Rehoboth Beach – Police said that at around 6:45 pm, Saturday 27, 2016, officers were dispatched to the area of Wilmington Avenue and First Street, in Rehoboth Beach, for reports that a female was walking around with no shirt on.
Officers were able to make contact with Jennie Lee Martin, 37, of Chevy Chase, Md. on Wilmington Avenue, near the Boardwalk. Martin, who was topless at the time police contacted her, complied with officer’s request to put her shirt on, but failed to provide officers with identification, according to police spokesman Lt. Jaime B. Riddle. Martin demanded that officers show her the law prohibiting her actions or any signs stating such.
Riddle said further investigation revealed that prior to police arrival, a male witness, who observed several families hiding their children’s view of Martin, approached Martin and asked her to put her shirt on. Martin allegedly responded with profanity and spit on the man. Martin’s behavior and this particular altercation were witnessed by a nine year old child, said Riddle.
When officers attempted to take Martin into custody she refused to allow officer to place her in handcuffs. Officers were forced to restrain Martin and forcefully place her into handcuffs, according to Riddle.
Police said that as a result of her arrest, Martin’s purse was searched and officers located marijuana consistent with personal use and a broken pipe inside. Officers reported that an odor of alcohol was emanating from Martin when they were interacting with her.
Martin was arrested for 1 count of first degree indecent exposure, 1 count of resisting arrest, 1 count of possession of marijuana, and 1 count of disorderly conduct, which are all misdemeanor offenses. Martin was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $1500.00 secure bail.
