Salisbury Man Arrested Following Multi-County Theft Investigation
WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – The (WCSO) has arrested a Salisbury man on drug charges following the launch of multi-county theft investigation.
On Friday, Jul. 17, deputies arrested 57-year-old Mark Jones on charges of possessing a controlled dangerous substance and possessing a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute. He has since been arraigned and released on a $5,000 percentage bond. Authorities say Jones may face additional charges pending the outcome of their ongoing investigation.
Detectives took Jones into custody following a traffic stop on his vehicle after conducting surveillance at the Economy Inn in Salisbury where he was residing. WCSO began conducting surveillance on Jones after a lead investigator identified him as the primary suspect in numerous retail theft incidents targeting multiple retail businesses in Wicomico County. Investigators believe Jones then expanded his criminal activity into Sussex County, Delaware, as well as Worcester and Somerset counties in Maryland after becoming aware of law enforcement’s investigation. The total value of property believed to have been stolen remains under investigation but is currently estimated to be between $50,000 and $100,000.
On the evening of the traffic stop, detectives observed Jones exit a motel room carrying property suspected to have been stolen before entering a Chevrolet Malibu operated by another individual.
Detectives maintained surveillance as the vehicle traveled through Salisbury before conducting a lawful traffic stop. During the investigation, a WCSO K-9 conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle and positively alerted to the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search resulted in the recovery of an unspecified quantity of suspected crack cocaine consistent with distribution. Jones was taken into custody without incident.
Authorities say the driver of the vehicle was found to be in possession of suspected user quantities of crack cocaine and methamphetamine. Detectives also recovered numerous items believed to have been stolen from Walmart in Pocomoke City, Maryland. Those items have been seized pending confirmation from the retailer regarding ownership and the circumstances of the theft.
Following the traffic stop, investigators conducted a consensual search of the motel room where Jones had been staying. Additional occupants of the room fully cooperated with detectives, and no additional property believed to be connected to the theft investigation was located.
WCSO says their investigation remains active and involves coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies and retail partners. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact the WCSO Criminal Investigation Division at (410) 548-4891.
