Multi-Agency Effort Nets Arrests, Stolen Property, Drugs

Salisbury, MD - A joint investigation by several local agencies has led to multiple arrests, a stack of recovered stolen goods, and a significant drug seizure here in Wicomico County.

The Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division led the effort. They teamed up with the Maryland State Apprehension Team and the Joint Community Action Team to bring it all together.

It started on July 22, when detectives learned that wanted fugitive Mark Jones had cut off his court-ordered GPS ankle monitor. He was already wanted on an active arrest warrant, so teams moved quickly to track him down.

Later that same day, members of the Joint Community Action Team caught up with Jones and took him into custody. He was found with additional narcotics on him at the time of his arrest.

Jones was charged and is now being held at the Wicomico County Detention Center.

While that search was underway, detectives were also working another angle. They secured an arrest warrant for Shawn Simon on multiple theft and theft scheme charges. Not long after, Lowe's Asset Protection reported that four air conditioning units had gone missing from the North Salisbury store, allegedly taken by Simon.

Simon reportedly fled the scene in a vehicle with switched registration plates. Detectives were able to track down that vehicle and pulled it over in Salisbury. Simon was arrested on the outstanding warrant right there during the stop.

The driver of that vehicle, Raymond Clark, was also arrested. Detectives say he had suspected cocaine in his possession. Inside the vehicle, investigators spotted a number of items they believed were stolen, and the car was seized so they could get a search warrant.

The investigation then led detectives to a house in Salisbury, where they got permission to search. Inside, they say they found suspected heroin, other controlled substances, and equipment used for drug distribution and manufacturing. They also recovered a wide range of suspected stolen property, including tools, clothing, shoes, jewelry, and household items.

All four of the stolen air conditioning units were eventually recovered and confirmed to be the ones taken from Lowe's. A follow-up search of the suspect vehicle turned up even more merchandise that detectives believe is tied to other theft cases in the area.

Simon was arrested again after investigators obtained additional warrants as the case developed. Detectives say more charges and arrests could be coming as they work to identify victims and return more stolen property.

Anyone with information on this theft ring, or any related activity, is asked to call the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office at 410-548-4891. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore at 410-548-1776, or through their app and website.

The investigation remains active.

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.