UPDATE: DSP Investigating Former Showell Elem. Teacher and OCPD Corporal
UPDATE: The Ocean City Police Department has clarified details of an officer’s suspension following an investigation launched by the Delaware State Police (DSP) into him and his wife.
The department says Corporal Benjamin Berry was initially placed on leave with pay at the beginning of June for an “unrelated internal matter.” Upon learning of DSP’s investigation last week, OCPD says they opened a second administrative investigation.
In accordance with policies related to an officer being placed on administrative leave, Berry’s police powers are suspended, along with access to law enforcement databases and access to the Public Safety Building.
“The Ocean City Police Department takes this matter seriously,” the department said in a message on social media. “We will continue to assist the Delaware State Police with their investigation as needed, along with continuing our two administrative investigations.”
Corporal Benjamin Berry served as a seasonal police officer in 2008 and 2009, before being hired full-time as a police officer in 2012. Prior to being placed on administrative leave, Berry was assigned to the Patrol Division.
WMDT will continue to update this story as details are made available.
WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. – The Worcester County Board of Education has fired a Showell Elementary School teacher following allegations made online.
Worcester County Public Schools tells WMDT that special education teacher Kimberly Berry’s employment was terminated by the school district at its regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Jul. 14. The Board also confirmed to WMDT they are aware of an ongoing law enforcement investigation, however, they will not be commenting further on personnel matters at this time.
Additionally, WMDT has confirmed that Berry’s husband, Corporal Benjamin Berry with the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD), has been placed on administrative leave due to his involvement in an investigation being handled by the Delaware State Police (DSP). The department said they are prepared to plan to assist DSP as needed.
Corporal Berry has served the OCPD for more than seven years, and notably received a Meritorious Service Commendation in 2021.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, DSP confirmed to WMDT that an active investigation involving Benjamin and Kimberly Berry was launched on Monday, Jul. 13. The agency says they are unaware of any public-safety implications related to the investigation, but no further information will be confirmed at this time.
This article was originally published on Jul. 14 at 5:35 p.m.
