Resort police continue to investigate burglary ring
CHRISTINE CULLEN n Staff Writer
(Jan. 29, 2010) Worcester County law enforcement agencies have broken up a burglary ring in the Ocean City area, leading to the arrest of nine people.
Police have identified at least 29 residences that were burglarized and have recovered around a dozen stolen televisions, DVD players and other items. But police still hope to recover more stolen items, including up to 25 more televisions, and are prepared to offer amnesty from prosecution for people not involved in the burglaries who come forward with information.
The operation began as a narcotics investigation by the Ocean City Police Department into the illegal sale of Oxycodone in November 2009. A burglary investigation involving the same suspects began in early January when an undercover detective bought two stolen flatscreen televisions and two stolen DVD players, linking the suspects to burglaries in the area.
The investigation involved the OCPD, Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, Worcester County criminal enforcement team, Worcester County STAR team (also known as a SWAT team), and the Maryland State Police drug task force. Police recovered seven stolen televisions, numerous personal electronic devices, a firearm and more than $3,000.
Resort police arrested three men in connection with a string of burglaries in the Ocean City area and recovered numerous items of stolen property, including televisions and other electronic devices, above. PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
On Jan. 19 and 20, Ocean City police arrested three men they said were involved in the burglaries and drug sales.
Shawn Barry White Jr., 22, of Berlin, was charged with 18 counts of firstdegree burglary, three counts of misdemeanor theft and one count each of drug possession, drug distribution and purchasing a non-controlled dangerous substance. Christopher Tyler Kreppel, 24, of Ocean City, was charged with 13 counts of first-degree burglary and one count each of misdemeanor theft, drug distribution and purchasing a non-controlled dangerous substance. David Lee Powell, 21, of Berlin, was charged with 18 counts of first-degree burglary and three counts of misdemeanor theft.
White and Kreppel were held at the Worcester County Jail on $200,000 bonds and Powell was held on a $250,000 bond.
The drug investigation continued alongside the burglary investigation, and police arrested six more people on drug charges. Gary Lee Montgomery Jr., 33, of Bishopville, Jerry Lee Gully Jr., 23, of Pittsville, Michael Alan Cooper, 25, of Ocean City, Shawna Nowell Williams, 19, of Berlin, Justin Matthew Caple, 21, of Rawlings, Md., and Michael Anthony Gates, 21, of Bishopville, all received drug possession or distribution charges.
Williams was held on a $250,000 bond. The rest of the suspects were released pending trial.
So far, the items police have recovered were found at homes in Berlin and West Ocean City. Police believe other stolen items might have been sold or traded for drugs and could still be in the community.
Investigators continue to pursue leads and hope to recover more stolen property. The OCPD, with the approval of the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office, is prepared to grant amnesty from prosecution to people not involved in the burglaries who come forward by Feb 14.
Anyone found in possession of stolen property that does not come forward will be prosecuted, police said.
Anyone with information regarding the burglaries or stolen items can contact OCPD Det. Brett Cast at 410-723-6632 or can bring the items to the police station on 65th Street.
