Tangier man fought rescuers

By Linda Cicoira

A Tangier man pleaded guilty Thursday in Accomack Circuit Court to the January assault and battery of two island emergency workers who were trying to save him from overdosing.

Forty-eight-year-old Charles Dise, of Main Ridge Road, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with all but a mandatory one year suspended. The victims were Michael Parks, of the Tangier Fire Department, and EMS responder Olivia Pruitt.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Spencer Morgan said Dise was given Narcan. When he came around, Morgan said, Dise fought the rescuers. The prosecutor said Dise has a “fairly serious substance abuse issue,” and added that Dise wanted to “blow up the island of Tangier.”

Upon release, the defendant will be on supervised probation for two years and good behavior for five years.

In another case, 51-year-old Keith Allen Marousek, of New Church, pleaded guilty to threatening to burn down the home of his wife, daughter, and young granddaughter on Aug. 19, 2025. The threat was made during a telephone conversation after his wife told him what she planned to make for dinner. A felony count of unauthorized use of a vehicle was not prosecuted.

Marousek was sentenced to two years in prison, with all but the time he had already served suspended. He will be on supervised probation for two years and good behavior for five years.

Forty-two-year-old William Nicholas Scott, who was listed as homeless, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and credit card theft. The crimes occurred on Dec. 6, 2025. Sentencing was set for Aug. 27. A presentence report and rehabilitation program evaluation were ordered.

Judgment was withheld for 34-year-old Dijon Tyheem Smith, of Temperanceville. He pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine on Dec. 30, 2025, and was granted first-offender status. He was ordered to remain drug- and alcohol-free for a year, submit to random drug screens, and complete 100 hours of community service. If he is successful, the felony charge could be reduced or dismissed.