Maryland Natural Resources Police Blotter

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Carroll County – On Thursday, March 29, Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) charged Albert Anthony Gesualdi Jr., 40, of Sykesville with possession of a native reptile/amphibian from List C (timber rattlesnake) without a permit and possession of rifle-shot bobcat during closed season.

NRP started their investigation after conducting an inspection on a taxidermy business near Sykesville. These animals were found in the taxidermist's freezer and were allegedly brought in by Gesualdi. A timber rattlesnake is considered native to Maryland and may not be possessed, bred, or commercially traded without a permit. There is a closed season on bobcat in Maryland and it is illegal to possess one in the state without the proper documentation.

St. Mary’s County – The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) launched their annual Chief’s Challenge Campaign on Tuesday, April 3, at Point Lookout State Park.

NRP will join more than 100 law enforcement agencies across Maryland in participating in an intensive and highly publicized effort to educate the public about the lifesaving and injury-reducing benefits of safety belt use.

During the statewide observational surveys that were taken in the spring of 2006, Maryland’s statewide seat belt use rate was 91 percent. But even with the majority of Maryland’s public buckling up, this means that more than 450,000 Marylanders continue to put themselves in danger by riding unbuckled.

In addition to conducting community outreach educational programs promoting the lifesaving benefits of buckling up on every ride in every vehicle, and ensuring that all children are properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat, booster seat or seat belt in accordance with their age and weight, there will be enhanced enforcement efforts as well for those who do not heed the call for voluntary compliance. The Chief’s Challenge Campaign runs now through June 3.

Worcester County – On Wednesday, April 4, NRP charged John Fitzgerald Skipper, 41, and James Alfred Entwhistle Jr., 40, both of Berlin, with setting or fishing an eel pot without an appropriate license. The two men were allegedly fishing approximately 300 commercial eel pots in the coastal bays of Ocean City. Both individuals were issued citations and advised to remove the pots immediately or obtain the correct licenses. A court date of May 11 has been scheduled for both men in Worcester County District Court.

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April 5, 2007

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is the enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With an authorized strength of 280 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel, the NRP provide a variety of services in addition to conservation and boating law enforcement duties throughout the State of Maryland. These services include homeland security, search and rescue, emergency medical services, education, information and communications services on a round the clock basis. NRP is the only police force aside from the Maryland State Police that has statewide jurisdiction.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov