OC man charged in two burglaries, also facing marijuana manufacturing offenses

An Ocean City man is facing burglary, and drug charges, after Police say several marijuana plants were found during his arrest.

Ocean City Police say on December 23 around 1:50 PM, Officers responded to a restaurant at Jamestown Road and Coastal Highway, for reports of a burglary that had happened earlier that day. According to the report, video surveillance showed that a man had gone into the cooler at the back of the restaurant, and stole alcohol, energy drinks and meat. During the investigation, the suspect was apparently identified as 40-year-old Thomas Palenchar, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On December 24, Officers responded to another report of a burglary, this time at a Jewish center at 137th Street and Coastal Highway. Police say the suspect broke a window, and made their way into the building, before damaging and stealing numerous religious items.

Later that day, around 1:00 PM, Officers went to a home on Captain Quarters Road to serve the warrant on Palenchar for the restaurant burglary, where they noticed numerous items stolen from the Jewish center. There were also apparently over 35 marijuana plants, and marijuana that had previously been harvested, inside of the home.

Police say they have now charged Palenchar with second degree burglary, two counts of fourth degree burglary, theft of greater than $1,000, two counts of theft less than $1,000, malicious destruction of property, manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana.

He is now behind bars at the Worcester County Jail on a $100,000 bond, after being seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner.