Controlled Dangerous Substance / Firearm Investigation & Arrest
Date: September 21, 2023
Location: 700 Block of Short Street, Pocomoke, Worcester County, Maryland
200 Block of Bonneville Avenue, Pocomoke, Worcester County, Maryland
Arrested: Jael C. Ghent Age 21 – Pocomoke, Maryland
Maquis S. Moore Age 21 – Pocomoke, Maryland
Naji Hassan El Age 20 – Pocomoke, Maryland

On September 21, 2023, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team successfully
concluded a firearm and controlled dangerous substance (CDS) investigation involving the above listed individuals.

As a result of this investigation, a search and seizure warrant was authorized for a residence located in the 700 block of Short Street, Pocomoke, Maryland and a residence located in the 200 block of Bonneville Avenue, Pocomoke, Maryland. Members of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team were assisted during the execution of these two search and seizure warrants by the Ocean City Police Department and the Pocomoke City Police Department. As a result of these search and seizure warrants, investigators located a total of four handguns, one being converted to fully automatic along with one AR style rifle, that was reported stolen from a local residential burglary. Additional evidence was located to indicate the distribution of cocaine which included the seizure of approximately 15 grams of cocaine and 3.5 grams of crack cocaine. All three individuals listed above were arrested and charged with various firearm and controlled dangerous substance offenses and were subsequently committed to the Worcester County Jail on the following bonds:

• Jael C. Ghent – Committed / No Bond
• Maquis S. Moore – Committed / No Bond
• Naji Hassan El – Committed / $7,500.00 Bond

Sheriff M. Crisafulli stated “I want to commend the investigators in this investigation and thank those assisting agencies. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office will continue to root out those who do evil in our communities.” The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Tactical Armed Response Team, Ocean City Police Department’s QRT, Worcester County States Attorney’s Office, Eastern Shore Information Center, and Washington-Baltimore HIDTA.