Man Gets Jail Time for Stealing Gear During Ocean City Fishing Tournament

A Berlin man will spend one year in jail after pleading guilty Tuesday in Worcester County Circuit Court to stealing fishing gear from vessels participating the White Marlin Open, the Maryland Natural Resources Police said.

Dennis J. Tronosky Sr., 38, also was convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms. He was sentenced to five years in prison─four of which were suspended─three years of supervised probation, and was ordered to pay a $500 fine.

Officers received a report of a theft at the Ocean City Fishing Center on Aug. 5 during the White Marlin Open tournament. After release of a flyer that included a photo of the suspect’s vehicle, officers were able to identify Tronosky.

A search warrant was issued for Tronosky’s residence and vehicle. After concluding interviews, he was charged on Aug. 22 with theft from vessels docked at the fishing center. Total estimated value of the stolen fishing equipment was $5,600.

All firearms and ammunition seized from Tronosky’s residence were forfeited to the state. Stolen property seized by officers is being returned to the owners.