UPDATE: More Charges Filed Following Multi-County Theft Investigation
UPDATE: More charges have been filed, a second arrest has been made, and stolen property has been recovered following a multi-county theft investigation.
Deputies have arrested 57-year-old Mark Jones on four counts of theft valued between $100 and $1,500, one count of conspiracy to commit theft, and one count of possessing a non-cannabis controlled substance. He was previously arrested and released on bond on Jul. 17, but is now being held without bond.
Deputies also arrested 55-year-old Shawn Joseph Simon on charges on six counts of theft valued between $100 and $1,500 and two counts of theft scheme. He was arraigned and released on a $5,000 unsecured personal bond.
On Jul. 22, detectives received information that Jones had removed his court-ordered GPS ankle monitor while wanted on an active arrest warrant. Later that day, Jones was apprehended by members of the Joint Community Action Team and transferred to the custody of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. Additional narcotics were recovered during his arrest, and he was
subsequently charged and committed to the Wicomico County Detention Center.
During their investigation, detectives also obtained an arrest warrant for Simon for multiple alleged theft and theft scheme offenses. Shortly thereafter, Lowe’s Asset Protection reported that Simon had allegedly stolen four air conditioning units from the North Salisbury Lowe’s before fleeing in a vehicle displaying switched registration plates. Detectives located the vehicle shortly after and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle before taking Simon into custody. The driver of the vehicle was also arrested after detectives located suspected cocaine in his possession.
During the traffic stop, detectives observed numerous stolen items that were seized following the execution of a search warrant. Detectives also searched a residence in Salisbury connected to their investigation, recovering suspected heroin, controlled dangerous substances, drug distribution and manufacturing equipment, and numerous items of suspected stolen property, including tools, clothing, shoes, jewelry, and household items.
Detectives later recovered all four stolen air conditioning units and returned them as evidence after confirming they were the same units stolen from Lowe’s. A subsequent search warrant executed on the suspect vehicle also resulted in the recovery of additional merchandise believed to be connected to other theft investigations. Authorities say Simon was later re-arrested after additional warrants were obtained as the investigation continued. Detectives anticipate additional charges and arrests as investigators work to identify victims and recover additional stolen property.
Anyone with information regarding this theft ring or any related criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891.
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.
This article was originally posted on Jul. 21 at 2:53 p.m.
