The Chestertown Police Department issued a criminal summons on Dec. 20 for Joshua Keith McVey, 22, of Chestertown, for making false statements to police on Dec. 9 – alleging that an armed African-American male entered his car near the Lewis Dairy Market on High Street and forced him to drive to an ATM and withdraw money.
McVey turned himself in at around 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 and was released about 90 minutes later. A trial date has been set for Jan. 23 in Kent County District Court. If convicted, McVey could face up to six month in jail and/or a $500 fine.
Chestertown Police Chief Adrian Baker said the false accusations came amid a two-state manhunt for suspects who had robbed retail businesses in Delaware and the Midshore in October and November.
“The evidence shows that McVey was not a victim of the alleged crime,” Baker said in a statement released on Monday. “We take this matter very seriously and realize that his accusations may have preyed upon the fears of the public. This will not be tolerated. The Chestertown Police Department has taken swift action after thoroughly investigating the matter and will assure the truth comes out.”
Chief Baker said the investigation is still ongoing.
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