Showing posts with label . local news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label . local news. Show all posts

Friday, July 31, 2015

Complaint Filed..

(wboc.com)

ACLU Says Reporters Barred From Pocomoke Council Meeting

Posted: Jul 31, 2015 2:17 PM EDTUpdated: Jul 31, 2015 2:57 PM EDT


POCOMOKE CITY, Md. (AP/WBOC)- The American Civil
Liberties Union of Maryland says reporters were illegally
barred from a Pocomoke City council meeting during 
which the recent firing of the city's police chief was 
discussed.

  
In a complaint filed Friday with the Maryland Open 
Meetings Compliance Board, the ACLU says city
officials violated both the state's Open Meetings Act and 
the First Amendment in excluding reporters from the
meeting.

"The Pocomoke City Council is undeniably a public body
under the OPA, and the Act defines 'open session' to 
mean open to all meaning both the public and the 
press," the complaint says. "Not only is this true under 
the Open Meetings Act, it is true under the U.S. 
Constitution: The First Amendment guarantees that the 
press and the public enjoy equal access to government 
information and proceedings, including Town Council 
meetings, making it unconstitutional for the government
to bar reporters from meetings open to the public at 
large."

  
Pocomoke City's attorney says he is not aware of any
instructions given to police to bar reporters from 
the crowded July 13 meeting.
  
Former chief Kelvin Sewell, who is black, says he was 
fired for refusing to terminate two other black 
officers who, like Sewell, have filed job discrimination 
complaints.

  
City officials emphatically deny that Sewell was ousted
because he refused to fire the two officers.

WBOC Reports On Rally For Mayor..

(wboc.com)

Rally Held in Support of Embattled Pocomoke City Mayor

Posted: Jul 30, 2015 10:19 PM EDT
By Nicole Edenedo

POCOMOKE CITY, Md. -- A rally held in support of Pocomoke City's mayor and council Thursday night produced about 100 signatures pledging support for the city's leadership after some in the community have called for the mayor's resignation. 

It's been nearly a month since a personnel issue sparked a firestorm in Maryland's "friendliest town."

Mayor Bruce Morrison has been in the eye of that storm fending off allegations of incompetence, corruption and racial discrimination.

In June, former police chief Kelvin Sewell was terminated by the city council with the mayor's approval. Sewell's attorney told WBOC his termination was allegedly racially motivated. Some residents have been calling for the mayor's resignation.

Until now Morrison has not appeared on camera for WBOC. But at Thursday night's rally, the mayor had his chance to finally speak out.

"It's been very very hard for our family," said Morrison. "You know, to be accused of something.

 I'm not...I've always been a friendly person. I've been a good mayor," the mayor said.

And that's how the rally's supporters say they feel as well.

The rally's organizer Robert Cowger says this isn't just about Morrison.

"It's to show that the residents of this town believe in the entire mayor and council," said Cowger. "The mayor doesn't really make the decisions. The council is the one that makes the decisions. He just follows through after the decisions are made from the council."

Morrison has been asked to resign by a group that formed in the wake of the police chief controversy called "Citizens for a Better Pocomoke." But Morrison says he will not resign.

Morrison says he stands firm in his belief that the town's issues can be resolved through open  discussions.

"It's what good for our whole town and that's what I want to see. I want to see this thing fixed and I want to see us to move forward," said Morrison.

Cowger says the media's portrayal of Pocomoke City as a town in the throes of racial tension and discrimination is not true.

"This town's title is the friendliest town and you know we don't have those kinds of issues and  stuff down here," said Cowger. "And to try to turn that into that and make it into national news, it's just nogt right."

Cowger says the letters of support have about 100 signatures.

The letters of support will be presented at the next city council meeting on Monday August 3rd  in Pocomoke City.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Pocomoke Petitioners..

(wboc.com)

Petition for Pocomoke Mayor's Resignation Temporarily Recalled

Posted: Jul 24, 2015 10:23 PM EDT

POCOMOKE CITY, Md. -- A petition calling for Pocomoke City's mayor to resign has been recalled temporarily by the group that requested it.
The Citizens for a better Pocomoke held a press conference Friday night at the House of Love Christian Center to officially call for Mayor Bruce Morrison's resignation.
Reverend James Jones, a spokesperson for the group, says the petition will be revised and released early next week.
WBOC also spoke to Mayor Morrison earlier today who says allegations of corruption and incompetence against him are false.
Morrison says he is not prepared to resign.
But Morrison and the group's leaders say they are willing to talk about a resolution.
"I would be willing to sit down with the mayor at any given time," said Jones. "We just want honesty. When he speaks, we want him to be straightforward and honest with us."
Mayor Morrison has declined to go on camera with WBOC but he did give a statement Friday about former police chief Kelvin Sewell, who was fired by the council weeks ago and prompted the group's formation. 
Morrison says the "chief works at the pleasure of the council," the decision was made by the council and the council acts on behalf of the people in Pocomoke City.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Pocomoke Remains In The News..

(wboc.com)

Some Pocomoke Residents Call For Mayor's Resignation, He Tells WBOC He's Staying

Posted: Jul 23, 2015 7:39 PM EDT
POCOMOKE, Md.-  It's been a few weeks since the Pocomoke City Council voted to remove their police chief.  Ever since that sudden announcement, supporters of Kelvin Sewell have rallied behind the chief.
The matter even caught the attention of the justice department, who this week was in town looking into the situation.  The group who has been pushing for the chief's reinstatement is now calling for the mayor's resignation.
It's been a turbulent few weeks in Pocomoke.  A group calling themselves "Citizens for a Better Pocomoke" are petitioning for the mayor's resignation.
"He should be gone, because he got rid of the chief without letting us know what what and why, and because he has his own agenda.  He is an elected official, he speaks for us, and right now, he's not," Michelle Lucas said.
In a statement to WBOC, Mayor Bruce Morrison said:

"I became involved 11 years ago to make positive influence in our community, I believe I've done that successfully.  It's been a very unfortunate and an inaccurate deception of Pocomoke City that is being presented right now.  I have every confidence that we will weather the storm.  I intend to work with all the residents of pocomoke city for a positive outcome.  I have no intention of resigning of mayor of Pocomoke City at this time."
Not everyone though believes the chief should resign.  Long time residents like Marc Scher say Mayor Morrison has been good for Pocomoke.
"He should definitely stay, I feel he has worked really hard, he takes pride in the job he's done, and definitely I think he should stay," said Scher.
"It's important that he stay because he's concerned about Pocomoke, he loves Pocomoke, he's lived here all of his life, and we need a good man representing Pocomoke like he does," said Joanne Lusby.
But others say by getting rid of the mayor, the chief may be able to come back.
"Get rid of the mayor.  Because he has not been honest.  He's a liar.  He did not give the community no explanation, he wanted to do what he wanted to do.  if we stick together as a community, we can get our chief back," said Michelle Kellam-Brown.
The group behind this petition to remove the mayor would not speak to us on camera today.  They intend to formally announce the petition Friday evening in Pocomoke City.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Department Of Justice Visits Pocomoke City..


A local news outlet's article reports on the 

purpose of a current visit to Pocomoke City by 

members of The Department of Justice 

Community Relations Service Division. 

http://www.wboc.com/story/29611314/department-of-justice-in-pocomoke-city

Susan Pusey Services Scheduled..


(delaware 1059.com)

 A Celebration of Susan's life will be held on 

Thursday starting at 11 a.m. at Pocomoke High

School; the doors will open at 10 a.m. for 

seating. Pusey's son Trever will lead the service

and arrangements have been made for several 

speakers to share their memories from Susan's

life.


Following Thursday's service, there will be a 


"Field Hockey Welcome Home Champions 

Parade"  from the high school, through town to

the draw bridge, similar to the many Susan 

experienced in her coaching career, but in the

opposite direction as we send Susan off to her

Championship into eternal life. 



In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can 

be made to the Pocomoke High School, c/o

Annette Wallace, 1817 Old Virginia Road,

Pocomoke City, MD 21851 for the support of 

the field hockey program. 


Sunday, July 19, 2015

Pocomoke Coach Dies..

Local news media Sunday afternoon was reporting the sudden passing of Pocomoke High School field hockey coach Susan Pusey.

A WBOC report stated she died of a blood clot and that her family stated she had undergone knee surgery on Friday.

See more at:
http://www.wboc.com/story/29582788/community-mourns-loss-of-beloved-pocomoke-coach-susan-pusey

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Support For Former Chief

(wboc.com)

Rally Held to Reinstate Former Pocomoke City Police Chief

Posted: Jul 13, 2015 10:59 PM EDT    By Maxine Bentzel

Sewell was let go almost two weeks ago when the council voted to terminate him in a closed session meeting. The public is now demanding answers.

Monday the community gathered with shirts and signs in support of the former Chief outside of City Hall. Dozens sat in on the council meeting. 

Michele Lucas has lived in Pocomoke City for 20 years and came out to rally for the Chief’s reinstatement. 

“He’s changed the community. He's changed the way people look at law enforcement. He's made us all one team and now they're trying to take him away. I want the Chief back, and I want answers because something underhanded is going on,” said Lucas.

At the council meeting Pastor Ronnie White addressed the Mayor and Council with the communities concerns and questions. The council said they had spoke with the former chief in a meeting where they expressed concerns they had with him prior to voting to terminate him. 

They said they are under litigation and declined to elaborate on the specific reasons he was let go, but said it was not a racially based decision. They said it was performance based. 

WBOC spoke with the former Chief who said he appreciates all the support, and would like his job back in Pocomoke City.


 When you're clicking around the Internet remember to check in with The Pocomoke Public Eye.  We strive to be a worthwhile supplement to your choices.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Pocomoke City Drug Arrests

(wboc.com)

17 People Charged after Undercover Narcotic Operation in Pocomoke City

SNOW HILL, Md. – An extensive undercover operation has led to the arrest of nearly 20 drug dealers from Pocomoke City.
Undercover members of the Criminal Enforcement Team spent 4 months posing as drug users in order to gain information on the criminal syndicates responsible for the distribution of narcotics such as heroin and cocaine.
Undercover officers engaged in 73 drug transactions, all done using audio and video recording devices. From those transactions, investigators were able to bring felony drug charges against 17 individuals.  
Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison stated, "I commend the Criminal Enforcement Team for their expertise and outstanding efforts in cleaning up the streets of Pocomoke.
More than a dozen agencies are credited for assisting in taking down the seventeen individuals.  Their cases are currently pending.

Pictures at:
http://www.wboc.com/story/29537580/17-people-charged-after-undercover-narcotic-operation-in-pocomoke-city



When you're clicking around the Internet remember to check in with The Pocomoke Public Eye.  We strive to be a worthwhile supplement to your choices.

Pocomoke Race Driver Update

(delaware online.com , The News Journal)
A drag-race driver survived a high-speed crash into trees Friday at a Sussex County dragway, state police said Sunday.
The crash occurred about 7:20 p.m. Friday at the U.S. 13 Dragway/Delaware International Speedway off Sussex Highway (U.S. 13) just north of Delmar, where a 1970 Chevy Chevelle went into trees at the end of the drag strip, Master Cpl. Gary E. Fournier said.
The 66-year-old driver from Pocomoke, Maryland, was removed from the wreckage by emergency medical services, Fournier said. A Delaware State Police medevac helicopter airlifted him to Christiana Hospital, Fournier said, noting that his injuries are not life-threatening. No other injuries were reported.
Details of how the crash occurred were not available.
Driver Carlton Mason suffered a severe break on his left arm and hand, a broken leg, two broken ribs, a collapsed lung and cuts on his face and arms, according to the U.S. 13 Dragway and Delaware International Speedway’s public Facebook page. The post described the crash as “horrific.”
Mason was in intensive care, but alert and talking with doctors, speedway officials posted Saturday.
“Ladies and gentlemen, whatever your beliefs are, we can say that a true act of GOD happened last night. Please pray for the Mason Family as Carlton now begins his road to recovery,” the post said. “Also we ask you for your prayers for the Russell family. Vernon Russell’s car received severe damage but the fact remains, he was safe and sound. Cars can be replaced, lives unfortunately can not be.”
The post – by Sunday showing 452 likes, 134 shares and 89 comments including many offering prayers – ended with speedway officials’ thanks to emergency personnel, track crews, the Delmar fire and police departments, as well as state police.
“These folks did an awesome job,” the speedway said. “Also, to all the racers who jumped in to help, we cannot thank you enough.”
The driver’s son, Eric, posted that words could not describe how much everyone’s concern about his father meant to him, thanking God his life was spared.
“He is doing better,” Eric Mason posted later Saturday. “Thank you all.”

When you're clicking around the Internet remember to check in with The Pocomoke Public Eye.  We strive to be a worthwhile supplement to your choices.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

(wboc.com)

Freak Crash At U-S 13 Dragway Sends Racer to the Hospital




DELMAR, DE -   Race fans witnessed a scary wreck at
the U-S 13 Dragway in Delmar on Friday night. Delaware
State Police say a 66-year-old man from Pocomoke 
was racing his Chevy Chevelle when he lost control at 
the end of the track, and hit some trees.

The driver, Carlton Mason, was airlifted to Christiana 

Medical Center and police say he was being treated for
non-life threatening injuries.




When you're clicking around the Internet remember to check in with The Pocomoke Public Eye. We strive to be a worthwhile supplement to your choices.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

INTERIM POLICE CHIEF UPDATE

Announcement from mayor Morrison- 

Maryland State Police Lt. Earl W. Starner is now Pocomoke City's interim Chief Of Police.

http://www.cityofpocomokemd.gov/_files/Interim%20COP.pdf



When you're clicking around the Internet remember to check in with The Pocomoke Public Eye.  We strive to be a worthwhile supplement to your choices.




Thursday, July 2, 2015

Interim Pocomoke City Police Chief..

(Courtesy: WGMD.com)

POCOMOKE CITY SEARCHING FOR NEW POLICE CHIEF

In Local NewsWorcester County by Mari Lou July 2, 2015
The search is on in Pocomoke for a new police chief. City officials have named 15 year Pocomoke Police Lt Brian Craven as the interim chief, but are not commenting further on the release of Chief Kelvin Sewell on Wednesday. Jonathan Taylor at Lower Eastern Shore News reports that Sewell was offered the chance to resign, but when he refused – he was fired. Pocomoke’s crime rate is currently at a 20 year all time low.
(See WBOC.com for additional coverage of the Chief Sewell story.)

CHIEF SEWELL'S SUDDEN DEPARTURE FROM OFFICE..

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

(Courtesy: WBOC.COM)

POCOMOKE CITY, Md. -- The Pocomoke City Police
Department is without a leader for the time being.

Pocomoke Mayor Bruce Morrison confirmed for WBOC 
that police chief Kelvin Sewell is no longer with the 
department.

Morrison would not specify a reason for Sewell's 
departure but did say it is a personnel matter.

In an exclusive statement made to WBOC, former chief 
Sewell says the mayor and city council voted to 
terminate his position.

Sewell says that decision came Monday night during a 
closed session meeting.

A meeting that Rev. Ronnie White of Pocomoke's House
of Love church says should not have happened without 
the public's knowledge.

"None of the citizens were informed. We never knew that
 this was going to happen. It was just like we were left
 out of the loop," said White.

The community says it's not backing down from finding 
out the truth behind Sewell's termination.

Several community leaders including Rev. White and 
Rev. James Jones are holding a town meeting Thursday
evening at 6:30pm at New Macedonia Baptist Church. 
There, the community will discuss the next steps toward 
finding answers for Sewell's termination.

Jones says the work Sewell has done for the city since 
he took office in 2010 is proof he is still needed in 
Pocomoke.

"I've done my homework as late as today. Over the last 
20 years, we are at an all time low in crime, drug 
activity," said Jones. "I mean it still happens, but it's
almost nonexistent compared to the way it's been in the
past."

Some locals including Eremine Beckwith say she's 
fearful of what Pocomoke might become without 
someone like Sewell leading by example.

"I'm fearing that we're going to end up being like down
 south. As far as police brutality, as far as the young
 black men. I fear for their life. [Sewell] has been keeping
 the town peaceful," said Beckwith.

Sewell says he does not know who will replace as police 
chief or who will be assigned as the interim police chief.

In an exclusive statement WBOC obtained, Sewell says
that he has loved protecting and serving the city of 
Pocomoke, working with the community and the city's 
youth during his tenure as chief.

Although Sewell could not comment further as to why
he's no longer with the department, he wishes the best
for the city.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

MEDIA REPORTS CHIEF SEWELL'S DEPARTURE..


Local news media Wednesday evening reported Chief Kelvin Sewell's immediate departure from the Pocomoke City Police Department. Other details were sketchy. 

Chief Kelvin Sewell


Keep check with local news media outlets for latest information.

Monday, May 18, 2015

PRESS RELEASE

From:   The Office of the State’s Attorney for Worcester County
Date:    May 18, 2015
RE:       Two Sexual Predators Found Guilty




            SNOW HILL – On May 13, 2015, Daniel Brynan Kerstetter, age 56, of Berlin, Maryland was found guilty after a jury trial of 28 counts of Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography. Mr. Kerstetter was sentenced to 10 years with all but 5 suspended in the Department of Corrections. 
               
                That same day, Gregory James Carr, age 41 of Ocean City, Maryland was also found guilty after a trial in the Circuit Court before the Honorable Thomas C. Groton, III of secretly recording his girlfriend’s minor child as the juvenile used the bathroom in his house. His bond was revoked pending a pre-sentence investigation. Mr. Carr’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but he will be required to register as a Tier I Sex Offender for the next fifteen years since the victim was under the age of 18.

               In the case against Mr. Kerstetter, members of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with The Department of Homeland Security and The Worcester County Criminal Bureau of Investigation executed a search and seizure warrant at the residence of Mr. Kerstetter following an online investigation. At his home multiple hard drives and computers were recovered with images and videos depicting minors involved in sexual acts. Judge Richard R. Bloxom of the Circuit Court for Worcester County described the images as “probably the most revolting images I have ever seen”.

                State’s Attorney for Worcester County Beau Oglesby stated “In no corner of our community will these types of detestable individuals be allowed to corrupt and victimize the most vulnerable among us. Let these cases, and the many like it that we prosecute be a reminder to those who may think that their computer screens and secret cell phone recorders keep them anonymous – you’re not, and we’re watching.”

                State’s Attorney Oglesby continued, “These victories are testament to the outstanding and tireless efforts of law enforcement.” He then offered congratulations to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, The Department of Homeland Security, The Page County Virginia Sheriff’s Office, The Child Advocacy Center and Assistant State’s Attorney Diane Cuilhe.