DELAWARE WELL DRILLER RECEIVES PROBATION FOR FALSE STATEMENT IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

Joseph J. Grimshaw, 56, of 1858 Woodyard Road, Harrington, Delaware, pleaded guilty in the District Court of Anne Arundel County to making a false statement in a well completion report. Judge James W. Dryden then struck the guilty conviction in favor of placing Grimshaw on probation for a period of one year.

Grimshaw filed a well completion report with Anne Arundel County on June 14, 2002, in connection with a residential well that was constructed at 253 Hidden Valley Road, Anne Arundel County. The report certified that the well was constructed in accordance with the law. Inspection of the well indicated, however, that the well had not been properly grouted. In addition, Grimshaw indicated on the report that he had installed the pump, though he later admitted that someone unknown to him did that work.

As special conditions of his probation, Grimshaw is required to pay a $100 fine and to have no business relations with John Branham. Branham, the original contractor for the well, paid Grimshaw to obtain a permit and construct the well. Branham has been prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General for well drilling violations on numerous occasions. The maximum penalty for filing a false statement in a required report is six months in jail and/or a $10,000 fine.

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