Delaware State Police arrested 65-year-old Charles LeCates of Wilmington, Delaware, for multiple retail thefts that occurred over the last several months at various businesses throughout New Castle County.
Between August 2024, and April 2025 troopers investigated several shoplifting reports of a similar nature from businesses throughout New Castle County. In each shoplifting, a white male suspect shoplifted various merchandise from the store before fleeing in an unknown direction. Troopers investigated shopliftings involving the white male suspect from the following stores in New Castle County: ACME, Carter’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Famous Footwear, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Old Navy, Pike Creek Community Hardware, and Target. Through investigative means, troopers identified Charles LeCates as the suspect responsible for 20 shopliftings that spanned 9 months and totaled over $9,500 worth of stolen merchandise. In a handful of the incidents, LeCates shoplifted with different unidentified accomplices. Images of the unknown suspects are not available at this time. Throughout the investigations, troopers attempted to locate LeCates for several theft-related warrants for his arrest.
On May 12, 2025, troopers located LeCates in Wilmington, and took him into custody without incident. A subsequent search of his person led to the discovery of approximately 0.1 grams of crack cocaine. LeCates was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $29,000 secured bond.
- Shoplifting Over $1,500 (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Shoplifting Under $1,500 – 19 counts
- Conspiracy 3rd Degree – 6 counts
- Possess Consume a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone without a Prescription
Troopers continue to investigate these incidents, and are asking anyone who has relevant information to contact Troop 6 by calling (302) 633-5000 or emailing DSP_T6_RTU@delaware.gov. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
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