Frederica Couple Arrested Following Multi-Dept. Drug Investigation
MILFORD, Del. – The Milford Police Department arrested a Frederica couple last week following a joint investigation with the Delaware State Police Kent County Governor’s Task Force.
The investigation surrounded the suspected sale of illicit drugs by 30-year-old Maurice Parker. Around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4, detectives located Parker in a Jeep Grand Cherokee in the Walmart parking lot, located on North DuPont Boulevard. When detectives contacted Parker, he accelerated the Jeep and struck a police vehicle. The Jeep ultimately came to a stop in the parking lot after striking a snowbank and a second parked vehicle. Parker made an attempt to flee on foot, but was ultimately taken into custody.
A subsequent search of the Jeep revealed the following:
- Approximately 42 grams of suspected methamphetamine
- Approximately 50 grams of suspected crack cocaine
- Approximately 29.36 grams of suspected powder cocaine
- An AR style pistol
- .223 caliber ammunition
- A silver BB gun
- A large knife
- drug paraphernalia
Detectives then responded to Parker’s residence in the 4100 block of Barretts Chapel Road in Frederica. When detectives arrived, they contacted 34-year-old Ashley Zernell, and took her into custody without incident. During a search of the residence, detectives found the following:
- A flash-bang grenade
- A Black Smith and Wesson handgun
- Approximately 144.48 grams of suspected methamphetamine
- Approximately 313.86 grams (11.2 ounces) of suspected marijuana
- A large capacity magazine
- Various quantities of ammunition
Parker was charged with a litany of drugs, weapons, and related charges, including four counts of possessing a tier three controlled substance. He was arraigned and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $200,100 cash bond.
Zernell was also charged with several drugs and weapons charges. She was arraigned and released on an $11,100 unsecured bond with pre-trial supervision.
