ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Comptroller Peter Franchot announced Monday that agents from his Field Enforcement Division arrested three Philadelphia men who have been charged in Maryland as a result of a surveillance operation on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Agents said Quay Samuel Chaney, 54, was seen buying multiple quantities of cigarettes from various locations June 28 and concealing the cigarettes in the rear seat area of a 2008 Volvo.
Chaney and Edward B. Johns, 65, were allegedly passengers in a car driven by Ronald Tucker, 59.
Agents say the three then drove from Virginia into Maryland, where the car was stopped by police at Sheep House Road in Pocomoke City, Worcester County, Maryland.
Agents searched the vehicle and found 1,650 packs of contraband cigarettes, valued at $10,642.50 and representing a tax loss to the state of $3,300. The cigarettes and car were seized and all three were arrested.
Each man was taken before a Worcester County District Court Commissioner in Snow Hill and charged with a felony count of transporting contraband cigarettes and a misdemeanor count of possession of contraband cigarettes.
Chaney is being held on a $16,500 bond at the Worcester County Detention Center. His preliminary hearing is set for July 24. Tucker and Johns were each released on personal recognizance. Both have hearings set for July 17 in Worcester County.
Comptroller of Maryland
