Cops gang up on crime and round up suspects, guns and drugs
(FEDERALSBURG, MD) – Maryland State Police spokesman Greg Shipley reports that crime in the small town of Federalsburg was dealt a blow, at least for a few days. Anything that cuts down on the drug dealing that apparently has fueled two murders in recent months would be a relief to those who wonder what has happened to small-town life in the region.
Police say that a multi-jurisdictional, focused, crime initiative in Caroline County on Dec. 15, 2014 resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of guns and drugs. On Monday, December 15, 2014, a combined team of state, county, and municipal police conducted a crime suppression operation throughout the Federalsburg area.
Police used undercover officers, surveillances, traffic stops, citizen information, and other techniques to target criminal activities. All four arrested suspects are from Federalsburg, Md.
Dwayne L. Elliott, Sr., 30, was charged with possession of a handgun on his person, possession of a handgun in a vehicle, possession of a drug not marijuana, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, illegal possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, and theft less than $1,000. He was held on $50,000 bond.
Shandra D. Beulah, 24, was charged with possession of a drug not marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released on her recognizance.
Gerald S. L. Benton, 31, was charged with four counts of possession of a drug not marijuana, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal possession of a firearm. He was released on $15,000 unsecured bond.
Jeremy S. Benton, 35, was charged with three counts of possession of a drug not marijuana, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal possession of a firearm. He was released on $15,000 unsecured bond. In addition to the four arrests, police recovered guns and drugs during the operation. The guns included a Ruger 9mm pistol and a Benelli 12-gauge shotgun.
On May 13, 2010, Gerald Spencer Lee Benton, of 24314 Richardson Road, Federalsburg, Md., was charged with various drug distribution charges in Caroline County Circuit Court. While he awaited trial, he didn’t need to post bail as he was released on personal recognizance. On Nov. 4, 2010, Benton worked a plea deal with States Attorney Jonathan Newell and on the charge of manufacturing drugs, he was sentenced to one year in jail with the entire term suspended and put on probation for eighteen months. No fine was assessed against him. All other counts were dropped by the States Attorney. Court records show that on April 11, 2012 Parole and Probation reported to the court that Benton had violated the terms of his probation.
Police recovered small quantities of marijuana, Percocet, tramadol, heroin, buprenorphine, “molly,” methadone, and suboxone.
Police involved in Monday’s initiative included the Maryland State Police Gang Enforcement Unit, Firearms Enforcement Unit, and Easton Barrack. Allied law enforcement officers included the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, the Caroline County Narcotics Task Force, and the Federalsburg Police Department.
Eastern Shore Police Beat: What gives about crime in the sleepy little town of Federalsburg? Cops gang up on crime and round up suspects, guns and drugs (FEDERALSBURG, MD) – Maryland State Police spokesman Greg Shipley reports that crime in the small town of Federalsburg was dealt a blow, at least for a few days. Anything that cuts down on the drug dealing that apparently has fueled two murders in recent months would be a relief to those who wonder what has happened to small-town life in the region.
