OPA statement on burglary

The following is a statement from the Ocean Pines Association:
 
On Saturday, December 31, 2022, OPA’s General Manager became aware of a report of a burglary which occurred at a storage shed used by the Ocean Pines Police Department on December 17, 2022. After consultation with partners at the Worcester County Sheriff's Office and the Office of the State’s Attorney, OPA has taken steps to ensure that a thorough and independent investigation is conducted, and that police services to residents of Ocean Pines remain uninterrupted. Effective January 1, 2023, Ocean Pines Police Chief Ehrisman has been placed on paid administrative leave, during which time a commander from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office will provide on-site leadership to the Ocean Pines Police Department and will oversee a complete audit and inventory of the contents of the storage shed and the property room. OPA has been working with the Sheriff’s Office to implement these changes since last Friday and has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation.
 
OPA cannot provide additional comment at this time due to the ongoing nature of the criminal investigation. Anyone possessing information about the reported burglary should contact the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office at 410-632-1112.