identification procedures. The goals of the bill are positive, but the opposition from law enforcement centered around the notion that we should not be legislating policy and procedures on best police practices. HB-1438 is a local bill seeking to allow Frederick County to perform background checks of a taxi applicant’s criminal history as a part of their processing. HB-1106 seeks to prohibit “inappropriate” searches of a minor by law enforcement and security (TSA) agents. It would require “probable cause” prior to a minor being subjected to intrusive searches of their person. HB-1111 seeks to provide limitation on the type of searches that can be conducted on persons in the United States. It stems from searches conducted by TSA personnel at airports but would apply to any searches conducted by agents of the government. The Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution provides protection from “unreasonable searches” and it would seem that most of the issues brought to the committee’s attention could be addressed through dealing with the TSA and congressional oversight.
HB-949 seeks to repeal the Death Penalty in Maryland and replace it with Life-Without Parole. I do not agree with removing the death penalty as an option for society in addressing certain criminal cases. There were many that testified that it should be abolished. I suggested that, perhaps, it should be a Constitutional Referendum to be put before the voters. Interestingly enough, advocates did not like the idea of asking the citizens to vote on the issue, but they would be the first to say that voters do not want the death penalty anymore. To say the least, I find this very interesting. HB-1310 would place incredible reporting restrictions on firearms dealers and require them to respond to audit demands from the State Police. Currently, dealers licensing is handled by the federal government who issues the licenses in the first place. This bill would provide the ability of the state to suspend a license for several weeks just for a clerical violation. This seems to be a significant change and intrusion from the current laws governing purchases in Maryland.
Voting Session Judiciary Committee Tuesday Evening
Bills voted favorably by the committee:,
HB-130, HB-140, HB-353, HB-509, HB-513, HB-573, HB-589, HB-604, HB-664, HB-666, HB-670,
HB-742, HB-823, HB-834, HB-860, HB-942,HB-1120, HB-1334
Bills voted unfavorably by the committee:
HB-469, HB-588, HB-611, HB-778, HB-821, HB-1020, HB-1021, HB-1066,
HB-1147, HB-1300, HB-1330, HB-1386
Judicial Hearings Conducted on Wednesday Afternoon
HB-1418 would preserve the right of a person to appeal a conviction under a writ of Coram Nobis. This is a particular writ which allows someone to come before the court with evidence and information which reveals a significant mistake made by the court during the trial. There have been some recent court cases which appear to have diminished a writ of Coram Nobis. HB-1441 would allow for the termination of an alimony payment when the recipient cohabitates. Some states have allowed for reductions in payments under these circumstances. HB-1402 would prohibit a court from incarcerating someone on a Contempt of Court Order for failing to pay Child Support who is a veteran.
Voting Session Judiciary Committee Wednesday Afternoon
Bills voted favorably by the committee:
HB-209, HB-598, HB-742, HB-762, HB-772, HB-834, HB-875, HB-1238,
HB-1326, HB-1418, HB-350
Bills voted unfavorably by the committee:
HB-1106, HB-1111, HB-1242
Thursday Voting Session-11 hours
Second Reader, Third Reader
Budget Bills Debated on Thursday
For review, these are the bills and the amendments for the $36.8 Billion budget package. I have included all of the proposed amendments offered which would have altered or eliminated various fees, taxes, transfers, or demands placed upon the citizens or local governments. All but two of them were offered by Republicans.

SB 150

Floor Amendment (Delegate Bates) {273422/1 Rejected (48-84)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Kach) {653224/1 Rejected (46-86)

Floor Amendment (Delegate McDonough) {753429/2 Rejected (40-89)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Vitale) {253229/1 Rejected (42-92)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Schulz) {573123/1 Rejected (48-82)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Costa) {743821/1 Rejected (41-88)

Floor Amendment (Delegate McComas) {313528/1 Rejected

Floor Amendment (Delegate Hough) {563720/1 Rejected (46-88)

Floor Amendment (Delegate O'Donnell) {903726/1 Rejected (47-90)

Second Reading Passed with Amendments

SB 152

Floor Amendment (Delegate Donoghue) {193826/1 Rejected

Floor Amendment (Delegate Simmons) {563124/1 Rejected (26-109)

Floor Amendment (Delegate McDermott) {813529/1 Rejected (43-85)

Floor Amendment (Delegate McDermott) {883323/1 Rejected (43-86)

Floor Amendment (Delegate McDermott) {813923/1 Rejected

Floor Amendment (Delegate O'Donnell) {693424/1 Rejected (53-79)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Krebs) {213323/1 Rejected (41-91)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Minnick) {393724/1 Rejected (50-81)

Floor Amendment (Delegate McConkey) {263922/2 Rejected (45-86)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Barkley) {243927/1 Rejected (62-72)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Serafini) {353329/1 Rejected (45-85)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Eckardt) {683729/2 Rejected (44-90)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Szeliga) {693622/1 Rejected (43-91)

Floor Amendment (Delegate George) {913820/2 Rejected (42-92)

Floor Amendment (Delegate George) {913820/3 Rejected (41-92)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Frank) {913221/1 Rejected (42-92)

Floor Amendment (Delegate McDermott) {543629/1 Rejected (51-85)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Stocksdale) {253029/1 Rejected (42-87)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Aumann) {363324/1 Rejected (45-84)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Olszewski) {933823/1 Rejected (43-78)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Krebs) {233226/1 Rejected (42-88)

Second Reading Passed with Amendments

HB 1412 is the bill which allows for counties to override their citizen imposed Revenue/Tax Caps and would require the Comptroller to take county revenue and give it directly to the Boards of Education if a county cannot make maintenance of effort on their budgets.

Floor Amendment (Delegate Kramer) {923327/2 Rejected (52-78)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Kramer) {923327/4 Rejected (46-78)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Kramer) {923327/3 Rejected (46-70)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Kramer) {723320/1 Rejected (49-77)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Haddaway-Riccio) {623020/1 Rejected (42-81)

Floor Amendment (Delegate McMillan) {963626/1 Rejected (40-86)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Krebs) {533722/1 Rejected (48-77)

Second Reading Passed with Amendments

SB 523 is the tax bill from the senate which creates various tax and fee revenues in support of the proposed budget.

Floor Amendment (Delegate Serafini) {143729/4 Rejected (41-87)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Serafini) {143729/6 Rejected (44-85)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Fisher) {983121/1 Rejected (40-67)

Floor Amendment (Delegate Szeliga) {773924/1 Rejected (42-69)

Second Reading Passed with Amendments

HB- 987 is perhaps the most potentially damaging legislation to the tax payer this session. It will require counties to fund projects to address storm water management which will cost billions. Baltimore City costs exceed $10 billion, Prince Georges exceeds $2 billion, Frederick County exceeds $4 billion, and Anne Arundel County exceeds $2 billion. These would be problem numbers if we were talking millions, but this is much worse. These are just four of the counties who fall under phase one of this mandate by the state in conjunction with the EPA (Executive Order-not legislated). While the Eastern Shore is exempt in the first round, there is no doubt we will be captured in future legislation. Many of us made strong arguments against this bill. It has everything necessary to bankrupt many of our jurisdictions in coming years while the science supporting these actions is questionable.

Voting Session Judiciary Committee Friday Morning
Bills voted favorably by the committee:
HB-300, HB-480, HB-543, HB-545, HB-707, HB-774, HB-1122, HB-1441
Bills voted unfavorably by the committee:
HB-719, HB-739, HB-1082, HB-1086
Friday Session Voting
Second Reader, Third Reader
There were a couple of contested bills. HB-1275 puts greater demands on those seeking to petition a bill to referendum and would require some of the information to be available online. I view these democrat sponsored efforts as an attempt lay stumbling blocks between the people and their government. It passed 93-42. SB-150, one of the budget bills, passed along party lines with 3 democrats not voting 95-43. SB-523, the Revenue/Tax Bill, saw several more Hdemocrats unwilling to sign on the dotted line for this massive taxing package. Sadly, this bill was approved 81-56. HB-443 is Maryland’s response to Obamacare. In spite of court decisions that look to rule it unconstitutional, the O’Malley-Brown administration continue to advance this agenda. Several amendments were made on this bill to strike out taxpayer funded abortion language now and in future bills, and this was met with stiff resistance from democrats. While the amendments went down to defeat, it was clear that many are sensitive on the issue in the House and do not like it coming up for votes. HB-1412 was one of the more troubling legislative acts outside of the budget so far this year. Democrats, including Del. Norm Conway, sponsored this bill which will effectively destroy a Tax Revenue Cap put into effect by the voters in counties such as Wicomico. Not only does it allow for an override of the cap, if the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) budget for the Board of Education, it requires the Comptroller to withhold tax money due the county. Further, it requires the Comptroller to take the money and divert it to the local Board of Education to make up any money the county withheld from the budget. This is one incredible overreach by the state and may only serve to force some of our counties into a state of bankruptcy or never ending tax increases. It passed 92-46.
Voting Session Judiciary Committee Friday Evening
Bills voted favorably by the committee:
HB-1438, HB-1122
Regular Session Saturday
Second Reader Bills, Third Reader Bills
The most interesting bill of the day was HB-576 which deals with public-private partnerships on special projects throughout the state. The legislation itself is not problematic, it was an amendment placed on the bill which would allow it to be retroactive, including pending litigation in our courts. It seems the redevelopment project in Baltimore City at the Center has been bound up in court by folks who opposed the project. This amended bill would have allowed a direct appeal to the Court of Appeals by the plaintiffs in the case, and he amendment was proposed by a lobbyist for those who want the Center project to get moving. There was strong argument against the General Assembly being used in this fashion. It was said to be turning the state into a “Banana Republic” where the one with the money buys the justice they desire. While many were offended by the debate, they were only offended by the truth. This bill was amended to help one particular party with a case already before the court, and, no matter how you slice it, that is just plain wrong. I was so glad to be ending my week on such high note.

Media Blackout on Obama Eligibility Near-Total

Even though almost half of registered voters tell pollsters they are not convinced Barack Obama’s birth certificate is authentic – and even though the first official U.S. law enforcement investigation into the matter established “probable cause” that the document released with great fanfare by the White House last April is a computer-generated forgery – a virtual media blackout remains in effect on the most controversial story of the Obama presidency.

Even when one of several bombshell findings of Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s six-month investigation into Obama’s constitutional eligibility was rated last week by Internet ranking service Alexa.com as one of the most-read news stories in the entire world – due almost entirely to coverage by WND and the Drudge Report – not only the establishment press, but most of the “conservative” media as well, looked the other way. For example:

• Shortly after Arpaio’s March 1 press conference, a popular column discussing Obama’s eligibility to serve as president was published on Townhall.com – which bills itself as the “leading conservative and political opinion website” – but then, the column inexplicably disappeared from the site.

Titled “Sheriff Joe Exposes Forgery of Obama’s Selective Service Registration,” by Floyd and Mary Beth Brown of the Western Center For Journalism, it had been Townhall’s eighth-most-read and most-emailed column that day. Then suddenly it was gone – and WND’s requests for comment failed to elicit any explanation from Townhall.

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Trooper’s Arrest Suspects For C.D.S /Firearms Violations

DATE & TIME: 03/24/2012
C C. CARD NUMBER: 1254001962

LOCATION: RT 12 Snow Hill Rd @ RT 13 Bypass Salisbury, Wicomico County, Maryland

BRIEF RESUME:

On the previously listed date at approximately 2152 hours Troopers of the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack were dispatched to the area of RT 12 Snow Hill Rd and RT 13 Bypass in reference to a reported single vehicle collision. While Troopers were en route to the scene, the MSP Salisbury Barrack received reports that the driver of the vehicle was attempting to flee the scene on foot and a physical description was broadcasted for the driver. Responding Troopers located the suspected driver up the road from the crash and believed him to be under the influence of alcohol. While being detained a clear plastic baggie containing suspected powder Cocaine was found to be lying at the feet of the suspect prior to being searched. The baggie was observed to be dry as the ground was wet from rain.

The driver was identified as Maurice Lawrence Ruarke and was found to be Under the Influence of Alcohol. Ruarke was placed under arrest and refused all tests. Ruarke was charged for the possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance Cocaine, and possession of CDS Parpahernalia as well as several traffic charges and transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center where he was later seen by the Wicomico County District Court Commissioner.

TOTAL CDS / CURRENCY SEIZED: 9.4g suspected powder Cocaine/ including package

SUSPECTS: *Maurice Lawrence Ruarke, W/M, 10/03/1962
1412 WestChester St Salisbury, Wicomico County, MD

Scholarship Fundraiser For The Fruitland Chamber Of Commerce

Think Spring Basket!

The basket is filled with Gift cards from, University Tire, Uno's, Chef Stewart, Luckystar, Kitty's Flowers, 31's newest Pocketbook out with shoulder strap, 4 tickets, bobblehead and hat from Shorebirds, this is just a few of the items in the basket. There are many many more.

Tickets are $5.00 a piece or a book of five for $20.00. All proceeds go to the scholarship fund. For tickets, contact, Dizzy at ADAMS RIBS FROM 11 TIL 5 MONDAY THRU FRIDAY.

Tickets will also be sold at the Fruitland Easter Parade on Saturday, March 31st and at the Fruitland Little League Field on the day of the drawing which is April 14th.

Another Business Has Left Salisbury

Twin Brothers' Animal Cruelty Retrial Begins Again

Baltimore City Circuit Judge Emanuel Brown will decide whether a jury can see a police surveillance video that prosecutors say ties twin brothers Travers and Tremayne Johnson to a pit bull that was set on fire in 2009.

The second trial in the animal cruelty case opened Friday with a series of requests by the brothers' defense attorneys for Brown to throw out key pieces of the prosecution's evidence, including the video and a gas can.

Brown held off ruling on the motions until at least Monday, when the trial continues. Jury selection could begin then.

The brothers, now 20, are accused of covering a young female pit bull, later named Phoenix by rescue workers, with an accelerant and setting her ablaze in West Baltimore. The dog was euthanized days later.

The video was a sticking point in the previous trial, which ended last year with a hung jury. The jurors deliberated for three days, but a police sergeant's narration of the silent video, recorded from a surveillance camera on a utility pole, wasn't enough to convince one of the 12 jurors of the brothers' guilt. The 35-minute video captures portions of the event, the prosecution says.

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Press Release & Public Notice

THREE MORE ELECTION REDISTRICTING PUBLIC FORUMS REMAIN ON SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL SCHEDULE

The Salisbury City Council reminds the public that there are still opportunities to participate in public forums on the election redistricting effort the City is undertaking for its local elections, as a result of the changes in city population reported by the 2010 Census. The Mayor hosted one such meeting in February, and the Council has held two so far in March.

The next meetings for public participation as Salisbury locations are:

Tuesday, March 27, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. – Harvest Baptist Church, corner of South Boulevard and Eastern Shore Drive

Thursday, March 29, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. – Fire Station #16 Training Room, Cypress Street

Monday, April 2, 2012 – 12:30 p.m. – Council Chambers (Room 301) of the Government Office Building, 125 North Division Street.

The public will learn about redistricting principles, may ask questions, can look at statistic-driven maps and provide information and feedback to the council about their neighborhoods (e.g., geographic boundaries, cohesiveness based on economics, race, shared interests, cultures or other factors, etc.)

Comments or questions may also be submitted to all City Council members via email, ALLCityCouncilMembers@ci.salisbury.md.us, or by mail to Salisbury City Council Members, 125 N. Division St., Salisbury, MD 21801. For more information, contact Kim Nichols in the City Clerk’s office’s at (410) 548-3140.

ND RECEIVES $106 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO PROVIDE MORE CARE IN COMMUNITY SETTINGS

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown today joined Maryland’s Congressional Delegation and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in announcing that Maryland has been awarded more than $106 million in federal grant funding to further efforts to provide long term care in community based settings rather than in institutions. The State Balancing Incentive Payment Program Grant, authorized under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), was designed to help states transform their long-term care systems. The competitive grant award increases the amount of federal matching funds received for each state dollar invested toward non-institutional long-term supports and services. Maryland is only the second state to win a grant award under the program.

“As a result of these additional grant funds, more of our seniors and people with disabilities will have the ability to stay in their homes, near their loved ones, rather than in institutions,” said Governor O’Malley. “Thanks to President Obama and our Congressional Delegation, the Affordable Care Act has helped states reform their health care systems to reduce costs, protect choice, and help provide quality, affordable health care for more of our fellow citizens.”

“The Affordable Care Act continues to provide Maryland with the tools and resources we need to improve health care throughout our State,” said Lt. Governor Brown, Co-Chair of the Maryland Health Care Reform Coordinating Council. “These critical funds will boost our efforts to expand access to community-based care so more Marylanders can remain in their homes and communities while enjoying a higher quality of life.”

“I believe that honor thy father and mother isn’t just a good commandment to live by, it’s good policy to govern by. This program maintains our commitment to seniors so that they can continue to get the care and support they need in their own homes and communities,” said Senator Mikulski, a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee that passed the Affordable Care Act. “Thanks to what we accomplished with health care reform, quality and affordable care is becoming a reality for families across Maryland. I am proud to put funds in the federal checkbook so that Maryland’s commitment to community-based care is met dollar-for-dollar with federal support.”

“Keeping seniors as independent as possible for as long as possible is an important goal and this grant, which is made possible by the Affordable Care Act, will ensure that seniors receive long-term care services at home or in community-based settings,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. “I am a big champion of expanding community-based health care services and this federal grant will help us make that possible.”

The grant award is an integral component of a broad state approach to expand community-based care. Other aspects of the state approach include new investments to transition individuals from nursing homes to the community, adoption of a better screening tool to identify people who need services, and formation of a new consumer council. All of this supports the state’s ongoing efforts to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act mandate to provide services to individuals in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.

“We have a responsibility to transform our long term care system into one that allows as many individuals as possible receive services in home and community-based settings, and this additional federal funding will help us as we continue our efforts to fulfill that important responsibility,” said Charles J. Milligan, Deputy Secretary for Health Care Financing at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

More information about Long Term Care in Maryland and the state’s efforts to reform the system to provide more services and supports in the community can be found at http://mmcp.dhmh.maryland.gov/longtermcare/SitePages/Home.aspx. More information about the CMS State Balancing Incentive Payment can be found at http://www.medicaid.gov/AffordableCareAct/Provisions/Community-Based-Long-Term-Services-and-Supports.html.

Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown, Maryland has implemented reforms that have expanded health coverage to more than 300,000 Marylanders, nearly half of them children. With the passage of this year’s budget, the number of Marylander’s with health care coverage could reach 400,000.

Governor O’Malley AND LT. GOVERNOR BROWN ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown today issued the following statement on the anniversary of the Affordable Care Act:

“Two years ago today, President Obama had the courage and the foresight to take an important step forward, and our nation is now poised to help millions of American families and small businesses and their employees gain access to high-quality, affordable health care coverage.

“In Maryland, we’ve extended coverage to over 300,000 of our fellow citizens, half of them children, because we've chosen together to invest in health care. We are moving forward with implementation of the Affordable Care Act to strengthen coverage, improve health, and support our competitiveness in the global economy. The day after the Affordable Care Act became law, we established the Health Care Reform Coordinating Council to oversee federal reform in Maryland, and today, our State is recognized as a national leader for our efforts to build Maryland’s Health Benefit Exchange, and find new and innovative ways to deliver quality, affordable health care to more of our citizens.

“As we continue the conversation about the Affordable Care Act, from our nation’s kitchen tables to the Supreme Court, we must ask ourselves what is the cost of inaction? When a small business is paying another 15, 17 or 20 percent annually every year for health insurance, how many fewer employees can they employ? What are the dollars that might have gone into expanding markets for their product or for their services? What are the opportunity costs for our families when a mom or dad has to choose between whether kids have a roof over their head, food on the table or health care?

“Together, we must build that stronger America we all carry in our hearts by making better health care choices for our families and children.”

This session, under Lt. Governor Brown’s leadership, the Administration is working to pass the Health Benefit Exchange Act of 2012 to support the successful operation of the Exchange and the Maryland Health Improvement and Disparities Reduction Act of 2012 to reduce health care disparities in Maryland.

Easter Spending Expected to Soar Past $16B This Year

Along with his counterparts, Santa Claus and Cupid, the Easter Bunny will do his share to contribute to the U.S. economy this year.

A new survey by the National Retail Federation shows Americans will shell out more than $145 each this year on everything from clothing to candy and decorations for Easter. That number is up 11 percent from last year.

Tough economic times won't keep the Easter bunny away this spring.

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Fruitland Police Department Press Releases 3-26-12

DATE & TIME: March 19-20, 2012

INCIDENT: Theft / Assault(x’s2)/ False Imprisonment

LOCATION: Throughout Fruitland

CASE NO.: 2012-0373 and 0378

PERSON CHARGED: Andrew R Parsons Age 45

ADDRESS: Fruitland, Maryland

CHARGES: Assault 2nd Degree(x’s2)
Assault 1st Degree
Reckless Endangerment
False Imprisonment
Theft under $100
Telephone Misuse
Malicious Destruction of Property

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking

SYNOPSIS: Between the dates of March 19th and 20th 2012, Fruitland Police had learned that the above named suspect had been involved in a series of crimes. On March 20, 2012 Officers located the suspect and arrested him after a shoplifting incident at the Wine Rack. That investigation led to Officers learning that on the previous evening, the suspect had assaulted two women and had caused visible injuries to both. The suspect was reported to have prevented one of the women from leaving a residence and to have attempted to smother her with a sofa cushion while destroying her cell phone. Additionally, Officers learned that the suspect had left threatening messages on another female’s voice mail after assaulting her. The suspect was arrested and transported to WCDC and was served with additional warrants later that day.

DATE & TIME: March22, 2012 @ 1418 hours

INCIDENT: Marijuana Possession

LOCATION: E. Cedar @ Morris

CASE NO.: 2012-0384

PERSON CHARGED: Elmer L. White Age 18

ADDRESS: Marion Station, Maryland

CHARGES: Possession of Marijuana

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking

SYNOPSIS: On the above date and time a Fruitland Officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in which the above named suspect was a passenger. The officer became aware that the vehicle occupants were behaving in a very suspicious manner and requested assistance from the Fruitland Police K-9 Unit. The K-9 handler observed the K-9 to alert positively at the vehicle for the odor of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and upon further conversation with the passengers, an officer noticed the suspect to be mumbling and sweating profusely. The suspect was discovered to be attempting to eat a quantity of suspected Marijuana. The suspect was arrested and transported to WCDC without further incident.

Battle Over Obama Health Law Reaches High Court

The monumental fight over a health care law that touches all Americans and divides them sharply comes before the Supreme Court on Monday. The justices will decide whether to kill or keep the largest expansion in the nation's social safety net in more than four decades.

Two years and three days after President Barack Obama signed into law a health care overhaul aimed at extending medical insurance to more than 30 million Americans, the high court begins three days of hearings over the law's validity.

The challenge from 26 states and a small business group puts the court smack in the middle of a heavily partisan fight over the president's major domestic accomplishment and a presidential election campaign in which all his Republican challengers oppose the law.

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Rep. Andy Harris, M.D., Statement On The Two-Year Anniversary Of President Obama's Health Care Law

Rep. Andy Harris, M.D., released the following statement regarding the second anniversary of President Obama’s health care law:

“Two years ago, President Obama and Nancy Pelosi claimed that Obamacare would lower health care costs and immediately create 400,000 jobs. All it has actually done is raise health care premiums by over $2,000 and, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, potentially reduce the labor supply by 800,000 jobs, as a result of additional new taxes on business. The House voted to repeal the President’s Medicare rationing board –the IPAB- this week, but we must continue to be committed to repealing all of the dangerous and costly Obamacare law.”

3.1-Magnitude Quake Hits Same Va. Town 7 Months Later

WASHINGTON - A magnitude 3.1 earthquake struck just outside Mineral, Va. late Sunday night.

WTOP listeners say they felt the earthquake in Orange and Spotsylvania counties.

Lamont James was watching TV with his wife in their home in Spotsylvania County when they felt the shaking.

"Me and my wife, we felt the house shaking, so I went outside and I saw my neighbor and he came out and said ‘Hey did you feel that?' I said ‘Yes I felt that too' and I said ‘Oh my god, here we go, another earthquake again,'" he says.

"In comparison to the earthquake we had last summer, it felt like the tremor we had that evening and then again the next day," he says.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports the earthquake struck a little after 11:21 p.m. Sunday, just eight miles from Mineral, which is about 85 miles south of the District.

There are no reports of damage.

A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck the same area on Aug. 23, 2011.

WTOP will bring you more details as they become available.

Source

Lewes Family Arrested For Growing Marijuana

Location: 20000 block of Waterview Road, Lewes, DE

Date of Occurrence: Thursday March 22, 2012 at approximately 8:15 a.m.

Defendant, Charges, and Bail Information:
Brian M. Cini, 50, Lewes, DE
Manufacturing a Controlled Substance
Maintaining a Drug Property
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Arraigned at JP and released on $7,500.00 unsecured bond

Kathleen Cini, 49, Lewes, DE
Manufacturing a Controlled Substance
Maintaining a Drug Property
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Arraigned at JP and released on $7,500.00 unsecured bond

Kerstie Cini, 20, Lewes, DE (No Photo Available)
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Released on a Criminal Summons

Resume:
Lewes, DE- The Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit has arrested members of a Lewes family after the culmination of a several month long investigation into manufacturing marijuana in their house.

On Thursday, March 22, 2012, at approximately 8:15 a.m., the Sussex County Drug Unit, with the assistance of the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, executed a search warrant at a residence in the 20000 block of Waterview Road, Lewes.

Brian Cini, Kathleen Cini, and Kerstie Cini were all taken into custody at the residence. During the execution of the search warrant, detectives located 94 marijuana plants in various stages of growth totaling more than 4,300 grams, electronic manufacturing and indoor growing equipment, documents, and drug paraphernalia.

Brian Cini and Kathleen Cini were both charged with Manufacturing a Controlled Substance, Maintaining a Drug Property, Conspiracy 2nd, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. They were arraigned at JP2 and released on $7,500.00 unsecured bond.

Kerstie Cini was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and was released on a criminal summons.

Woman Arrested On Embezzlement Charges

Location: Westwood Farms Inc., 21906 Esham Lane, Millsboro, DE

Date of Occurrence: Between August 25, 2009 and August 19, 2011

Victim: Westwood Farms Inc.

Defendant, Charges, and Bail Information:

Valerie D. Onley, 41, of Salisbury, MD (Photo Attached)
Theft over $100,000.00
Theft over $50,000.00 but less than $100,000.00 (2 counts)
Theft over $1,500.00 (25 counts)
Unlawful Use of a Credit Card (6 counts)
Conspiracy 2nd
Falsifying Business Records (26 counts)
Failure to Pay Delaware State Taxes (2 counts)

Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institute on $24,500.00 secured bail.

Suspect and Charges:

James A. Onley Jr., 41, of Salisbury, MD (No Photo Available)
Theft over $100,000.00
Theft over $50,000.00 but less than $100,000.00 (2 counts)
Theft over $1,500.00 (25 counts)
Unlawful Use of a Credit Card (6 counts)
Conspiracy 2nd
Falsifying Business Records (26 counts)
Failure to Pay Delaware State Taxes (2 counts)

To be charged upon his return to Delaware.


Resume:
Millsboro, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Salisbury woman after she embezzled more than $400,000.00.

Valerie D. Onley, 41, was employed with Westwood Farms Inc., in Millsboro since September of 2008 where she was a bookkeeper. Between August of 2009 and August of 2011, she was the primary person in charge of payroll, paying bills, and all finances. She then began to steal money from the company by writing checks to herself and her husband, using business credit cards for personal purchases, and using the company funds to pay her personal bills. In all, the theft totaled more than $400,000.00.

Her husband, James A. Onley Jr. is also charged with the above offenses, due to him cashing over $20,000 worth of checks that were written to him on the business account. James is currently incarcerated in Maryland on an unrelated matter and will be processed on the charges upon his return to Delaware.

Valerie was arraigned at JP3 on the above charges and committed to Delores J. Baylor Correctional Institute on $24,500.00 secured bail.