REMOVAL OF DYKES LATEST WINTF EPISODE

Salisbury - The removal of Salisbury Police Chief Coulbourn Dykes is the
latest episode of turmoil for the Wicomico County Task Force.

Salisbury Police left the task force in April, and Delmar and Fruitland
previously scaled back their participation in the 11-year-old operation.

Task force officials were also forced to deal with the confusion over the
whereabouts of 33 cars and $14,000 in proceeds from car sales.

WINTF officials have admitted record keeping for task force seizures was

not up to acceptable standards, but said an internal audit of the operation
did not uncover any illegal misdeeds.

Salisbury joined the operation in 1987 and was a full participant until it
reduced its participation, citing insurance and liability concerns.

WINTF officials had maintained up until last month that Salisbury was still
an active participant in the group, but city records contradicted that with
a letter indicating Salisbury actually dropped out April 3.

WINTF officials would not comment on the removal of Dykes.

WINTF is a cooperative effort of the Maryland State Police, Wicomico County
Sheriff's Office, the Wicomico county State's Attorney Office and the
police departments of Delmar and Fruitland.

Checked-by: Richard Lake