Salisbury, MD - On March 14, 2024, Japree Ayres, a 24-year-old man from Delmar, Delaware, received his sentence from the Honorable Associate Judge Matthew A. Maciarello of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County for his role in possessing illegal narcotics. 

Ayres was sentenced to eighty years, with all but forty years suspended. Ten years of this sentence will be served as a minimum mandatory term, restricting the possibility of parole. 

Additionally, Ayres will face five years of supervised probation, with the contingency of a further 40 years of incarceration, should he violate the terms of his probation.

The conclusion of this case came after a two-day jury trial on November 21, 2023, which found Ayres guilty on multiple counts. These included three counts of possession of a large amount of controlled dangerous substance and three counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances, in addition to related charges.

The Salisbury City Police Department initiated this case on August 31, 2022, when officers executed a search and seizure warrant in the 600 block of Truitt Street in Salisbury, Maryland. Upon executing the warrant, a white Volvo was discovered parked behind the residence.

A thorough inspection of the white Volvo led to the discovery of a significant volume of heroin, fentanyl, and a loaded handgun. Documents bearing Japree Ayres name and telephone number were found within both the residence and vehicle. 

The office of Wicomico County State's Attorney Jamie L. Dykes has issued thanks to the Salisbury City Police Department for their diligent investigation. Dykes commended the officers for their hard work on this case. Dykes also thanked Senior Assistant State's Attorney Patrizia J. Coletta for her efforts in prosecuting the case. 

The strict sentencing in this case sends a clear message to the residents of Wicomico County that drug-related crime is taken seriously, and perpetrators will face the full force of the law.