9 charged in Woodland Beach vandalism

Parking area at Woodland Beach fishing pier (Photo: Google maps)
Parking area at Woodland Beach fishing pier (Photo: Google maps)

WOODLAND BEACH, DELAWARE (8/30/2015) Nine people have been charged with vandalizing a portable toilet at the Woodland Beach fishing pier parking lot, police say.

The vandalism happened after hours on Aug. 26.

John D. Moss, 21, of Hartly, Timothy A. Dixon Jr., 18, of Felton, and Shane T. Allaband, 20, of Dover, were each charged with one count of criminal mischief and one count of trespassing after hours in a state wildlife area, according to state Fish and Wildlife police.

Caleb A. Smith, 18, of Harrington, and Thomas R. Keis, 19, of Marydel, were each charged with one count of trespassing after hours in a state wildlife area.

Moss, Dixon and Allaband were released on $150 unsecured bond, while Smith and Keis were released on $50 unsecured bond, pending appearances in Kent County Court of Common Pleas.

Four juveniles also were charged. One was charged with criminal mischief and trespassing after hours in a state wildlife area; the other three were charged with trespassing after hours in a state wildlife area. All four were released to their parents, pending an appearance in Kent County Family Court.

“Due to recent criminal activities in our wildlife areas, fishing piers and boat ramps, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police have increased patrols and surveillance in these areas, including Woodland Beach,” said Cpl. John McDerby. “In this particular case, we would like to thank members of the public who assisted in our investigation, many of whom contacted us through social media.”