Police say Salisbury man targeted stores across Maryland and Delaware
SALISBURY, MD — A month-long investigation into a string of retail thefts across Maryland and Delaware led detectives to a Salisbury motel, where they arrested a man they believe is tied to a theft spree totaling as much as $100K, authorities said.
Detectives with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division identified Mark Jones as the primary suspect in numerous retail thefts targeting businesses in Wicomico County.
According to investigators, Jones allegedly expanded the thefts into Sussex County, Delaware, and Worcester and Somerset counties in Maryland after becoming aware of the investigation.
Authorities estimate the total value of the stolen merchandise is between $50K and $100K, although the investigation remains ongoing.
On July 17, detectives received information that Jones was staying at the Economy Inn in Salisbury. Investigators established surveillance and observed Jones leave a motel room carrying property believed to be stolen before getting into a Chevrolet Malibu driven by another person.
Detectives followed the vehicle before conducting a lawful traffic stop.
During the investigation, a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.
A subsequent search led to the recovery of suspected crack cocaine in a quantity consistent with distribution, according to investigators. Jones was arrested without incident.
The driver was also found to be in possession of suspected user quantities of crack cocaine and methamphetamine, authorities said.
Detectives recovered numerous items believed to have been stolen from a Walmart in Pocomoke City. The merchandise was seized pending confirmation from the retailer.
Investigators later conducted a consensual search of the motel room where Jones had been staying. Authorities said the occupants cooperated fully, and no additional stolen property connected to the investigation was found.
Jones was charged with multiple controlled dangerous substance offenses stemming from the July 17 traffic stop.
The investigation remains active, and the sheriff’s office said additional arrests and charges are possible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at (410) 548-4891 or Crime Solvers at (410) 548-1776.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Jones is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Detectives say a Salisbury man is linked to a retail theft spree spanning Maryland and Delaware.
- Investigators estimate the stolen merchandise is valued between $50K and $100K.
- Additional arrests and charges remain possible as the investigation continues.
