The Dover Police Department has arrested a 16-year-old black female and a 14-year-old black male, both of Dover, for the burglary at Cosmic Smoke that occurred on Saturday, November 11th, 2023. (See original release below) Through investigative measures, Detectives were able to identify the pair and obtained warrants for their arrest.
Both individuals turned themselves in to Dover Police Department and were turned over to their parents after being processed on the following charges: -Burglary Third Degree -Theft Over $1,500 -Conspiracy Second Degree -Criminal Mischief Over $1000 under $5,000 **ORIGINAL RELEASE** Incident Number: 50-23-37178
Date/Time: Saturday, November 11th, 2023 at 12:47 a.m.
Location: Cosmic Smoke, 515 South DuPont Highway Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred at the Cosmic Smoke early Saturday morning. The investigation began when officers were called to the business at 12:47 for an alarm. Officers responded and noticed that a suspect had forced entry in the building by shattering a front window. Officers entered the business and checked for suspects with negative results. The ensuing investigation revealed that two suspects entered the business by breaking the front window. Once inside, the suspects removed an undisclosed amount of property from the store and fled on foot towards Capital Green. Both suspects were wearing masks at the time.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:
Date/Time: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 3:53 p.m.
Location: 500 Block of Forest Street Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested William Caldwell, 35, of Dover, on drug and firearm charges following a stop Tuesday afternoon. At approximately 3:53 p.m., the Dover Police Department’s Drugs, Vice and Organized Crime Unit was conducting a firearms investigation on Caldwell when he was contacted in the 500 Block of Forest Street. Caldwell resisted arrest and struggled with officers, which resulted in an Officer sustaining a head injury. Caldwell was taken into custody without incident and found in possession of a .380 handgun concealed inside of his waistband and oxycodone. Caldwell was transported to Dover Police Department where he was processed and arraigned. The officer was treated and released from Bayhealth Kent Campus.
Caldwell was committed to SCI no $106,250 cash bail on the following charges: -Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (2x) -Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony -Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon -Resisting Arrest With Force -Assault Second of a Law Enforcement Officer -Possession of a Controlled Substance
The following images contain the newest Megan’s Law Sex Offender Notifications for the City of Dover. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the Dover Police Sex Offender Enforcement Unit.
The annual Newark Turkey Trot 5K and 10K runs will occur this weekend on Saturday November 18. The races begin at 9:00 am at Handloff Park on Barksdale Road. The races will interrupt traffic on Barksdale Road, Valley Road, Church Road and Casho Mill…
The Federal Trade Commission is announcing the Voice Cloning Challenge to help promote the development of ideas to protect consumers from the misuse of artificial intelligence-enabled voice cloning for fraud and other harms.
“We will use every tool to prevent harm to the public stemming from abuses of voice cloning technology,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We want to address harms before they hit the marketplace, and enforce the law when they do.”
“This exploratory challenge leverages one of our many tools at the FTC,” added Stephanie T. Nguyen, the FTC’s Chief Technology Officer. “The challenge is crafted in a way that ensures companies are responsible for the first- and second-order effects of the products they release.”
Voice cloning technology has grown more sophisticated as text-to-speech AI technology has improved. The technology holds promise for consumers, such as medical assistance for those who may have lost their voices due to accident or illness. At the same time, the FTC has raised concerns about ways that voice cloning technology could be used to harm consumers. For example, it could make it easier for scammers to impersonate family, friends, or business executives; it could also enable fraudsters to deceive consumers by appropriating the voices of creative professionals. Earlier this year, the FTC warned consumers about the use of voice cloning to impersonate others to try to get consumers to give scammers money or personal information. And the FTC held a workshop in early 2020 that examined various issues related to voice cloning technology.
The FTC has and will continue to use its enforcement authority to target companies that misuse technology to harm consumers and competition. The challenge the FTC is launching today is focused on promoting the development of breakthrough ideas aimed at preventing, monitoring, and evaluating malicious use of voice cloning technology, whether it is a product, policy, or procedure.
Challenge submissions must address at least one of these intervention points:
Prevention or authentication: It must provide a way to limit the use or application of voice cloning software by unauthorized users;
Real-time detection or monitoring: It must provide a way todetect cloned voices or the use of voice cloning technology; or
Post-use evaluation: It must provide a way to check if an audio clip contains cloned voices.
The FTC will accept submissions online from January 2 to January 12, 2024. Information on how to submit a proposal for the challenge as well as complete challenge rules can be found on the challenge website. The challenge will offer $25,000 to the winner.
The Voice Cloning Challenge is the FTC fifth challenge issued pursuant to the America Competes act. The goal of these challenges is to spur the development of tools to address consumer problems, including one in 2012 aimed at tackling robocalls and a 2017 challenge focused on addressing security vulnerabilities related to Internet of Things devices.
The lead FTC staffers on this matter are James Evans and Christine Barker from the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection and Amritha Jayanti from the FTC’s Office of Technology.
The Federal Trade Commission has provided the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) with its annual summary of activitiesto protect consumers in the debt collection arena.
The summary is used by CFPB in its annual report to Congress, released today, on the activities of both agencies, who share law enforcement responsibility in this area.
In the summary, the Commission highlights its multi-faceted work covering the debt collection market to protect consumers and small businesses, including:
litigating two cases against debt collection operations who, the FTC charged, used a variety of illegal tactics to target small businesses with threats about supposed debts;
issuing more than $1.27 million refunds to consumers harmed by unlawful debt collection practices;
halting collections of millions of dollars in debt that originated from illegal financing and sales practices;
providing tens of millions of people educational materials, in both English and Spanish, informing them about their rights, and educating debt collectors about their responsibilities, under the FDCPA and FTC Act.
The lead staff attorney on this matter for the FTC is Naomi Takagi in the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
The Federal Trade Commission will require prison communications provider Global Tel*Link Corp. and two of its subsidiaries to notify consumers of any future data breaches as part of a proposed settlement over charges they failed to secure sensitive data of hundreds of thousands of users stored in a cloud environment and failed to alert all those affected by the incident.
In a complaint, the FTC says that Falls Church, Va.,-based Global Tel*Link and two of its subsidiaries failed to implement adequate security safeguards to protect personal information they collect from users of its services, which enabled bad actors to gain access to unencrypted personal information stored in the cloud and used for testing.
“The FTC is committed to protecting the rights to privacy and security of personal information for all consumers, including incarcerated consumers and their loved ones,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “When consumers have little or no choice about whether to use a business’s products or services, the business has an even greater responsibility to ensure that its practices don’t cause harm.”
Global Tel*Link, which also does business as GTL and ViaPath Technologies, contracts with federal, state, and local jails, prisons, and similar institutions to provide communications services such as phone and video calls and payment services for incarcerated individuals. In the course of providing their services, Global Tel*Link and its subsidiaries collect personal information from consumers including their names, addresses, government identification numbers such as passport numbers or driver’s license numbers, Social Security numbers, and financial account information.
In marketing and other materials, Global Tel*Link touted its security practices by claiming that data security is “the cornerstone of what we do” and that it implemented a security architecture that included many safeguards such as encryption to ensure that its users’ data would not fall into the “wrong hands.”
The FTC says, however, that Global Tel*Link, failed to live up to these claims. In August 2020, as part of an effort to test new search software, the company and a third-party vendor copied a large volume of sensitive, unencrypted personal information about nearly 650,000 real users of its products and services into the cloud but failed to take adequate steps to protect the data. For example, Global Tel*Link stored the data in plain text and failed to deploy a firewall to protect the copied data, implement monitoring software that would have alerted the company if the security settings were changed, and inventory and track the consumer information uploaded to the copied data, according to the complaint. The copied data included individuals’ full names, dates of birth, phone numbers, usernames or email addresses in combination with passwords, Social Security numbers, location information, grievance forms, which can include very sensitive information, and messages exchanged between incarcerated individuals and their friends and family.
As a result of changes made by the company’s third-party vendor to the security settings for the data stored in the cloud, the personal data of many Global Tel*Link customers was left accessible via the internet without any safeguards to prevent unauthorized people from accessing and removing data from the test site—until a security researcher alerted the company about the security holes. A forensic analysis showed that a handful of hackers accessed billions of bytes of the exposed data. In early September, Global Tel*Link was notified again by an identity monitoring company that personal data belonging to Global Tel*Link users was available on the dark web, which is a collection of websites that are used to buy and sell illegally obtained personal data for fraud, identity theft and other nefarious purposes.
Despite this, Global Tel*Link waited approximately nine months to notify affected customers and only contacted 45,000 users—even though the breach may have affected hundreds of thousands of additional customers—that their personal data may have been compromised as a result of the data breach. This nine-month delay harmed users who did not have an opportunity to take actions to protect themselves from identity theft by implementing a credit freeze or other measures, according to the complaint. The company also repeatedly and falsely claimed in marketing materials following the incident that it had never suffered a data breach.
As part of the proposed orderwith the FTC, Global Tel*Link and two of its subsidiaries are prohibited from misrepresenting their data security practices and will be required, among other things, to:
implement a comprehensive data security program that includes several requirements such as the deployment of “change management” measures to all of its systems to help reduce the risk of human error, use of multifactor authentication, and procedures to minimize the amount of data it collects and stores;
notify users of its products affected by the data breach who did not previously receive notice and provide them with credit monitoring and identity protection products;
notify consumers and facilities within 30 days about future data breaches or security incidents that trigger any federal, state, or local breach reporting requirements and provide information about what data was impacted and how many consumers were affected; and
notify the FTC within 10 days of reporting a security incident to any local, state or federal authorities.
The Commission voted 3-0 to issue the proposed administrative complaint and to accept the consent agreement with the company.
The FTC will publish a description of the consent agreement package in the Federal Register soon. The agreement will be subject to public comment for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register after which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent order final. Instructions for filing comments will appear in the published notice. Once processed, comments will be posted on Regulations.gov.
NOTE: The Commission issues an administrative complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. When the Commission issues a consent order on a final basis, it carries the force of law with respect to future actions. Each violation of such an order may result in a civil penalty of up to $50,120.
The lead attorneys on this matter are Robin Wetherill and Manmeet Dhindsa.
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. – Maj. George S. Welch Elementary School received a bomb threat at 9:50 a.m., November 15, 2023. Welch Elementary and Dover Air Base Middle School were immediately evacuated. All students are safe and have been accounted for.
The 436th Security Forces Squadron arrived on scene at 10:10 a.m.
The investigation remains ongoing. If you have additional questions, please call (302) 677-3372 or email [email protected].
Federal Trade Commission staff have sent warning letters to two trade associations and 12 registered dieticians and other online health influencers warning them about the lack of adequate disclosures in their Instagram and TikTok posts promoting the safety of the artificial sweetener aspartame or the consumption of sugar-containing products.
The letters to the trade groups, the American Beverage Association (AmeriBev) and The Canadian Sugar Institute, express concerns that the organizations may have violated the FTC Act by failing to adequately disclose that the influencers were apparently hired to promote the safety of aspartame or the consumption of sugar-containing products, respectively. This action follows FTC’s recent revision of the Commission’s Guides for Endorsements and Testimonials, and is part of the agency’s continued monitoring of influencer marketing.
“It’s irresponsible for any trade group to hire influencers to tout its members’ products and fail to ensure that the influencers come clean about that relationship,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “That’s certainly true for health and safety claims about sugar and aspartame, especially when made by registered dieticians and others upon whom people rely for advice about what to eat and drink.”
As discussed in the Commission’s Guides for Endorsements and Testimonials, paid endorsements should clearly and conspicuously disclose any unexpected material connections to ensure that consumers have the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions.
Each of the warning letters identified what appeared to be paid posts that either did not disclose a material connection, or that contained disclosures that may be inadequate. Each letter explained staff’s concerns regarding particular disclosures, including inconspicuous placement, ambiguous language, or the failure to clearly identify the sponsor of the posts.
Each letter also included the FTC’s notice of penalty offenses concerning misleading endorsements and noted that the recipient could face civil penalties of up to $50,120 per violation for future failures to disclose unexpected material connections. Finally, each letter asked the recipient to contact agency staff within 15 days and detail any actions taken or that will be taken to address staff’s concerns.
The primary staff attorney on this matter is Cassandra Rasmussen in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
The Federal Trade Commission has obtained orders with the four remaining individual defendants and their affiliated companies in a mobile cramming scheme that the agency says bilked consumers out of more than $100 million through bogus charges added to their mobile phone bills.
The proposed settlements with Darcy Michael Wedd and Phwoar, LLC.; Fraser Robert Thompson and Ocean Tactics, LLC; Erdolo Levy Eromo and Erdi Development LLC; and Michael Pajaczkowski, Concise Consulting, Inc., and MMJX Consulting, Inc., resolve the FTC’s charges related to the MDK Media mobile cramming scheme. The FTC in 2015 reached settlements with six other individual defendants and affiliated companies. The FTC’s case against the remaining defendants was then put on hold pending the outcome of related criminal charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. These actions resulted in criminal sentences against Wedd, Thompson, Eromo, and Pajaczkowski, with the last case resolved in July 2023.
“Putting a stop to unauthorized charges has been a longtime priority of the FTC,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “This case showcases the financial harm these practices cause, and the need to ensure that developing technologies do not become a haven for fraudulent schemes.”
In the complaint first announced in 2014, the FTC charged that the defendants used deceptive practices, including fake websites with bogus offers of “freebies” or gift cards, to trick consumers into providing their mobile phone numbers. The defendants then placed monthly subscription fees for a variety of “services” on consumers’ mobile phone bills without their authorization—a practice known as mobile cramming.
The “services” described in the complaint consisted of subscriptions for text messages sent to consumers’ mobile phones that contained short celebrity gossip alerts, “fun facts,” horoscopes, and other items. The subscriptions typically cost consumers $9.99 or $14.99 per month, which renewed automatically each month. The defendants made it difficult for consumers to dispute charges. Some consumers were crammed for multiple months and, even after significant effort, were unable to obtain a full refund.
Under the proposed settlements, Wedd, Thompson, Eromo, and Pajaczkowski, as well as their related companies are prohibited from placing any charges on any telephone bills, from making any misrepresentations about any product or service, and from engaging in any unfair billing practices. In addition, they are prohibited from using or benefitting in any way from the customer data they collected through this scheme and are required to destroy any remaining customer data.
Many consumers who were impacted by the defendants’ practices received refunds through settlements the FTC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reached with the four major mobile carriers, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon, related to mobile cramming charges that were placed on customers’ bills without their authorization. The mobile carriers discontinued such third-party billing practices following the actions by the FTC and other state and federal agencies to crack down on cramming.
The Commission vote approving the stipulated final orders with Wedd, Thompson, Eromo, and Pajaczkowski, as well as their affiliated companies, was 3-0. The FTC filed the proposed ordersin the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
NOTE: Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on Hampton Drive Monday afternoon. The investigation began at 2:16 p.m., when Dover Police received a call for a shooting in the 100 block of Hampton Drive. Officers responded and made contact with the victim, a 20-year-old male of Dover, who had sustained a gun shot wound to his upper body and a graze wound on his lower body. The victim was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus with non-life threatening injuries. The investigation revealed that as the victim was arriving at his home, three suspects were standing in the area, one of which began firing a handgun at him. The suspects then fled toward Redner’s however could not be located by arriving Officers. The suspects are described as black males wearing ski masks.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on Bluecoat Street. The investigation began at 8:41 a.m. on Monday when Dover Police received a call for shots fired in the area of Nob Hill Road and John Hunn Brown Road. Officers responded and checked the area, however they could not locate any victims at this time. At 12:08 p.m., resident in the 300 block of Bluecoat Street called stating their house had been struck by gunfire. Officers responded and observed damage on the residence consistent with being shot by gunfire. The home was occupied at the time it was struck however no one was injured as a result of this shooting. There are no leads at this time.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:
Date/Time: Saturday, November 11th, 2023 at 12:47 a.m.
Location: Cosmic Smoke, 515 South DuPont Highway Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred at the Cosmic Smoke early Saturday morning. The investigation began when officers were called to the business at 12:47 for an alarm. Officers responded and noticed that a suspect had forced entry in the building by shattering a front window. Officers entered the business and checked for suspects with negative results. The ensuing investigation revealed that two suspects entered the business by breaking the front window. Once inside, the suspects removed an undisclosed amount of property from the store and fled on foot towards Capital Green. Both suspects were wearing masks at the time.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:
On July 17, 2023, around 0530 hours, the Middletown Police Department responded to the community of St. Anne’s for numerous reports of motor vehicle thefts and thefts from within motor vehicles. During the course of this investigation, it was determined that a total of three vehicles were stolen from the St. Anne’s community on the morning of July 17, 2023. In addition, numerous vehicles were rummaged through. All vehicles have since been recovered.
On July 18, 2023, around 0545 hours, the Middletown Police Department responded to the community of Dove Run for numerous complaints of thefts from motor vehicles.
Through investigative measures, it was determined that both incidents were connected to the same group of individuals. MPD, along with its partnering agencies, were able to identify numerous subjects involved including Cshaun Washington of Newark, Delaware and two juveniles from Wilmington, Delaware. This investigation remains ongoing.
On July 20, 2023, arrest warrants were drafted for all three suspects due to their roles in this incident. They were charged with the following offenses:
Cshaun Washington, 18 years old, Newark, Delaware:
3 counts – Theft of a motor vehicle 5 counts – Burglary 3rd Degree 7 counts – Conspiracy 2nd Degree 3 counts – Theft under $1500 3 counts – Attempted Theft under $1500 2 counts – Unlawful use of a payment card Conspiracy 3rd Degree
(NOT PICTURED)
16-year-old juvenile of Wilmington, Delaware:
3 counts – Theft of a motor vehicle 5 counts – Burglary 3rd Degree 7 counts – Conspiracy 2nd Degree 3 counts – Theft under $1500 3 counts – Attempted Theft under $1500 2 counts – Unlawful use of a payment card Conspiracy 3rd Degree
(NOT PICTURED)
16-year-old juvenile of Wilmington, Delaware:
3 counts – Theft of a motor vehicle 5 counts – Burglary 3rd Degree 7 counts – Conspiracy 2nd Degree 3 counts – Theft under $1500 3 counts – Attempted Theft under $1500 2 counts – Unlawful use of a payment card Conspiracy 3rd Degree
Their arraignments are pending; however, all three subjects are currently in custody due to their role in similar incidents across neighboring jurisdictions.
The Middletown Police Department would like to remind community members to secure their vehicles and to remove the keys from inside their vehicles in order to deter additional vehicle thefts and/or incidents.
Anyone with additional information and/or video of these incidents are asked to contact Det. Adam Starrett at 302-696-2574 or via email at [email protected].
The Middletown Police have arrested 22-year-old Isiah Beaufort of Townsend, DE for felony assault following an investigation that began on Sunday evening.
MIDDLETOWN DE: On April 23, 2023, at approximately 6:00 pm., Middletown Police responded to the area of Middletown Warwick Road and Ash Boulevard in reference to a terroristic threatening with a weapon. The investigation revealed Beaufort shot at the victim several times following a road rage incident while driving north on Middletown Warwick Road. The victim’s vehicle was struck several times and the victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury.
On April 25, 2023, with the assistance of the Delaware State Police SORT Team, a search warrant was served at the home of Beaufort where he was taken into custody without incident. During the search several firearms were recovered.
Beaufort was arrested for Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, Assault 2nd degree, three counts of Reckless Endanger 1st degree, and overtaking/passing on the right. Beaufort was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 where he received $39,001.00 secured bond. He was later committed to Howard Young Correctional after failing to post bond.
Police are asking anyone with additional information regarding the incident to please contact Detective Brett Lankenau at 302-376-9950 or via email at [email protected]. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.
On September 23, 2022, at approximately 9:15 pm Middletown Police were in the area Bunker Hill Road and Choptank Road when shots were fired. Two gunshot victims were located in the area with non-life-threatening injuries. The Middletown Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the investigation. Two suspects were arrested and charged in October, 2022, and a third remained outstanding. Further investigation led to the identification of the third suspect, Firas Elbashier, 19, Middletown, DE.
On March 8, 2023, with the assistance of the Delaware State Police SORT Team, a search warrant was served at the home of Elbashier where he was taken into custody without incident. During the search, a handgun and marijuana were recovered.
Elbashier was arrested for the September 23, 2022 incident and charged with two counts of assault 1st, two counts of reckless endangering 1st, one count of conspiracy 2nd, one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and one count of carrying a concealed deadly weapon a firearm.
Elbashier was also charged with possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, civil possession of marijuana and civil possession of drug paraphernalia.
Elbashier was arraigned via Justice of the Peace Court 2 and received a $171,002.00 bond. He was transported to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post bail.
At this time the Middletown Police believe all suspects in this incident have been arrested. Police are asking anyone with additional information regarding the incident from September 23, 2022 to please contact Detective Adam Starrett at 302-376-9950 or via email at
[email protected]. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.
Elbashier, Firas of Middletown, DE 19709 (19 years old)
On February 11, 2023, at approximately 920 pm, Middletown Police Officers responded to the Valero at 38 E. Main St. in Middletown, Delaware in reference to a person with a gun. Further investigation revealed that a robbery occurred outside, and the suspect brandished a handgun taking items from the victim before fleeing in a white Hyundai Sonata with South Carolina registration.
Further investigation by the Middletown Police Criminal Investigation Division led to Reed Ryan’s (24, Townsend, DE) identification as the suspect in this incident.
On February 20th, 2023, the Middletown Police Department, along with Delaware State Police SORT executed a search warrant on the 600 block of Hanson Rd., Townsend, DE 19734. Reed Ryan was taken into custody without incident.
During the search of this residence three firearms were recovered, along with 1790 grams of Marijuana and other evidence of drug dealing. One of these three firearms was previously reported stolen.
Reed Ryan was charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the commission of a felony, Aggravated Menacing and Terroristic Threatening.
He was also charged with Possession of a Firearm During the commission of a felony, Possession of a firearm by a person prohibited (3 counts), Possession of a Stolen Handgun, Drug Dealing – Tier 2, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of drug Paraphernalia.
Ryan was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and issued a $171,501 secured bail on all charges. He was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post bond.
On January 31, 2023, at approximately 1400 hours, MPD officers responded to the area of Flower Hall and Willow Grove Mill Drives, Middletown, DE 19709 for a reported hit and run accident.
While in route, MPD officers were notified that four suspects, three black males, and one black female, had been observed fleeing the vehicle. Officers responded to the area and located a disabled vehicle with PA registration. Police learned that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Philadelphia by the Philadelphia Police Department earlier that day.
Middletown Police with the assistance of New Castle County and Police and Delaware State Police responded to the area. The occupants were contacted by police however they fled on foot into the neighborhood and surrounding area. Ultimately all four suspects were located and apprehended. They were identified as a 17 year old male juvenile, Makhya Maxwell (18 y.o), Hasim Fisher ( 18 y.o), and Reginald Mcneil (18 y.o).During the pursuit, one of the suspects damaged a resident’s fence.
17 year old – was processed and committed to the juvenile detention center on $10,000 cash bail
Makhya Maxwell – was processed and released on $3,100 total unsecured bail. (Pictured below)
Reginald Mcneil – was processed and released on $3,200 total unsecured bail. (Pictured below)
Hasim Fisher – was processed and released on $3,100 total unsecured bail. (Pictured below)
On January 16h,2023 at approximately 11:45 PM Middletown Police conducted a vehicle stop on Cedar Lane Road at Redden Lane, Middletown, DE. While conducting the investigation, police learned the rear passenger, later identified as Chazmen Cousin-Lee, 32 (Frederick, MD) provided a false name. He was found to be in possession of narcotics, suspected drug proceeds, and was also concealing a non-serialized handgun in his waistband.
He was charged with Manufacture/Deliver/PWID Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity for crack cocaine a schedule II substance, Manufacture/deliver/PWID controlled substance Tier 3 Quantity for synthetic narcotic suboxone a schedule III substance, Possess, purchase, or own a firearm by person prohibited due to prior violent crime or felony, Manufacture/deliver/PWID controlled substance for heroin a schedule I substance, Carrying a concealed deadly weapon, Possession of a weapon with a removed, obliterated, or altered serial number, Resisting arrest with force of violence that injures or struggles with peace officer causing injury, Possess/consume marijuana other than personal use quantity a schedule I substance, Criminal impersonation to obtain a benefit or defraud, and Possess consume a controlled or counterfeit substance except human growth hormone without a prescription for methamphetamine a schedule II substance.
Chazmen cousin-Lee (32 of Frederick, MD) was transported to Howard Young Correctional Facility in lieu of $163,300 cash bond.
The driver of the vehicle Allan Sheingold (41, Middletown, DE) was charged with multiple drug offenses, failure to have insurance identification in possession, and expired tags.
Occupant Maria Dejesus (33, Middletown, DE) was charged with drug offenses.
DeJesus and Sheingold were released on their own recognizance.
The Middletown Police Department requests the public’s assistance in connection to the 2020 murder of Akeem Evans
The Middletown Police Department is asking for the assistance of the public in connection to the 2020 murder of Akeem Evans.
On November 21, 2020, police responded to the intersection of New St. and Cole Blvd. in reference to a shooting that just occurred. Upon arrival, police located 33-year-old Akeem Evans, who was shot at the above intersection and located in the roadway. Evans later succumbed to his injuries.
At this time, no arrest has been made but the investigation remains ongoing, and investigators are asking the public for assistance.
Anyone with information about this investigation, is encouraged to contact Det. Adam Starrett at 302-696-2574 or via email at [email protected]
You can also provide information to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or delawarecrimestoppers.org and may remain anonymous when submitting information.
MIDDLETOWN DE: On October 10, 2022 at approximately 9:21 pm an unknown male entered the La Costena Market located at 14 East Main Street Middletown, Delaware produced a firearm and demanded cash before fleeing.
Police are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to please contact Detective Joseph Womer at 302-376-9950 or via email at [email protected].
Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.
MIDDLETOWN DE: On September 23, 2022, at approximately 9:15 pm Middletown Police were in the area Bunker Hill Road and Choptank Road when shots were fired. Two gunshot victims were located in the area with non-life-threatening injuries. The Middletown Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the investigation. During the course of the investigation, Ammir Brewster and Maon Murray were developed as suspects.
On October 13, 2022, with the assistance of the Delaware State Police SORT Team, search warrants were served at the homes of Brewster and Murray.
Both Brewster and Murray were arrested and charged with two counts of Assault 1st, two counts of Reckless Endangering 1st, one count of Conspiracy 2nd, one count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and one count of Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon A Firearm.
Both Brewster and Murray were arraigned via Justice of the Peace Court 2 and each received a $102,000 secured bail. They were transported to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post bail.
Police are asking anyone with additional information regarding the incident from September 23, 2022 to please contact Detective Adam Starrett at 302-376-9950 or via email at [email protected]. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.
Brewster, Ammir of Townsend DE 19734 (19 years old)
Middletown Police are currently investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of Bunker Hill Road east of Choptank Road on Friday September 23, 2022. At approximately 9:15 pm Middletown Police were in the area when they heard shots being fired. Two gunshot victims were located in the area and transported to Christiana Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Middletown Police Criminal Investigation Unit continues to investigate this case. Police are asking anyone who witnessed this incident to please contact Detective Womer at 302-376-9950 or via email at [email protected]. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.
Over the last several months, the Middletown Police Department conducted an investigation involving Tahmir Pernsley and his involvement in drug dealing and weapons offenses throughout the Town of Middletown, Delaware.
As a result of this investigation, a search warrant was obtained for his residence in the 600 block of Wiggins Mill Rd. Townsend, DE 19734.
On April 19, 2022, the Middletown Police Department, with the assistance of Juvenile Probation, arrested Tahmir Pernsley without issue in the 100 block of Silverlake Rd. Middletown, DE 19709. The subsequent searches of Pernsley’s vehicle and residence located one non-serialized firearm with an extended magazine, ammunition, and marijuana packaged for sale. Pernsley is currently a person prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions.
Pernsley was charged with the following offenses:
Possession of an Untraceable Firearm
Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Driving without a valid license
Display of a fictitious number plate or tag
Pernsley was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and issued a $28,503 cash bond on all charges. Pernsley was subsequently transported to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post this bail.
Middletown, DE: On August 9, 2022 at 7pm the Middletown Police responded to E. Cole Blvd for a shooting which left a victim hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
After an ongoing investigation led by the Middletown Police Criminal Investigation Division, Capice A. Johnson, 27, Middletown DE (pictured below) was developed as a suspect.
On September 7, 2022 the New Castle County Police SWAT Team and the U.S. Marshals assisted with a search warrant at a residence in the unit block of Janvier Court, Middletown, DE. Johnson was taken into custody without incident and charged with multiple gun and drug charges. Johnson was arraigned on his charges and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $183,000.00 cash bail.
If you have any additional information regarding the shooting on August 9, 2022 please contact Detective Stafford at 302-376-9950 or email at [email protected].
On April 14, 2022, at approximately 1832 hours, the Middletown Police Department (MPD) responded to the Lowes at 500 W. Main St. Middletown, Delaware 19709 in reference to a robbery that just occurred. The suspect was identified as a white male who displayed a large knife during the attempted robbery but left the business on foot without obtaining any merchandise during the attempt.
The Middletown Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit assumed this investigation and was able to identify the suspect as Gabriel Otinsky (19 years old) of the 500 block of Middlesex Dr. Middletown, Delaware 19709.
On April 22, 2022, MPD, with the assistance of the Delaware State Police and Probation and Parole, Otinsky was arrested without incident in New Castle, Delaware. A search warrant was then executed at his residence in reference to this case.
Through this investigation, Otinsky was linked to two attempted burglaries on April 14, 2022 at the Food Lion and Harbor Freight in Middletown, Delaware.
Otinsky was charged with the following offenses:
Lowes Robbery:
Attempted Robbery 1st Degree
Possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony
Aggravated Menacing
Wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony
Food Lion and Harbor Freight burglaries:
Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree – 2 counts
Criminal Mischief Greater then $1000 – 2 counts
Otinsky was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and issued a $132,000 cash bond on all charges. Otinsky was subsequently transported to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post this bail.
On March 26, 2022 at approximately 8:05P.M Middletown Police with the assistance of New Castle County Police responded to the Village Wine and Spirits (211 Middletown Warwick Rd) for the report of an attempted robbery with a weapon. On scene police learned that the suspect entered the establishment wearing a mask and a hood over his face. The suspect pulled a black handgun and demanded the two clerks open the register.
One of the clerks was able to pull their own weapon at which point an exchange of gunfire occurred. The suspect fled the store without any proceeds. Nobody was struck during the exchange. The suspect fled in a Red Dodge Journey with black rims.
Middletown Police developed Michael Cherry (35 years old) of Norfolk Va as a suspect. On March 28, 2022 Police located Cherry and his vehicle in a local hotel. Police apprehended Cherry without incident. Police served search warrants on Cherry’s vehicle and hotel room where they recovered a 9mm pistol and clothing used in the robbery.
Cherry is a person prohibited from owning firearms.
Cherry was arraigned and issued a $118,000 cash bond on charges of attempted robbery 1st, reckless endangering1st, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, and wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony. He failed to post bond and was committed to Howard Young Correctional.
On January 5, 2022 at approximately 1046am, the Middletown Police responded to the unit block of Liborio Drive in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival police located one victim who was transported to the hospital and is stable condition.
Middletown Police Detectives are in the early stages of the investigation. We request anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Detective Womer at 302-376-9950.
If you are a local resident with video surveillance, you may have captured this incident. We ask our residents to view video and report anything that could potentially assist in the investigation.
We are committed to keeping our community safe and any information provided will be kept confidential.
On Wednesday January 5th at approximately 10:45 am Middletown PD with the assistance of New Castle County Police responded to the 300 block of Liborio Drive in reference to a shooting. An innocent bystander sitting in their vehicle received a non-life-threatening graze wound to the head. The investigation revealed two subjects were shooting at one another and several vehicles were struck during the exchange of gun fire.
Middletown Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit was able to identify the subjects as Jermaine King, 18, Middletown and Anthony Hobbs,19, Middletown.
King was arrested on February 1, 2022 and charged with Assault 1st, Possession of firearm during the commission of a felony, Reckless 1st, Conspiracy 2nd, Criminal mischief 2, and Discharge rifle or other explosives. King was transported to the Howard Young Correctional Facility in lieu of $45,000 secured bond.
Hobbs turned himself in on February 4, 2022 and arraigned on charges of Possession of firearm during the commission of a felony, Reckless 1st, Conspiracy 2nd, Criminal mischief, Discharging rifle or other explosives. Hobbs was transported to the Howard Young Correctional Facility in lieu of $73,500 cash bond.
On Tuesday November 9th, The Middletown Police Department responded to E. Main Street and Dickenson Blvd for a fatal motor vehicle collision. At approximately 11 a.m. a Harley Davidson motorcycle and Honda Element collided within the intersection. As a result of the collision the motorcycle operator, who was identified as 33 year old Joseph DiMatteo of Townsend was transported to Christiana Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The Honda operator and the adult passenger were not injured. The New Castle County Police Traffic Services Unit is currently investigating the incident. Anyone with information regarding the collision is asked to contact Det. Kevin Maloney, (302)395-8055, or [email protected].
The Middletown Police Department requests the publics assistance in connection to the 2020 murder of Akeem Evans:
The Middletown Police Department is asking for the assistance of the public in connection to the 2020 murder of Akeem Evans.
On November 21, 2020, police responded to the intersection of New St. and Cole Blvd. in reference to a shooting that just occurred. Upon arrival, police located 33-year-old Akeem Evans, who was shot at the above intersection and located in the roadway. Evans later succumbed to his injuries.
This investigation remains ongoing, and investigators are asking the public for assistance.
Anyone with information about this investigation, is encouraged to contact Det. Adam Starrett at 302-696-2574 or via email at [email protected]
Reference Case #34-20-012730.
You can also provide information to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or delawarecrimestoppers.org and may remain anonymous when submitting information.
Over the course of the summer, the Middletown Police Department conducted an investigation involving James Moore, 18, Middletown Delaware, (pictured below) for his involvement in drug dealing and weapons offenses throughout the Town of Middletown, Delaware.
On September 16th, 2021 two search warrants were executed on the 400 Block of North Catherine St. and Moore was taken into custody without incident.
Located during the search was a Polymer 80 non-serialized firearm and 92 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Additionally, 384 grams of marijuana packaged for sale, drug packaging material, Oxycodone, Alprazolam, and Hydrocodone pills were recovered along with suspected drug proceeds in the amount of approximately $900.00.
James Moore was charged with Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony,
Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, Possession of a controlled substance in a Tier 1 Quantity, three counts of Possession of a controlled substance and two counts of Endangering the welfare of a child
Moore was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and issued a $6,200 secured bond. Unable to post bail Moore was transported to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution.
Middletown Police are actively investigating the shooting incident in the Millbranch Community from May 23, 2021 at approximately 6pm. Middletown Police are aware there were several individuals at the parkland and basketball courts located off of Ashland Street when the shooting occurred. Middletown Police are seeking to contact any individuals that may have witnessed or could provide information about the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Middletown Police Detectives at 302-376-9950 (email: [email protected]) or information can be submitted anonymously to Delaware Crime Stoppers @ 1-800-TIP (847)-3333. Tips can also be submitted at DelawareCrimeStoppers.com
Middletown Police are actively investigation the shooting incident in the area of W. Lake St. and N. Broad St. that occurred on May 28, 2021 at approximately 10pm. Middletown Police are seeking to contact any individuals that may have witnessed or could provide information about the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Middletown Police Detectives at 302-376-9950 (email: [email protected] ) or information can be submitted anonymously to Delaware Crime Stoppers @ 1-800-TIP (847)-3333. Tips can also be submitted at DelawareCrimeStoppers.com
On November 30, 2020, the Middletown Police Department (MPD) responded to Cole Boulevard in reference to a shooting in progress. During the shooting a vehicle was struck multiple times, however no one was injured.
After a lengthy investigation, Elijah Reed, of the unit block of Cole Blvd. was developed as a suspect in the incident.
On April 7, 2021, Elijah Reed was taken into custody by the Middletown Police Department and charged with the following offenses:
3 counts Reckless Endangering 1st Degree
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
Criminal Mischief
Elijah Reed was arraigned via Justice of the Peace Court 2 and issued a $99,000 cash bail. He was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post this bail.
If you have any additional information regarding the incident from November 30, 2020 please contact Det. Adam Starrett at 302-696-2574 or via email at [email protected].
On February 19, 2021, the Middletown Police Department (MPD) responded to Naughty Lane and Vincent Circle in reference to a shooting in progress. Following this incident, the MPD Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the investigation. During the course of the investigation, James Ashley was developed as a suspect in the shooting. Additional evidence was identified, which resulted in arrest and search warrants to be issued for Ashley.
On March 4, 2021, with the assistance of the New Castle County Police Department SWAT Team, a search warrant was served at Ashley’s residence in the unit block of Archer Circle in Newark, Delaware. During this search warrant, Ashley was taken into custody on his active arrest warrant.
In addition, a search of the residence by MPD officers located two firearms, ammunition and marijuana inside the residence. As a result, Ashley was charged with the additional criminal offenses.
Feb. 19, 2021 incident:
2 Counts of Reckless Endangering 1st Degree
Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
Possession of a firearm by a person prohibited
Conspiracy 2nd Degree
Criminal Mischief
March 4th, 2012 Incident:
Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
2 Counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited.
If you have any additional information regarding the incident from February 19, 2021 please contact Det. Adam Starrett at 302-696-2574 or via email at [email protected].
On November 3, 2023, Newark Police responded to the BP gas station at 121 South Main Street after receiving a call from station management. Management reported that while inspecting the gas pumps, they located credit card skimmers on two of the pumps. The timeframe…
Today, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan announced that an open meeting of the Commission will be held virtually on Thursday, November 16, 2023. The open meeting will commence at 11 a.m. ET and will begin with time for members of the public to address the Commission.
The following items will be on the tentative agenda for the November 16 Commission meeting:
Voice Cloning Challenge Announcement: FTCstaff will announcean exploratory Voice Cloning Challenge to encourage the development of multidisciplinary solutions—from products to procedures—aimed at protecting consumers from artificial intelligence-enabled voice cloning harms, such as fraud and the broader misuse of biometric data and creative content. The challenge complements efforts across the federal government to address and mitigate the risks of AI.
Presentation on Public Comments on Business Practices of Cloud Computing Providers: FTC Staff will present findings from and ongoing areas of inquiry following the Commission’s Request for Information and public panel discussion on cloud computing. The presentation will address a number of issues raised in the RFI and panel discussion, including competition, security, and generative AI.
At the start of the meeting, Chair Khan will offer brief remarks and will then invite members of the public to share feedback on the Commission’s work generally and bring relevant matters to the Commission’s attention. Members of the public must sign upfor an opportunity to address the Commission virtually at the November 16 event.
Each commenter will be given two minutes to share their comments. Those who cannot participate during the event may submit written comments or a link to a prerecorded video through a webform. Speaker registration and comment submission will be available through Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 8 p.m. ET.
A link to the event will be available on the day of the open meeting, shortly before it starts via FTC.gov. The event will be recorded, and the webcast and any related comments will be available on the Commission’s website after the meeting. The Commission retains discretion to make public comments available following the event on ftc.gov.
As part of its ongoing efforts to combat scammers and protect consumers in every community, the Federal Trade Commission is now providing the ability to report fraud, scams and deceptive practices in multiple languages in addition to English and Spanish.
These new language access enhancements will allow people to file reports with the FTC in their preferred language when calling the FTC. Among the new languages available are Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, Russian, Korean, Portuguese and Polish. Consumers speaking English and Spanish can also continue to file reports directly online.
The FTC is also offering guidance online and in print to consumers and businesses in additional languages. This includes advice on how to spot, stop and avoid scams and what to if you paid a scammer online, as well as offering free print resources in multiple languages.
More information about the enhanced language access for both reporting and consumer and business guidance is available in a new FTC blog post.
As a result of a law enforcement action by the Federal Trade Commission and the State of Florida, Chargebacks911 and its owners have agreed to a settlementthat will prohibit them from working with certain high-risk clients and using deceptive tactics to stop consumers trying to dispute credit card charges through the chargeback process.
In a complaint filed in April 2023, the FTC and Florida charged that, since at least 2016, the “chargeback mitigation” company and its owners, Gary Cardone and Monica Eaton, have used multiple unfair techniques to prevent consumers from winning chargeback disputes.
“The settlement order will provide important protections for consumers who shop online,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “It sends a clear message that chargeback mitigation companies must not undermine consumers’ ability to exercise their rights.”
The chargeback process is a key protection for consumers who wish to contest unwanted, fraudulent, or incorrect credit card charges. When a consumer sees a charge they did not authorize, or for which the promised goods or services didn’t arrive, they can dispute the charge with their credit card company. The consumer’s credit card company then contacts the merchant’s credit card company for information and determines whether to reverse the charge.
The FTC and Florida charged that Chargebacks911 sent materials that it knew or should have known were misleading or inaccurate to credit card companies on behalf of their clients, including screenshots of websites that were different than the ones visited by consumers. The complaint also alleged that Chargebacks911 used its “Value-Added Promotions” service to game the systems that credit card companies use to detect fraud on their payment networks.
The proposed court order, which was agreed to by the defendants and must be approved by a federal judge before it can go into effect, would prohibit them from providing chargeback mitigation services to high-risk clients who use affiliate marketing and negative option plans to sell certain product types that are often fraudulently marketed. The order would also prohibit them from knowingly using deceptive or misleading information on behalf of their clients and would prevent them from using techniques like their Value-Added Promotions service to help clients evade fraud-monitoring programs.
The order will also require the defendants to pay $100,000 in civil penalties and $50,000 in legal costs to the State of Florida.
The Commission vote approving the stipulated final order was 3-0. The FTC filed the proposed orderin the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
NOTE: Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.
The FTC staff attorneys on this matter are Evan Rose, Bobbi Tonelli, and Denise Oki of the FTC’s Western Region San Francisco.
The Federal Trade Commission is providing full refunds to consumers who lost money to the NTS IT Care tech support scheme, which tricked consumers into buying expensive and unnecessary tech support services and often claimed to be affiliated with Microsoft, Apple, and other tech companies. According to a complaint, they often targeted older Americans and those unfamiliar with computer security.
The refunds stem from a 2020 settlement the FTC reached with NTS IT Care, Inc., and its CEO, Jagmeet Singh Virk. The FTC’s case against Virk and NTS had been under seal until earlier this year pending the outcome of a criminal case involving Virk and NTS brought by the Department of Justice.
“As a recent report to Congress makes clear, the FTC is committed to taking action to protect older consumers from scams like these that have a disproportionate impact on them,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “And, what’s more, the FTC will keep working with DOJ to ensure criminal prosecutions follow criminal conduct.”
In its complaint, the FTC said that NTS lured consumers through alarming and deceptive pop-up warnings that appeared when consumers browsed the Internet and often disabled their browsers. The pop-ups looked like a security alert from the computer’s operating system and falsely claimed that a consumer’s computer had been compromised by malicious software, such as a virus or spyware. The pop-up further stated that the computer had been “blocked,” and that the consumer’s personal information was being stolen. The pop-ups sometimes falsely claimed to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another legitimate tech company and instructed consumers to immediately call a toll-free number for help.
When consumers called the number, the company’s sales representatives ran bogus diagnostic scans to convince consumers that their computers needed immediate repair and used high-pressure and deceptive sales tactics to push consumers to buy multi-year technical support service packages that cost as much as $499. NTS and Virk made millions of dollars from the scheme.
Now, the FTC is using money obtained as part of the settlement to provide payments totaling more than $255,000 to 272 consumers who provided victim statements in the case against Virk and NTS. The average refund amount is $937. Most consumers will receive their payment by check and will have 90 days to cash their checks. Consumers who have questions about the refunds should contact the refund administrator by phone at 866-441-9746 or by email at [email protected].
The settlement imposed a $4.9 million judgment against NTS and Virk, which was partially suspended due to their inability to pay the full amount. In addition, NTS and Virk are permanently prohibited from selling or marketing any tech support service and from benefitting from any personal data they collected from consumers. They are also permanently banned from engaging in misleading telemarketing practices and from trying to collect payments from customers for technical support services they previously sold.
The Commission vote authorizing staff to file the complaint and stipulated final order was 5-0. The Commission voted on the matter prior to the departure from the FTC of former Chairman Joe Simons as well as former Commissioners Rohit Chopra, Noah Joshua Phillips, and Christine S. Wilson. The FTC filed the complaint and final orderin the U.S. District Court for Northern California. The court approved the stipulated final order in December 2020.
The lead FTC staffers on this matter were Ronnie Solomon and Sarah Schroeder from the FTC’s Western Region San Francisco.
The FTC would like to thank the Department of Justice, FBI, Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, the Regional Enforcement Allied Computer Team (REACT Task Force), and the Better Business Bureau of Los Angeles & Silicon Valley for their assistance with this matter.
The Commission’s interactive dashboards for refund dataprovide a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2022, Commission actions led to more than $392 million in refunds to consumers across the country.
In a comment submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office, the Federal Trade Commission identifies several issues raised by the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that implicate competition and consumer protection policy, noting the Commission’s role in monitoring the impact of generative AI and vigorously enforcing the law as appropriate to protect competition and consumers.
“The manner in which companies are developing and releasing generative AI tools and other AI products . . . raises concerns about potential harm to consumers, workers, and small businesses,” according to the comment. “The FTC has been exploring the risks associated with AI use, including violations of consumers’ privacy, automation of discrimination and bias, and turbocharging of deceptive practices, imposters schemes and other types of scams.”
The comment explains that the FTC has an interest in copyright-related issues beyond questions about the scope of rights and the extent of liability under the copyright laws. For instance, not only may creators’ ability to compete be unfairly harmed, but consumers may be deceived when authorship does not align with consumer expectations. A consumer may think a work has been created by a particular musician or other artist when it is an AI-created product.
“Conduct that may violate the copyright laws . . . may also constitute an unfair method of competition or an unfair or deceptive practice, especially when the copyright violation deceives consumers, exploits a creator’s reputation or diminishes the value of her existing or future works, reveals private information, or otherwise causes substantial injury to consumers,” the comment continues. In addition, certain large technology firms have vast financial resources that enable them to protect the users of their generative AI tools or exclusive licenses to copyrighted proprietary data, potentially further entrenching the market power of these dominant firms.
Accordingly, the FTC has been using its existing legal authorities to take action against illegal practices involving AI, citing consumer protection examples including allegations that Amazon and Ring used highly private data they collected to train their algorithms while violating consumer privacy.
“AI, in particular generative AI, is still evolving rapidly, but it already has the potential to transform many industries and business practices. Notably, there is no AI exemption from the laws on the books. Accordingly, the FTC will vigorously use the full range of its authorities to protect Americans from deceptive and unfair conduct and maintain open, fair, and competitive markets,” the comment concludes.
The FTC submitted the comment in response to a notice of inquiry and request for comments on the copyright and policy issues raised by AI systems. It provides an overview of the FTC’s expertise in promoting competition and protecting consumers in an economy in which AI is being rapidly deployed, highlights the interconnection between AI-related copyright issues and FTC-focused competition and consumer protection concerns, and shares themes found in comments made at last month’s FTC roundtable on AI’s effects on the work of creative professionals.
The Federal Trade Commission is sending nearly $7 million in refunds to consumers who paid for health insurance but instead got medical discount plans pitched by Consumer Health Benefits Association (CHBA).
According to the FTC’s complaint against CHBA, related entities, and their owners, the company targeted consumers who searched online for information about affordable health insurance plans. CHBA telemarketers allegedly pitched consumers with a long list of false claims about the benefits of the discount plans, including that the plans were as widely accepted and would provide the same cost savings as legitimate health insurance companies, and also misled consumers about the company’s refund policies.
The FTC is sending payments to 47,166 consumers. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, Epiq, at 888-350-1458, or visit the FTC website to view frequently asked questions about the refund process. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.
The Commission’s interactive dashboards for refund data provide a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2022, Commission actions led to more than $392 million in refunds to consumers across the country.
Now in its fifteenth year of publication, the data book also provides the most recent fiscal year information available on robocall complaints, the types of calls consumers reported to the FTC, and a complete state-by-state analysis. According to the data book, complaints about imposter calls again topped the list, with more than 175,000 received during the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2023, 117,000 of which were robocalls. In such calls, imposters falsely pose as representatives of government, such as the Social Security Administration or the IRS, legitimate business entities or as people affiliated with them.
FY 2023 Registration and Complaint Data
The FTC’s National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry lets consumers add their phone number and choose not to receive most legal telemarketing calls. In the last fiscal year, more than 2.6 million people signed up with the DNC Registry, bringing the total to more than 249 million actively registered phone numbers, up from 246.8 million at the end of FY 2022.
The overall number of complaints continued its decline in FY 2023, down more than 900,000 from FY 2022. The number of consumer complaints decreased for most topics, including warranties and protection plans, the second largest topic the past several years, which saw a decrease of more than 84 percent from FY 2022.
In FY 2023, the Commission received 1.2 million complaints about robocalls, down from 1.8 million in FY 2022. This is the second year in a row the number of robocalls reported has decreased. For every month in the fiscal year, robocalls—defined under FTC regulations as calls delivering a prerecorded message—made up the majority of consumer complaints about DNC violations.
Calls about medical and prescription issues comprised the second-most commonly reported topic, with consumers filing more than 142,000 complaints. Complaints about supposed debt-reduction made up the third-most commonly reported topic, followed by complaints about energy, solar, and utilities and warranties and protection plans.
Registration and Complaint Data by State
The FTC also provides a state-by-state breakdown of its data. New Hampshire continues to top the nation in active DNC registrations per capita. The top five states reporting the most DNC complaints per 100,000 people in FY 2023 were Delaware, Ohio, Virginia, Nevada and Illinois.
Operation Stop Scam Calls
In July 2023, the FTC and more than 100 federal and state law enforcement partners nationwide, including the attorneys general from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, announced “Operation Stop Scam Calls,” the largest crackdown on illegal telemarketing calls in U.S. history.
The initiative involved more than 180 actions targeting operations responsible for billions of calls to U.S. consumers, and it not only targeted telemarketers and the companies that hire them, but also lead generators who deceptively collect and provide consumers’ telephone numbers to robocallers and others, falsely representing that these consumers have consented to receive calls. The effort also targeted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers who facilitate illegal robocalls every year, which often originate overseas.
Underlying Data Availability
The underlying data in the report is publicly available on the FTC’s website.
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 5:08 p.m.
Location: South New Street and West Reed Street
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Tyrese Bailey, 22, of Dover, on drug and firearm charges following a stop Wednesday evening. On Wednesday at approximately 5:08 p.m., the Dover Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit was conducting a firearms investigation on Bailey when he was contacted in the area of South New Street and West Reed Street. Bailey was taken into custody without incident and officers located a .22 Caliber Rifle concealed inside of his jacket. Officers continued their search of Bailey and located 54.1 grams of marijuana, 154 bags of heroin and 1.3 grams of crack cocaine. Bailey was transported to Dover Police Department where he was processed and arraigned.
Bailey was committed to SCI on $152,200 cash bail on the following charges: -Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony -Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition By a Person Prohibited (3x) -Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (2x) -Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number -Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon -Possession of a Controlled Substance In a Tier 1 Quantity -Possession of a Controlled Substance
The Dover Police Department has arrested Khalil Smith, 19, of Dover, for his involvement in the Spruance Road shooting that left a 17-year-old male injured in May of 2023. (See original release below) Through the investigation into this incident, the Criminal Investigations Unit, in collaboration with the Drugs, Vice and Organized Crime Unit, identified Smith as a suspect. On October 30th, 2023 Detectives obtained warrants for Smith who was currently being held at SCI on unrelated charges.
Smith was arraigned at SCI where he was held on $75,500 cash bail on the following charges:
-Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony -Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (2x) -Reckless Endangering First Degree (2x) -Assault Second Degree -Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony -Conspiracy Second Degree -Criminal Mischief
Khalil Smith Dover, DE
**Original Release**
Incident Number:50-23-14368
Date/Time: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 2:33 a.m.
Location: 100 Block of Spruance Road, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating the shooting of a 17-year-old white male of Dover that occurred early Tuesday morning. The investigation began when Dover Police responded to the 100 block of Spruance Road for a shooting. Officers responded, and upon arrival located the 17-year-old victim, who had been shot in his upper body. Officers immediately rendered aid and the victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The ensuing investigation revealed that a vehicle was also struck by gunfire during this incident. No other injuries were reported. There are no leads at this time.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Dover Police Victim Services Unit is available to provide help and guidance. You can contact the Victim Services Unit at 302-736-7134 or by email at: [email protected]
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The Delaware State Police arrested 20-year-old Lynox Allen of Wilmington, Delaware, for aggravated menacing and gun offenses after he caused a disturbance at a North Wilmington area restaurant on Sunday night.
On October 29, 2023, at approximately 8:26 p.m., troopers responded to the Applebee’s located at 1600 Rocky Run Parkway for reports of an armed man wearing a ski mask arguing with the restaurant’s employees. The suspect was reported to have fled in a silver sedan bearing a specific Delaware registration. A responding trooper observed the car traveling southbound on Concord Pike in the area of Prospect Avenue and conducted a felony traffic stop. The trooper made contact with the driver, identified as Lynox Allen, and the 19-year-old passenger. Both were detained without incident. After Allen was removed from the car, troopers observed a ski mask in plain view on the driver’s seat. Subsequently, troopers searched the car and located a loaded handgun under the driver’s seat, and approximately 24.95 grams of marijuana.
In the ensuing investigation, troopers learned Allen’s family members, who were dining at Applebee’s, contacted him about issues with the restaurant’s employees. Allen then responded to Applebee’s and confronted employees while armed. During the argument, Allen grabbed the handgrip of the gun that was partially concealed in his pocket.
Allen was taken to Troop 1, where he was charged with the following crimes:
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by Person in Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Disorderly Conduct
Allen was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $30,000 secured bond.
**UPDATE** The Dover Police Department is cancelling the Gold Alert for John Holland. He has been located.
Incident/Complaint#: 50-23-36005
Date: Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
Location: 300 block South Governors Avenue, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for John Holland, 59, of Dover, DE. Holland suffers from a condition that may pose a risk to his health and safety if not properly monitored and treated. Holland is described as a white male, 5’11”, 235 pounds, brown hair and blue eyes. Holland was last seen in the area 300 block of South Governors Avenue on October 31, 2023 at 1530 hours wearing a white t-shirt, jeans and bleu sneakers. Attempts to contact him have been negative.
If you have any information on Holland’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
We are thrilled to invite you to an unforgettable celestial adventure at the Delmarva Astronomical Star Party (DASP), where the night sky comes alive in all its splendor. Join us for two enchanting nights at one of the Eastern Shore’s darkest spots. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting your journey into stargazing, this event aims to create a community to support, nurture, and share all levels of astronomical passion. It’s your chance to connect with like-minded enthusiasts and astronomers at every level. You can join for the entire three-day event or just one day and night.
Event Highlights: ✨ Starry Nights: Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of the night sky at a location known for its minimal light pollution. Witness the Milky Way, constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects.
🌌 Expert Guidance: Our experienced astronomers and host, Hunter Outten, along with our many guests, will provide insightful tips and techniques to enhance your telescope observations. Learn, share, and connect with fellow stargazers.
🔥 Nightly Campfires: Gather around the campfire to share stories, trade tips, and bond with fellow attendees. Roasting marshmallows is highly encouraged!
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Activities: Bring the whole family to engage with fun and educational astronomy-themed activities making this a perfect event for stargazers of all ages. Self-guided astro-crafts like star finders will be available in the lodge. Daytime activities, including hiking trails, are available on the grounds.
🏕️ Overnight Camping: Pitch your tent or set up your trailer/camper on the grounds to fully immerse yourself in the night sky. Fall asleep under a canopy of stars and awaken to the beauty of the cosmos.
Don’t miss this opportunity to share your passion for the cosmos with kindred spirits! Mark your calendar, pack your telescope and camping gear, and prepare for a weekend of celestial wonder at the inaugural Delmarva Astronomical Star Party. We look forward to seeing you there! Clear skies and best wishes,
Hunter Outten & Kim Check
Event Organizers
*Grounds Access Code Required to enter Hazel Property. Provided upon reservation confirmation.
The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against personal finance app provider Brigit, alleging that its promises of “instant” cash advances of up to $250 for people living paycheck-to-paycheck were deceptive and that the company locked consumers into a $9.99 monthly membership they couldn’t cancel.
Brigit, also known as Bridge It, Inc., has agreed to settle the FTC’s charges, resulting in a proposed court order that would require the company to pay $18 million in consumer refunds, stop its deceptive marketing promises, and end tactics that prevented customers from cancelling.
“Brigit trapped those consumers least able to afford it into monthly membership plans they struggled to escape from,” said Sam Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Companies that offer cash advances and other alternative financial products have to play by the same rules as other businesses or face potential action by the FTC.”
According to the FTC’s complaint, Brigit advertised its cash advance service online, through social media and through broadcast ads with claims that customers who subscribed to the company’s service would have access to “instant” cash advances of up to $250 “whenever you need it,” and could cancel anytime. Consumers could only access the cash advance features when they signed up for the $9.99 per month “Plus” subscription.
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The FTC’s complaint, however, charges that consumers were rarely able to get an advance for the promised $250, and in many cases consumers were not able to receive a cash advance at all. Despite Brigit’s promises that advances would be available with “free instant transfers,” the complaint notes that the company began charging consumers a 99 cent fee for an instant transfer. Consumers who did not pay the fee had to wait up to three business days for their advances.
In addition, the complaint charges that while Brigit claimed to offer “non-recourse” advances with no fees or interest, the company prevented consumers who had an open advance from cancelling their subscription and continued to withdraw $9.99 monthly from their bank account until the advance was paid off. Such monthly charges created significant additional hardship for consumers already struggling to pay off a cash advance.
Even when consumers without an open cash advance attempted to cancel the paid subscription, the complaint charges that the company employed dark patterns—manipulative design tricks—to create a confusing and misleading cancellation process that prevented consumers from cancelling their subscriptions, instead of offering a simple mechanism to cancel, as required by the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA).
The proposed settlement order, which must be approved by a federal judge before it can go into effect, would require Brigit to pay $18 million to the FTC to be used to provide refunds to consumers. In addition, the order would prohibit Brigit from misleading consumers about how much money is available through their advances, how fast the money would be available, any fees associated with delivery, and consumers’ ability to cancel their service. The order would also require the company to make clear disclosures about its subscription products and provide a simple mechanism for consumers to cancel.
The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint and stipulated final order was 3-0. The FTC filed the complaint and final orderin the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.
The staff attorneys on this matter were Patrick Roy, Mark Glassman and James Doty of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Iconic Harriet Tubman Statue Retraces Underground Railroad Trail to Next Destination
CAPE MAY, NJ – On Thursday, November 9, the famed Underground Railroad will once again come alive as the iconic “Beacon of Hope” bronze statue of Harriet Tubman is transported across the Delaware Bay aboard the Cape May – Lewes Ferry (CMLF). Since September 1, 2023, the “Beacon of Hope” has been on exhibit at the Cape May Point Science Center (CMPSC), the first stop on its freedom tour.
“We’re honored to transport the “Beacon of Hope,” said Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations. “Our ferry route is very similar to one used by escaped enslaved people who would wait for moonless nights to row across the Delaware Bay using the Lighthouse for guidance. It’s fitting and a significant historical moment for this iconic sculpture to cross the Delaware on the Cape May Lewes Ferry.”
The “Beacon of Hope”, which is 13 feet high, is traveling on a 70-foot-long flatbed trailer. The statue and its entourage will board the 10:30 a.m. departure from Cape May, New Jersey on Thursday, November 9.
“To Honor the Underground Railroad, William Still, and Harriet Tubman, the celebrated “Beacon of Hope” sculpture of Tubman was created and now will continue to follow the trail through Maryland, New Jersey, and New York,” said Bob Mullock, President of the Cape May Point Science Center. “Harriet Tubman was very active on Cape Island and William Still, the father of the Underground Railroad, once owned the historic building that today houses the Science Center. We were honored to be the sculpture’s first stop on its travel through time and appreciate the Ferry’s help in getting her to her next destination – Salisbury, Maryland.”
Chronicling the journey of one of our great American heroes, the “Beacon of Hope” has planned stops in Salisbury, Maryland; Rahway, New Jersey; the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio; City of Peekskill, New York; and John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Westport, New York.
Designed and produced by Wesley Wofford of Wofford Sculpture Studio, “The Beacon of Hope” is a monument that tells Harriet Tubman’s continuing story and amplifies her message of equality, so that all may hear it.
About the Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Owned and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, the Cape May – Lewes Ferry is open year-round and has carried more than 43 million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964. As an integral transportation system connecting the communities and economies on both sides of the Delaware Bay, the Ferry service is a significant catalyst for economic growth and regional tourism activity in New Jersey and Delaware. Its operations sustain over 4,000 jobs while generating tens of millions of dollars in local taxes and hundreds of millions in regional economic activity. For schedules and rates, please visit www.CMLF.com or call 800-643-3779.
About the Cape May Point Science Center
Located in one of the world’s most biodiverse and vital regions, The Center’s mission is to provide unique opportunities and funding to advance ecological research, education, and advocacy and encourage the protection of our piece of nature’s heaven. The Center further aims to uncover and preserve history, and the building it calls home, and the community of Cape May Point. For more information, please visit www.capemaypointsciencecenter.org or email [email protected].
Location: 300 block South Governors Avenue, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for John Holland, 59, of Dover, DE. Holland suffers from a condition that may pose a risk to his health and safety if not properly monitored and treated. Holland is described as a white male, 5’11”, 235 pounds, brown hair and blue eyes. Holland was last seen in the area 300 block of South Governors Avenue on October 31, 2023 at 1530 hours wearing a white t-shirt, jeans and bleu sneakers. Attempts to contact him have been negative.
If you have any information on Holland’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
Delaware State Police arrested 66-year-old Johnny Diogo, of Greenwood, Delaware, for a 5th offense DUI and drug-related charges on Monday in Milton.
On October 30, 2023, at approximately 3:37 p.m., a trooper on patrol responded to the Valero gas station located at 25772 Deep Branch Road in Milton for a report of a man slumped over the driver’s wheel of a Ford F-150 pick-up truck. When the trooper arrived, he contacted Johnny Diogo, the driver of the F-150. The trooper woke up Diogo, who showed signs of impairment during their interaction. It was determined that Diogo was under the influence after the trooper conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. A search of Diogo and the pick-up truck led to the discovery of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Diogo was taken into custody and transported to Troop 7, where a computer check revealed that he had four previous DUI convictions. He was charged with the following crimes:
5th offense DUI (Felony)
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Diogo was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $3,200 secured bond.
The Delaware State Police have arrested 66-year-old Wayne Long of Berlin, Maryland, for multiple counts of felony sexual solicitation of a child as part of an ongoing investigation. Detectives are seeking assistance in identifying potential victims associated with the investigation occurring in the Sussex County area.
On October 19, 2023, Delaware State Police Troop 4 Youth Aid Detectives began investigating the possible sexual solicitation of a child after learning Wayne Long requested sexually explicit images from multiple underage male children through Snapchat in exchange for transportation to and from the beach in Sussex County. At this time, detectives have identified two victims who were targeted by Long on multiple occasions over the course of several months this past summer. Long is a former custodian with the Indian River School District. He supports several athletic teams, including Sussex Central High School, but has been known to attend sporting events and other events at various local school districts. Detectives have reason to believe there are additional unidentified victims who may have been targeted through Snapchat or potentially other social media platforms over the past couple of years.
On October 30, 2023, Long responded to Troop 4 after detectives contacted him by phone. He was charged with the following crimes:
Sexual Solicitation of a Child Under 18 (Felony) – 2 counts
Long was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on an $80,000 cash bond.
The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Youth Aid Unit continues to investigate this incident in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Justice. Detectives are asking anyone with information or who may be a victim to please contact Detective R. Mears by calling 302-752-3809. 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.
The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred early this morning in Smyrna that left one man dead.
On October 30, 2023, at approximately 2:06 a.m., a green 2012 Ford F-150 was traveling eastbound on Wheatleys Pond Road, west of Bryn-Zion Road in Smyrna. Simultaneously, a black 2011 Lincoln Town Car was traveling westbound on Wheatleys Pond Road, approaching the Ford. It is unclear at this time as to which vehicle crossed the centerline causing the right front side of the Ford to impact with the right front side of the Lincoln on the southern part of the eastbound lane. After the impact, the Ford traveled in a southeasterly direction while rotating clockwise and rolled onto the driver’s side. The Ford came to rest in the westbound lane, still on its driver’s side, and became fully engulfed in flames. Post impact, the Lincoln was forced in a northeasterly direction while rotating counterclockwise, where it exited the roadway and struck a utility pole. The Lincoln came to rest in the roadside grass after the impact from the utility pole caused it to deflect westbound.
The driver of the Lincoln, a 71-year-old man from Henderson, Maryland, was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.
The driver of the Ford fled from the scene of the crash and is unknown at this time. The roadway was closed for approximately four hours while the scene was investigated and the roadway was cleared.
The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal W. Booth by calling 302-698-8451. 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.
The Delaware State Police are investigating a homicide that occurred in Laurel on Sunday afternoon.
On October 29, 2023, at approximately 2:47 p.m., troopers responded to a reported shooting on the 500 block of West 7th Street in the town limits of Laurel. Arriving troopers located an 18-year-old male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the porch of a residence. The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified. Two additional victims were located on the porch, suffering from gunshot wounds to the lower extremities. The 15-year-old male and the 13-year-old male were transported to an area hospital, where they remain admitted in stable condition. All three victims are from Laurel, Delaware.
Due to the nature of the investigation, the Laurel Police Department requested that the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assume the investigation. A preliminary investigation revealed two unknown suspects approached the victims on foot and started shooting. After numerous rounds were fired, the suspects fled on foot in an unknown direction. The investigation has determined that this was not the result of an active shooter situation.
The Homicide Unit is still actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective M. Csapo by calling 302-741-2729. 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.
The Delaware State Police have arrested 44-year-old Lori Davenport of Clayton, Delaware, for the burglary of a Dover residence that occurred in August.
On August 21, 2023, at approximately 4:00 p.m., troopers responded to a residence located on the 1000 block of Dinahs Corner Road in Dover for a report of a burglary by the 53-year-old homeowner. During the investigation, troopers learned the homeowner returned to his home and discovered several items were missing. On August 18, 2023, a witness contacted the homeowner about a suspicious woman leaving his property in a green sedan with a weed whacker protruding from her car. Through investigative means, Troop 3 Property Crimes Detectives identified the suspect as Lori Davenport, and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
On October 26, 2023, troopers responded to the Walmart located at 36 Jerome Drive in Dover after receiving a report that Davenport was in the store shoplifting. Upon arriving, troopers located Davenport inside the Walmart, and she was taken into custody without incident.
Davenport was taken to Troop 9 and charged with the following crimes:
Burglary Second Degree (Felony)
Theft Over $1,500 (Felony)
Davenport was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on her own recognizance.
The Delaware State Police are investigating a homicide that occurred in the parking lot of a strip mall last night in Selbyville.
On October 28, 2023, at approximately 11:56 p.m., troopers responded to a reported shooting in the parking lot of a strip mall located at 36334 Dupont Boulevard in Selbyville. Arriving troopers observed several vehicles fleeing the scene and located numerous shell casings in the parking lot. Shortly thereafter, troopers received reports of a 21-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound at a nearby hospital, where she was ultimately pronounced dead. The Milford woman’s name is being withheld until her family and relatives are notified. A second victim, a 30-year-old woman from Seaford, Delaware, was also taken by a private vehicle to a nearby hospital, where she was treated and released for a gunshot wound to her upper extremity.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a Halloween party took place at a business within the strip mall. At some point during the event, a fight broke out and the party goers were asked to disperse. The fight continued in the parking lot, at which point an unknown suspect displayed a handgun and began shooting. The two victims were not involved in the altercation. The 21-year-old victim was attempting to get to her car when she was struck in the upper torso. The 30-year-old victim was seated in her car in the parking lot when it was struck by gunfire. Following the shooting, the crowd dispersed, and the unknown suspect fled the area in an unknown direction.
The Homicide Unit is still actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective A. Bluto by calling 302-741-2859. 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.
The number of cigarettes that the largest cigarette companies in the United States sold to wholesalers and retailers nationwide decreased from 190.2 billion in 2021 to 173.5 billion in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission’s most recent Cigarette Report. The report also states that in 2022, menthol flavored cigarettes comprised 36 percent of the market among major manufacturers.
The amount spent on cigarette advertising and promotion decreased from $8.06 billion in 2021 to $8.01 billion in 2022. Price discounts paid to cigarette retailers ($5.74 billion) and wholesalers ($1.14 billion) were the two largest expenditure categories in 2022. Combined spending on price discounts accounted for 85.9 percent of industry spending.
According to the Smokeless Tobacco Report, smokeless tobacco sales decreased from 122 million pounds in 2021 to 113.3 million pounds in 2022. The revenue from those sales rose from $4.96 billion in 2021 to $4.98 billion in 2022. Menthol flavored smokeless tobacco products comprised more than half of all sales and fruit flavored smokeless tobacco products comprised 2.6 percent of pounds sold.
Spending on advertising and promotion by the major manufacturers of smokeless tobacco products in the U.S. decreased from $575.5 million in 2021 to $572.7 million in 2022. The two largest spending categories in 2022 were price discounts paid to retailers, which were $360.5 million, and promotional allowances paid to wholesalers, which were $44.7 million.
Smokeless tobacco manufacturers also reported selling $1.06 billion of nicotine lozenges, pucks and pouches not containing tobacco in 2022, more than double the $452.8 million sold in 2020.
The Commission has issued the Cigarette Report periodically since 1967 and the Smokeless Tobacco Report periodically since 1987.The Commission vote to issue both reports was 3-0.
The primary staffer on the reports is Michael Ostheimer in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
The Federal Trade Commission is sending nearly $100 million in refunds to consumers who lost money as a result of internet phone service provider Vonage imposing junk fees and creating obstacles to those who try to cancel their service.
According to the FTC’s November 2022 complaint, Vonage used dark patterns to make it difficult for consumers to cancel their service and often continued to illegally charge them even after they spoke to an agent directly and requested cancellation. The company agreed to a settlement with the FTC that required it to pay refunds to consumers harmed by the company’s actions, make its cancellation process simple and transparent, and stop charging consumers without their consent.
The FTC is sending payments to 389,106 consumers. Most consumers will get a check in the mail. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Eligible consumers who did not have an address on file will receive a PayPal payment, which should be redeemed within 30 days. Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, Epiq, at 1-877-525-4728 or visit the FTC website to view frequently asked questions about the refund process. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.
The Commission’s interactive dashboards for refund data provide a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2022, Commission actions led to more than $392 million in refunds to consumers across the country.
As a result of a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit, Jonathan Braun, who controlled small-business funding company RCG Advances, will face a permanent ban from the merchant cash advance and debt collection industries. A federal court issued summary judgment in favor of the FTC in the case along with a permanent injunctionagainst Braun.
“Mr. Braun and his company targeted small business consumers with an egregious array of tactics, from predatory contract terms to violent threats, and the court’s opinion is a significant win on their behalf,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “This case makes clear that the FTC will fight back against those who prey on small businesses.”
The FTC sued Braun in June 2020, along with four other defendants, for his role with RCG Advances, which formerly did business as Richmond Capital Group, charging that he deceived small businesses and other organizations by misrepresenting the terms of merchant cash advances the business provided, and then used unfair collection practices, including sometimes threatening physical violence, to compel consumers to pay.
The suit also alleged that Braun and the other defendants made unauthorized withdrawals from consumers’ accounts and required businesses and their owners to sign confessions of judgment as part of their contracts, which allowed the defendants to go immediately to court and obtain an uncontested judgment in case of an alleged default. The complaint alleges that the defendants unlawfully and unfairly used these confessions of judgment to seize consumers’ personal and business assets in circumstances not expected by consumers or permitted by the defendants’ financing contracts.
The court’s opinion granting summary judgment in favor of the FTC found that Braun engaged in “extensive misconduct” that violated both the FTC Act and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) Act, and that Braun was liable for the damages caused by his and the company’s unlawful conduct.
The permanent injunction includes a number of key provisions:
Ban on merchant cash advance: Braun is permanently banned from any involvement with the merchant cash advance industry, including assisting anyone else in offering those services.
Ban on debt collection: Braun is permanently banned from the debt collection industry.
Remove negative credit information: Braun is required to contact credit reporting agencies within 30 days to remove any negative information that was filed on consumer or business credit reports as a result of his actions.
Prohibition on deceiving consumers and unauthorized charges: Braun is prohibited from deceiving consumers about any product or service, and is also prohibited from charging consumers without their authorization.
The court has scheduled a trial for January 2024 to determine the amount of monetary relief that should be imposed for Braun’s law violations.
The other defendants in the FTC’s case previously settled the FTC’s charges against them, resulting in industry bans and monetary relief totaling more than $2 million.
The Federal Trade Commission has approved an amendment to the Safeguards Rule that would require non-banking institutions to report certain data breaches and other security events to the agency.
The FTC’s Safeguards Rule requires non-banking financial institutions, such as mortgage brokers, motor vehicle dealers, and payday lenders, to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive security program to keep their customers’ information safe. In October 2021, the FTC announced it had finalized changes to the Safeguards Rule to strengthen the data security safeguards that financial institutions are required to put in place to protect their customers’ financial information. The FTC also sought comment on a proposed supplemental amendment to the Safeguards Rule that would require financial institutions to report certain data breaches and other security events to the Commission.
“Companies that are trusted with sensitive financial information need to be transparent if that information has been compromised,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The addition of this disclosure requirement to the Safeguards Rule should provide companies with additional incentive to safeguard consumers’ data.”
The amendment announced today requires financial institutions to notify the FTC as soon as possible, and no later than 30 days after discovery, of a security breach involving the information of at least 500 consumers. Such an event requires notification if unencrypted customer information has been acquired without the authorization of the individual to which the information pertains. The notice to the FTC must include certain information about the event, such as the number of consumers affected or potentially affected.
The breach notification requirement becomes effective 180 days after publication of the rule in the Federal Register.
The Commission voted 3-0 to publish the notice amending the Safeguards Rule in the Federal Register.
The lead staffers on this matter are David Lincicum and Mark Eichorn in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Nearly 6,000 homes and businesses connected through ARPA funding in last year, with remaining locations to be connected by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, other federal funding
SMYRNA, Del. – Governor John Carney joined state leaders and representatives of Comcast, Verizon, Mediacom, and the Communication Workers of America (CWA) at the Innovation Technology Exploration Center to celebrate progress on broadband expansion and preview next steps. With federal investments from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocated by Governor Carney, Delaware has successfully connected nearly 6,000 homes, businesses, and organizations to broadband in the last year. Delaware is on track to become the first state in the nation to be fully-connected.
President Biden signed the nearly $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) —legislation championed by Senator Tom Carper, Senator Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester— to provide COVID-19 relief to millions of Americans, and Governor Carney assigned $33 million of Delaware’s share for broadband expansion.
“Our goal is to have Delaware be the first state in the country to connect every home and business to high-speed internet within the next few years. If there is any state that can connect every home and business, it ought to be Delaware,” said Governor John Carney. “Every family deserves high-quality internet for school, work, and entertainment. I want to thank the members of the federal delegation and the Biden Administration providing this funding. It’s really making a difference for Delawareans.”
In the last 12 months, the State of Delaware and Comcast, Medicom, and Verizon have made high-speed internet available for the first time to 5,859 homes and businesses, mainly in rural areas of the state. There are 372 locations remaining to be installed with ARPA funding. Those locations will be reached over the next few months. Once those residences are competed, the State of Delaware will have spent $33 million in ARPA funding on broadband connection.
To learn more about how Delawareans have benefitted from ARPA funding, visit Governor Carney’s website.
President Biden signed the nearly $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) —legislation championed by Senator Tom Carper, Senator Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester— to provide COVID-19 relief to millions of Americans. Governor Carney assigned $33 million of Delaware’s share for broadband expansion.
“The American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continue to deliver for Delaware – this time connecting thousands of our residents to broadband internet who didn’t have access before,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “The pandemic exacerbated many shortcomings with our broadband infrastructure, when so many Americans relied on it to connect to doctors for telehealth appointments, conduct schoolwork online, or work remotely. Today’s announcement connecting thousands of homes, businesses, and organizations to broadband is a win-win for Delaware and the success of these historic pieces of legislation.”
“The pandemic made clear just how necessary it is for every home in Delaware to have a fast, reliable, and affordable internet connection,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “I’m proud to have worked with President Biden to negotiate and pass both American Rescue Plan Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These two critical pieces of legislation are directly benefiting Delawareans, sending millions of dollars to the state to ensure that all Delawareans can access the internet and critical digital services.”
“Having helped author the broadband provisions of the American Rescue Plan, as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I couldn’t be more proud that Delaware is on track to be the first state in the nation that is fully connected. Since day one of his Administration, President Biden has made clear his commitment to investing in the people and places that make America strong — and today, we’re celebrating those investments right here in Delaware,” said US. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. “Already almost 6,000 Delaware homes and businesses have been connected to the internet, and that means access to jobs, employment, health care and more. I’m thrilled to join Governor Carney and Senators Carper and Coons in celebrating this achievement for Delaware, and I look forward to keeping the momentum going with help of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”
“Investment in high-quality broadband is a game-changer for families, communities, and businesses. Today, there are families who can now access job information, telehealth, online reading materials and more thanks to these ARPA investments and commitment from our federal and state officials and partners. To close the digital divide and ensure every Delawarean is successful and thriving, it’s important to build on this work. Every household, every community deserves to be connected to high-speed internet,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long.
The Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) led this project for the State. DTI contracted providers already serving Delawareans with internet and found efficient ways for those providers to extend their existing networks using ARPA funding.
“Reliable and affordable high-speed internet is essential, and this investment of ARPA funding means that more than 6,000 additional Delaware homes and businesses will have the access they need,” said Greg Lane, CIO, Delaware Department of Technology and Information. “We know our work is far from over. Additional federal funding from the BEAD and Digital Equity Programs will support the connection of an estimated remaining Delaware 8,600 addresses, as well as help us ensure that everyone can take advantage of digital technologies that are accessible and affordable.”
“In partnership with Governor Carney and the Department of Technology and Information, Comcast is proud to complete the expansion of its Xfinity 10G Network to more than 2,600 additional homes and businesses in rural Delaware,” said Michael Parker, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Beltway Region. “This is a great example of a public-private partnership that will not only help bridge the digital divide in rural Delaware, but also help fuel innovation and economic growth for decades to come.”
“We applaud Governor Carney and his team for their leadership in establishing a robust broadband program in Delaware,” said Eric Fitzgerald Reed, Public Policy & State Government Affairs for the DE, PA and NJ Region at Verizon. “Verizon is focused on delivering broadband internet services and this partnership expands high-speed broadband access to thousands of residents and will better connect our communities. We look forward to similar opportunities in other communities as they arise.”
“The public private partnership between the State of Delaware and Mediacom has brought world-class broadband services to nearly 1,600 homes and businesses in rural Sussex County that were previously unserved,” said Chris Lord, Mediacom’s Director of Government Partnerships. “Governor Carney and the staff at the Delaware Broadband Office should be commended for their steadfast commitment to eliminating the digital divide for all Delawareans.”
“CWA members are proud to have played a role in Delaware’s successful use of ARPA funds to connect an additional 6,000 Delaware homes and businesses to high-speed internet,” said Mike Watson, President of the Communication Workers of America, Local 13101. “This is just the start. With an additional $107 million in federal funds from the bipartisan infrastructure bill, Delaware can ensure that everyone in our state has access to reliable, high-speed internet services. And by setting high labor standards for broadband infrastructure projects, we can make sure it is done right, and create good, family-supporting jobs in the process.”
DTI is now planning to use Delaware’s funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to complete the work of connecting all Delaware homes and businesses, along with additional federal funding administered by the FCC. To learn more about broadband expansion in Delaware, visit the Delaware Department of Technology and Information’s website.
Delaware State Police investigated a threatening image reported by Cape Henlopen High School and Sussex Central High School.
On October 25, 2023, at approximately 2:44 p.m., the Cape Henlopen High School staff contacted the Delaware State Police regarding a concerning image of a gun and a threat to the school that is circulating on social media. In addition, Sussex Central High School staff contacted the Delaware State Police regarding the same concerning image. The investigation revealed the image has been circulating nationwide for the last several years. At this time, the Delaware State Police has no intelligence indicating that the threat was credible. Be mindful that the absence of intelligence does not mean the lack of a threat. Always call 911 to report suspicious activity.
The Newark Halloween Parade is this Sunday October 29. From 1430 – 1700 hours, the parade route will close the entire length of East Main Street from Library Avenue to South College Avenue. Local traffic will be permitted between Library Avenue and Tyre Avenue….
The Dover Police Department is investigating an armed carjacking that occurred Tuesday evening. The investigation began when officers were called to Sam’s Club at 7:11 p.m. for the report of an armed carjacking. Officers responded and contacted the victim, a 26-year-old male of Magnolia, who advised that he was approached by two black males in the parking lot of Sam’s Club, one of which was armed with a handgun. The suspects demanded the victim turn over property, including the victim’s car keys, and he complied. One suspect fled in the victim’s vehicle, which is a 2019 Dodge Charger Scat Pack with Delaware Registration 223742. The second suspect fled in a white four door sedan with window tint. Officers check the area for the vehicles and suspects with negative results.
Suspect 1 is described as a skinny black male, approximately 5’6″-5’7″, wearing a black ski mask, dark clothing, with a white scarf with a plaid design armed with a handgun.
Suspect 2 is described as a skinny black male approximately 6’1″ – 6’2″, with no clothing description provided.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
On Saturday October 28th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Newark Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will provide the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted…
The Federal Trade Commission and State of Wisconsin are taking action against Wisconsin auto dealer group Rhinelander Auto Center, its current and former owners, and general manager Daniel Towne for deceiving consumers by tacking hundreds or even thousands of dollars in illegal junk fees onto car prices and for discriminating against American Indian customers by charging them higher financing costs and fees.
The defendants have agreed to proposed court orders that will require Rhinelander’s current owners and Towne to stop their unlawful practices and provide $1.1 million to be used for refunds to consumers.
“Working closely with the State of Wisconsin, we are holding these dealerships accountable for discriminating against American Indian customers and sneaking junk fees onto consumers’ bills,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “A vehicle is one of the most expensive purchases families make, and we are fully committed to ensuring that all consumers navigating the car-buying process can do so without facing unlawful discrimination or paying for products and services they do not want.”
“Companies must not be permitted to engage in discriminatory practices or improperly charge customers for ‘add-on’ products or services,” said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to those at Wisconsin DOJ, the FTC, and other agencies whose work led to the filing of this complaint.”
In their complaint, the FTC and Wisconsin DOJ say that Rhinelander and Towne regularly charged many of their customers junk fees for “add-on” products or services without their consent. The complaint cites one survey of Rhinelander customers that shows half of the dealer’s customers said they were charged for add-ons without authorization or through deception. One consumer was told—deceptively—that Guaranteed Asset Protection (commonly referred to as “GAP,” or “GAP insurance”) was required for her car purchase, even though she didn’t want to buy it; it cost her more than $1,000 in fees and additional interest on her loan.
Rhinelander and Towne discriminated against American Indian customers in the cost of financing by adding more “markup” to their interest rates, according to the FTC’s complaint. This additional markup cost American Indian customers $401 more on average compared to non-Latino white customers. The complaint also notes that, since Rhinelander changed ownership in 2019, the disparity has only increased.
In addition, the complaint alleges that American Indian customers were charged for unwanted add-ons at a higher rate than non-Latino white customers. These additional junk fees can significantly drive up the amount that customers finance when they purchase their vehicle, which in turn leads to higher cost over the life of the loan. In total, American Indians paid on average approximately $1,362 more for add-ons in credit transactions than non-Latino White customers since 2016, and $1,374 more since the new ownership took over, according to the complaint.
The proposed settlement with Rhinelander’s current owners and Towne will require the company to stop deceiving consumers about whether add-ons are required for a purchase and obtain consumers’ express informed consent before charging them for add-ons. The settlement will also the require the defendants to establish a comprehensive fair lending program that, among other components, will allow consumers to seek outside financing for a purchase and cap the additional interest markup Rhinelander can charge consumers. The current owners and Towne will also be required to pay $1 million to be used to refund affected consumers.
The former owners, Rhinelander Auto Center, Inc. and Rhinelander Motor Company, have agreed to a separate settlement that would require the companies to permanently wind down the businesses and pay $100,000 to be used to refund affected consumers.
The Commission vote to authorize FTC staff to file the complaint and to approve the proposed stipulated final orders was 3-0. The complaint and proposed final orders were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin.
In addition to its partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Justice in this case, the FTC also thanks Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation; Department of Financial Institutions; and Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, as well as the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin, for their assistance with this matter.
NOTE: The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Consent judgments have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.
The FTC attorneys on this matter are Nathan Nash, Rachel Sifuentes and Rachel Granetz of the FTC’s Midwest Region.
The settlement with the State of Wisconsin is dependent on approval by Wisconsin’s Joint Committee on Finance per the requirements of 2017 Wisconsin Act 369.
The Federal Trade Commission sued to stop four related defendants from deceptively marketing their 1 Virus Buster Invisible Mask (Invisible Mask) that purportedly creates a three-foot barrier of protection against 99.9 percent of all viruses and bacteria, including COVID-19 – without any scientific proof that the product actually works.
sent in July 2020, the New York-based defendants continued falsely advertising the Invisible Mask—a badge worn around the neck—as a scientifically proven defense against COVID-19 and other diseases and that it was a government-approved device, according to the FTC’s complaint.
Three of the four defendants have agreed to a proposed order settling the FTC’s complaint, and will be banned from making unsupported health claims for products designed to prevent or treat COVID-19.
“The defendants’ claims that their products can stand in for approved COVID-19 vaccines are bogus,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC will use every tool it has at its disposal to stop false and unsubstantiated health claims that endanger consumers.”
The complaint alleges defendants Gary Kong, Timothy Wetzel, and the two companies they operate, K W Technology Inc. and K W Technology NV Inc., violated the FTC Act and the Covid Consumer Protection Act through their marketing and sale of the Invisible Mask on their own website, YouTube, and Facebook, where it was called “The 1 Virus Buster Card.”
This card, which was worn around the neck or clipped onto clothing, was sold using deceptive claims, the FTC says. For example, the defendants claimed their product “uses quantum theory technology, combines known virus and bacteria killing compounds. It is safe, simple, and effective. All you need to do is hang it around your neck or attach it to your collar, close to your mouth and nose. . . it kills 99.9% of most harmful bacterial and viruses . . . within a three-foot radius.”
The FTC contends the defendants have no reliable scientific evidence to support their claims that the Invisible Mask can prevent any human disease, and that despite contacting the FTC after receiving the warning letter and vowing to stop making such claims, they simply continued deceptively marketing the product.
The complaint also alleges the defendants falsely claimed that the Invisible Mask or its materials are government approved or made in a government-approved facility. They also falsely claimed the Invisible Mask had “FDA Approval” and that that the materials used to make it are “EPA-approved.” On their website the defendants posted a phony “Certificate of Registration” with the FDA’s logo, despite the fact that no such agency certificate exists.
The Kong Proposed Order
Three of the defendants have agreed to settle the FTC’s complaint in this case. A proposed court order will ban defendants Kong and his two companies, K W Technology Inc. and K W Technology NV Inc., from advertising, promoting, or selling any product claiming to prevent or treat COVID-19, unless the claims are true and supported by scientific evidence. The order also will bar the defendants from making any health-related product claims unless they have scientific evidence that the claim is true and from making misrepresentations about products’ health benefits, performance, efficacy, safety, or side effects.
The order also prohibits the defendants from misrepresenting they have government approval, clearance, or authority for their products and product claims. Finally, it requires the payment of $150,000.
The Commission voted 3-0 to file the complaint and proposed stipulated order against defendants Kong, K W Technology Inc. and K W Technology NV Inc. The FTC filed the documents in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Litigation continues against defendant Wetzel, who did not agree to the proposed settlement.
The lead attorney on the matter is Robin L. Rock of the FTC’s Southeast Region.
The Laurel Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance locating the below pictured suspect for an active warrant related to a high-speed vehicle pursuit.
On 10/16/23 at approximately 7:50pm, a Laurel Police Officer on patrol attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a green Honda Civic after observing the vehicle traveling at 103MPH in a 55MPH zone. The officer also noticed the vehicle was displaying a fictitious registration plate.
Upon attempting to stop the vehicle, it fled at a high rate of speed. The officer briefly pursued the vehicle as it made multiple unsafe lane changes, disregarded traffic control devices, and passed in no-passing zones. The officer eventually discontinued the pursuit in the interest of public safety.
Further investigation determined the correct registration for the vehicle, along with the identification of the driver at the time of the pursuit. The driver was identified as Jason Dailey (35) of Milford, DE.
As a result of this incident, the investigating officer obtained warrants for Dailey’s arrest to answer for the following crimes:
-Disregarding Police Signal (Class G Felony) -Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor) -Driving While License Suspended/Revoked (Misdemeanor) -Aggressive Driving (Misdemeanor) -Reckless Driving 90MPH or Greater (Misdemeanor) -Several Additional Traffic Violations
The issuance of a warrant for the arrest of a subject is merely a showing of probable cause by the investigating agency related to the above incident. The subject, once arrested, is considered to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
A recent photo of Dailey’s vehicle is being included with this release due to the distinct features of the vehicle. If a member of the public observes Dailey or the pictured vehicle, please call 911. Please do not approach or attempt to confront Dailey.
Anyone with information about this incident or other criminal activity is asked to contact the Laurel Police Department at 302-875-2244 or by direct message to this page. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Delaware Crimestoppers by texting “KEYWORD” followed by your information to CRIMES (274637). Tips submitted to Crimestoppers that lead to an arrest are potentially eligible for a cash reward.
On October 14, 2023, Newark Police responded to the rear of a business in Shoppes at Louviers on Louviers Drive for a report of an indecent exposure. Officers detained a male subject, identified as Patrick Ellison, 27, of Middletown. The reporting person was not…
The Federal Trade Commission has submitted two reports to Congress detailing the agency’s efforts to combat cross-border fraud through the U.S. SAFE WEB Act and work contributing to the fight against ransomware and other cyber attacks that originate outside the United States.
The first report provides an update on the FTC’s efforts to implement the Undertaking Spam, Spyware, And Fraud Enforcement With Enforcers Beyond Borders Act, or U.S. SAFE WEB Act (SAFE WEB). The second report, which was required by the Reporting Attacks from Nations Selected for Oversight and Monitoring Web Attacks and Ransomware from Enemies Act (RANSOMWARE Act), addresses questions about FTC activities concerning China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran and the FTC’s efforts to combat ransomware—a type of cyber-related attack in which bad actors hold data or computer access hostage until they receive payment— and other types of cyber attacks.
SAFE WEB, passed by Congress in 2006, provides a framework to engage in cross-border assistance, including information sharing and investigative support. As the report notes, the law has been an indispensable tool in helping the FTC combat cross-border fraud and protect consumers in an increasingly global and digital economy. Thirty years ago, less than 1% of fraud reported to the FTC was cross border, while in 2022 more than 11% of complaints were cross border.
With the authority provided by SAFE WEB, the FTC has pursued and stopped harmful conduct in the United States and successfully defended against challenges to its jurisdictional authority over foreign companies targeting American consumers. The FTC has also worked with numerous foreign enforcers to stop cross-border injury and frauds.
SAFE WEB was reauthorized by Congress in 2020 for seven years. In the new report, the Commission urges Congress to permanently reauthorize SAFE WEB by removing the sunset provision currently set to expire on September 30, 2027, thus preserving the agency’s ability to effectively cooperate with foreign law enforcement to protect consumers. The report also reiterates the FTC’s call for Congress to restore the agency’s ability to get money back to consumers harmed by unlawful conduct and to prevent bad actors from profiting from their misconduct. The FTC’s authority to do so was severely hampered by the Supreme Court’s 2021 AMG decision.
Report on Ransomware and other Cyber Attacks
The second report details the FTC’s work to target ransomware and other cyber attacks. The report notes that one of the key ways the FTC has done this is by implementing a robust data security enforcement program aimed at ensuring companies take appropriate steps to protect personal data they hold from such attacks. The FTC has brought more than 80 enforcement actions involving data security. The agency also has pursued bad actors involved in ransomware-related tech support scams and worked to educate the public and businesses on how to secure and protect data from cyber attacks.
Only a small fraction of the millions of complaints the FTC receives each year involve ransomware and other cyber attacks, and these complaints rarely mention Iran, North Korea or Russia, according to the report. While China is the leading source of complaints about cross-border fraud, they rarely relate to ransomware and other cyber attacks, the report notes. The report details enforcement actions, mostly involving privacy and data security, the FTC has taken involving known or unverified connections to China and Russia.
The report reiterates the importance of SAFE WEB in helping to combat ransomware and other cyber attacks. The Commission also urges Congress to enact privacy and data security legislation, enforceable by the FTC, asserting that such legislation would advance the security of the United States and U.S. companies against ransomware and other cyber attacks.
The Commission votes to approve each report were 3-0.
The lead staffers on both reports are Stacy Procter and Angel Martinez in the FTC’s Office of International Affairs.
Over the past week, the Newark Police Department has received calls from residents about a telephone scam involving a person posing as a police officer from the Newark Police Department. During the call, the caller uses the name of a real Newark Police Officer…
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on the costs, benefits, necessity, and regulatory and economic impact of its Labeling Requirements for Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fueled Vehicles (AFVs), also called the Alternative Fuels Rule, including issues related to electric vehicle charging stations.
The FTC is conducting this review as part of its ongoing, systematic review of all agency rules and guides. With this request for comment, the FTC is starting a new review of the rule. The FTC first published the Alternative Fuels Rule in 1995 as directed by the Energy Policy Act of 1992. To enable consumers to make informed buying decisions, the rule requires informative labels on fuel dispensers for non-liquid alternative fuels, such as electricity, compressed natural gas, and hydrogen. The Commission completed its most recent review of the rule 10 years ago, and as part of that process, eliminated separate FTC labeling requirements for AFVs such as electric cars, and, in their place, incorporated the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) fuel economy labeling requirements into the rule.
In addition to seeking comments on general questions about the rule, the FTC now seeks comments on specific issues related to electric vehicle charging stations. The Federal Register notice announcing the request for public comments includes specific questions about labeling for electric vehicle charging stations operated by retailers for consumers. It details the current rule’s requirements regarding disclosures on all public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and seeks input on whether, among other things, the FTC should make any changes to the content of the current EV charging stations label, what types of information the labels should disclose, and where they should appear.
Instructions for filing comments will be included the published notice. Comments must be received 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register. Once processed, comments will be posted on Regulations.gov. Consumers also may submit comments in writing by following the instructions in the “Supplementary Information” section of the notice. Comments must be received within 60 days after the request in published in the Federal Register.
The Commission vote approving publication of the request for public comments in the Federal Register was 3-0.
The primary staffer on this matter is Hampton Newsome in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
The Federal Trade Commission has issued its latest report to Congress on protecting older adults, which highlights key trends based on fraud reports by older adults, and the FTC’s multi-pronged efforts to combat the problem through law enforcement actions, rulemaking, and outreach and education programs.
In addition, the report calls on Congress to update the FTC Act in response to the Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling in the AMG Capital Management case, which severely limited the FTC’s ability to recover money that older adults and other consumers lose to scammers.
“We do all we can to protect older adults and shut down the scams targeting them,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “But we still need Congress to restore our authority to get money back from the scammers and into consumers’ pockets.”
Because the vast majority of frauds are not reported, this figure represents only a fraction of the overall cost of fraud to older consumers, which the FTC estimates to be as high as $48 billion. The report also finds that in 2022, older adults reported significantly higher losses to investment scams, business impersonation scams and government impersonation scams than they did in 2021:
Investment scams: $404 million reported lost, up 175% from 2021.
Business impersonation scams: $271 million reported lost, up 78% from 2021.
Tech support scams: $159 million reported lost, up 117% from 2021.
As in prior years, the analysis of fraud reports received by the FTC in 2022 showed that adults aged 60 and over were substantially less likely to report losing money to fraud than adults aged 18-59. When they did report losing money, though, they tended to report losing substantially more than younger adults. Consumers 80 and older reported losing a median of $1,750 to fraud, while those in their seventies reported a median loss of $1,000, with both numbers increasing over 2021.
The analysis included in the report to Congress also found that adults 60 and older were more than six times as likely as adults aged 18 to 59 to report losing money to a tech support scam. Older adults were more than twice as likely to report a loss to a prize, lottery or sweepstakes scam, and 73 percent more likely to report losing money to a friend or family impersonation scam.
The report’s analysis shows that older adults filed the largest number of reports about online frauds—where consumers were first exposed to the fraud via social media, the web, or online ads. The largest median losses, however, were reported by older adults on fraud that started with a phone call. The impact of scams where older adults were contacted on social media also increased; the median reported loss from this type of scam jumped from $460 in 2021 to $800 in 2022.
The report focuses on key actions the FTC has taken to protect older consumers, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s AMG Capital decision. In 2022, the Commission issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on government and business impersonation, which is aimed at curbing a form of fraud that has resulted in tremendous losses for older consumers. A new rule would offer additional tools for the FTC to seek refunds for consumers harmed by these scams.
In addition, the report notes a number of enforcement actions that had a particular impact on older consumers, including cases against Publishers Clearing House for using dark patterns to mislead consumers into thinking that making a purchase would increase their chances of winning the company’s sweepstakes drawing; a company that placed more than a billion calls to consumers, including hundreds of robocalls and calls to consumers on the National Do-Not-Call Registry; a bogus credit card relief scheme; a timeshare exit scam; a company making false health claims about COVID prevention; and current and former major distributors for the multi-level marketing company doTERRA for making baseless claims about COVID treatments. The report highlights a number of ongoing law enforcement partnerships in which the FTC works with other federal agencies, along with state and local authorities, to take actions to protect older consumers.
Finally, the report details the FTC’s outreach and education efforts through such programs as the Pass it On campaign, which focuses on providing fraud prevention resources to older adults so they can help protect their communities by sharing the information and materials with family and friends. It also details the FTC’s ongoing efforts to implement the Stop Senior Scams Act of 2022.
The Commission vote authorizing the report to Congress was 3-0.
Sollers College and its parent company, Sollers Inc., have been ordered to cancel $3.4 million in student debt to resolve separate charges brought by the Federal Trade Commission and the state of New Jersey that said the companies lured prospective students to enroll by falsely touting their job-placement rates and that their relationships with prominent companies would lead to jobs after students graduate.
The for-profit school also had an illegal twist to the “income share agreements” it encouraged students to take out to pay for the school, according to the FTC’s complaint. Income-share agreements require students to pay the school a percentage of their future income in exchange for covering their tuition.
“Not only did Sollers College use deceptive advertisements to attract students, it trapped them in multi-year income share agreements that broke the law by leaving out important borrower rights,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Today’s order cancels all income-share agreements issued by the school. Companies that skirt long‑standing consumer protection laws when offering new financing products should be on notice that the FTC takes these violations seriously.”
According to the FTC’s complaint, Sollers, and its parent company, used their website, social media, and email campaigns to falsely advertise their partnerships with prominent employers in the fields of information technology, clinical research, and drug safety. Sollers falsely claimed that its partnerships with prominent employers, such as Pfizer, Weill Cornell Medicine, and Infosys, resulted in jobs for its graduates at those companies. In reality, many of the businesses featured on Sollers’ website had no partnership with the school at all.
The complaint states that, since at least 2018, Sollers advertised that the vast majority of Sollers graduates are placed in jobs. For example, the company advertised, “90% of our students are placed within 3 months of graduation,” on its website. In reality, the job placement rate for Sollers graduates is substantially lower than the 80 percent, 82 percent, 90 percent or “near perfect” rates featured prominently on its website and in its advertising campaigns. For example, the school’s own data suggests that the current job-placement rate for graduates of its Life Sciences programs remains as low as 52 percent.
In addition, the complaint notes that Sollers encouraged students to pay for their education using income-share agreements. Under the specific terms of Sollers’s contracts, students agreed to pay Sollers a fixed percentage of their future income on a monthly basis, typically for two years. Between August 2018 and April 2021, the school entered into 392 illegal agreements, none of which included certain disclosures mandated by law. Specifically, the agreements failed to include the Holder Rule notice, which protects consumers who enter certain loans or credit contracts by preserving their right to assert claims and defenses, even if the loans or contracts are assigned to a third party. Sollers later sold a portion of the agreements to third parties.
Under the stipulated order, the for-profit is prohibited from falsely advertising any educational product or service. The order also prohibits the company from denying access to diplomas or transcripts based on any debt forgiven by the proposed order.
Specifically, Sollers must:
stop collecting debts from students on any income-share agreements it currently holds;
re-purchase any income share agreements it sold to third parties to stop collection efforts on those agreements;
request that consumer reporting agencies delete the debt from consumers’ credit reports;
and provide written notification to consumers who are receiving debt forgiveness under the proposed order.
The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint and stipulated final order was 3-0. The complaint and stipulated final order will be filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
The staff attorneys on this matter are Wendy Miller and Paul Mezan of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.
The Dover Police Department has arrested Joshua Collins, 38, of Felton, Holly Ramsey,32, of Felton, David Evans,39, of Dover and Katie Miller,31, of Dover, following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle early Monday morning. The investigation began when Officers observed a stolen GMC van traveling northbound on South DuPont Highway in the area of Lotus Street. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. Officers initiated a vehicle pursuit which traveled south to Camden, DE and west on Westville Road into Maryland. Delaware State Police and Maryland State Police were contacted for assistance. The pursuit last approximately 45 minutes and ended in Easton, Maryland where the vehicle pulled into a private drive way. When the vehicle stopped, the driver, Collins, ran from the vehicle into a wooded area. Collins was taken into custody shortly after with the assistance of Dover Police K-9 Jits. The other occupants, Ramsey, Evans and Miller were taken into custody without incident. An 11-month-old child was also located in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately .005 grams of methamphetamine and paraphernalia.
Further investigation revealed that Collins and Ramsey were currently wanted by the Delaware State Police for charges related to the 11-month-old located in the vehicle.
The 11-month-old was turned over to the Delaware Division of Family Services.
All of the defendants will be held in Maryland pending extradition to Delaware.
Upon returning to Delaware the individuals will be charged as follows:
Collins: -Disregarding a Police Officers Signal -Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 -Conspiracy Second Degree -Endangering the Welfare of a Child -Resisting Arrest -Possession of Methamphetamine -Possession of Drug Paraphernalia -Multiple Traffic Offenses
Ramsey: -Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 -Conspiracy Second Degree -Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Evans: -Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 -Conspiracy Second Degree
Miller: -Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 -Conspiracy Second Degree -Possession of Methamphetamine -Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Delaware State Police arrested 52-year-old Kelly M. Raabof Frankford, Delaware, for felony theft on Thursday morning.
On January 31, 2023, at approximately 3:14 p.m., the Delaware State Police Financial Crimes Unit met with local Girl Scout Troop representatives regarding a theft. Kelly Raab was identified as the former treasurer of the Girl Scout Troop. Following a ten-month investigation, troopers discovered that Raab issued and cashed fraudulent checks in addition to making unauthorized payment card transactions during her time as treasurer with the Girl Scouts from January 2018 to November 2022. The total loss amounted to more than $12,000.
On October 12, 2023, Rabb turned herself into Troop 4, where she was charged with the following crime:
Theft over $1500 (Felony)
Raab was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on her own recognizance.
On October 13, 2023, at about 2234 hours, Newark Police responded to a residence in the 200-block of Haines Street for a report of an attempted burglary that just occurred. Arriving officers found that the suspect had already left the area. An investigation at…
The court found that corporate defendants Day Pacer, LLC and Edutrek, L.L.C. purchased consumers’ contact information primarily from websites claiming to help people find jobs, and instead illegally called those consumers to market unsolicited vocational or post-secondary education services. The court also found that the defendants assisted and facilitated other telemarketing companies by paying them to make approximately 40 million calls to consumers on the Do Not Call Registry. Additionally, the court found that individual defendants Raymond Fitzgerald, Ian Fitzgerald, and David Cumming directly participated in or had authority to control the corporations’ deceptive acts or practices, and were therefore also liable.
The court found that the defendants knowingly violated the Telemarketing Sales Rule, citing evidence that the defendants had ignored repeated complaints from consumers and warnings from business partners.
In granting summary judgment, the court found that the FTC was entitled to both injunctive relief and civil penalties. The court has scheduled a hearing to determine the amount of the civil penalty award and the scope of injunctive relief.
On October 10, 2023, the Newark Police Department located an unoccupied stolen motor vehicle. During the investigation two suspects entered the motor vehicle and fled from investigating officers, nearly striking a marked police car. Officers observed that an occupant of the stolen vehicle was…
Delaware State Police arrested 63-year-old Ralph Cahall, III, of Greenwood, for 6th offense DUI and other traffic-related charges on Tuesday.
On October 10, 2023, at approximately 8:35 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the area of Unity Lane and Deep Grass Lane in Greenwood observed a black Chevrolet pickup truck that only had only one operable headlight. The trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, the driver later identified as Ralph Cahall, disregarded the trooper’s signal and began fleeing at what appeared to be a high rate of speed. After a brief vehicle pursuit, the trooper stopped pursuing the vehicle for the safety of the motoring public. The vehicle was later observed by the trooper on a dirt lane near the 14000 block of Staytonville Road.
As the trooper approached the vehicle, Cahall was observed running into a wooded area, where he was taken into custody without incident a short time later. After Cahall was taken into custody, the trooper noticed that he displayed signs of impairment. The trooper conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and determined that Cahall was under the influence.
Cahall was taken to Troop 3, where a computer check revealed he had five previous DUI convictions. He was charged with the following crimes:
6th offense DUI (Felony)
Disregarding a Police Officer Signal
Resisting Arrest
Numerous traffic-related charges
Cahall was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $7570 secured bond.
Delaware State Police arrested 57-year-old Michael Switzer of Millsboro, Delaware, for felony theft at Wawa in Millsboro Tuesday morning.
On October 10, 2023, at approximately 6:42 a.m., a trooper responded to Wawa, located at 24930 John J. Williams Highway in Millsboro, for a theft complaint. Witness interviews and a review of video surveillance revealed that a store employee, Michael Switzer, had been stealing cartons of cigarettes valued at approximately $10,800 since June 2023 and then reselling them to unknown people. The trooper contacted Switzer at the store and took him into custody without incident. Switzer was transported to Troop 7 and charged with one count of felony theft.
He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance.
The Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) obtained a settlement that will require credit reporting agency Trans Union LLC and a subsidiary to pay a total of $15 million to settle charges they failed to ensure the accuracy of tenant screening reports by including inaccurate and incomplete eviction records about consumers, hampering their ability to obtain housing.
In a complaint filed in federal court, the FTC and CFPB say that Colorado-based TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions, Inc. (TURSS) and its parent company, Trans Union LLC, based in Chicago and commonly known as TransUnion, violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) by failing to ensure the accuracy of the information included in their tenant background screening reports.
“Consumers struggling to find housing shouldn’t be shut out by tenant screening reports that are ridden with errors and based on data from secret sources,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Protecting consumers looking for housing is critical to a fair economy, and we are proud to partner with the CFPB in obtaining this record-breaking order.”
“Americans across the country were put at risk of wrongful housing denials because TransUnion failed to follow the law,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “We are ordering TransUnion to cease its yearslong illegal activity, clean up its broken business practices, redress its victims, and pay penalties.”
TURSS provides background screening reports about consumers to thousands of clients, including rental property owners, property management companies, employers, and other background screening companies, for tenant and employee selection. These reports may include information about consumers’ criminal and eviction records, including the amount sought by a landlord in court, any judgment amount the court may award, and the amounts owed by consumers. Trans Union LLC manages and oversees TURSS’s compliance with the FCRA.
Inaccurate and outdated information in tenant screening reports can significantly hamper consumers’ ability to find housing, costing them time and money by prolonging their search for housing, requiring them to pay additional application fees and spend time correcting errors in their background reports.
TURSS obtains eviction records from third-party provider LexisNexis Risk and Information Analytics Group, Inc. but has failed to take steps to ensure the accuracy of the data it was provided, according to the complaint. The FTC and CFPB say TURSS failed to follow reasonable procedures to: prevent the inclusion of multiple entries for the same eviction case; accurately report the disposition of eviction cases it included in its reports; accurately label the monetary amounts associated with those cases; and prevent the inclusion of sealed eviction records in its background reports.
Until April 2021, TURSS often reported developments in the same eviction proceeding as separate events, making it appear as if a consumer had more than one eviction, according to the complaint. The company took steps to change that practice only after learning of the FTC’s investigation. The company also failed to follow reasonable procedures to accurately report the outcome of evictions, such as reporting an eviction was filed without reporting that it was also dismissed months or years before, or reporting that a landlord was awarded a judgment in an eviction proceeding when the case was actually dismissed.
The company also included inaccurate labels in its reports that mischaracterized the nature of certain information in consumers’ eviction records, according to the complaint. The company labeled money that a landlord claimed a consumer owed as “Judgment Amount,” giving the false impression that this was the amount awarded by a court. The complaint also charges that TURSS failed to put in place reasonable procedures to prevent eviction records that had been sealed, or restricted from public view, by a court from appearing in its reports.
The FTC and CFPB also say that TURSS violated the FCRA by failing in many instances to provide consumers with the names of third-party vendors from whom it received criminal and eviction records included in its tenant screening reports, which made it harder for consumers to correct errors in their background reports.
Under the proposed order, which must be approved by a federal court before it can go into effect, TURSS and Trans Union LLC will be required to pay $11 million, which will be used to compensate consumers, and a $4 million civil penalty, which will go to the CFPB’s civil penalty fund. This is the largest amount ever recovered in an FTC tenant screening matter. In addition, the companies must also take steps to address the allegations of the complaint and help enable consumers to dispute inaccurate information in the future, including:
Put in place procedures to ensure the accuracy of information they provide about consumers in background screening reports, particularly information related to evictions;
Design procedures to prevent the inclusion of the types of problematic records detailed in the complaint including sealed records, unresolved eviction cases, multiple filings for a single eviction case, and any monetary amounts other than final judgments;
Disclose the sources of information in a consumer’s file, including identifying third-party vendors;
Implement practices and procedures that will help the companies identify future problems with criminal and eviction records and take corrective steps to fix them;
Provide consumers upon request and at no charge all the information in their file at the time of the request, including any information that TURSS might provide to a landlord or property manager; and
Make available on TURSS’s website a sample “adverse action notice letter” that landlords can use when they turn down applicants for housing, which will prompt the landlord to share the applicant’s tenant screening report and tell them why they are denying their application.
The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint and stipulated final order was 3-0. The FTC and CFPB filed the complaint and stipulated final orderin the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.
NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.
The lead staffers on this matter are Jarad Brown and Whitney Moore in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
The Federal Trade Commission announced a settlement with bankrupt crypto company Voyager that will permanently ban it from handling consumers’ assets and is filing suit against its former CEO, Stephen Ehrlich, for falsely claiming that customers’ accounts were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and were “safe,” even as the company was approaching an eventual bankruptcy. The complaint also names Stephen Ehrlich’s wife, Francine Ehrlich, as a relief defendant.
In the federal court complaint, the FTC charges that from at least 2018 until it declared bankruptcy in July 2022, Voyager used promises that consumers’ deposits would be “safe” to entice them to hand over their funds. When the company failed, consumers lost access to significant assets they had saved, including ongoing salary deposits, college tuition funds, and down payments for homes, according to the complaint, which notes that consumers were locked out of their cash accounts for more than a month and lost more than $1 billion in crypto assets.
“Consumers reported over $1.4 billion in losses to cryptocurrency scams in the last year, and the FTC continues to crack down on those who lie to consumers about these risky assets,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “This action reminds companies and individuals: don’t play fast and loose with claims about FDIC insurance.”
The proposed settlement with Voyager and its affiliates will permanently ban the companies from offering, marketing, or promoting any product or service that could be used to deposit, exchange, invest, or withdraw any assets. The companies also agreed to a judgment of $1.65 billion, which will be suspended to permit Voyager to return its remaining assets to consumers in the bankruptcy proceedings. Former executive Stephen Ehrlich has not agreed to a settlement and the FTC’s case against him will proceed in federal court.
According to the complaint, Voyager enticed consumers to deposit cash and cryptocurrency with the company based on assurances that their assets were especially safe on the platform. The company offered incentives to consumers who converted the cash they deposited into a cryptocurrency called USD Coin, a so-called “stablecoin” that claims to track the value of the U.S. dollar.
The company’s marketing included direct promises about the safety of consumers’ deposits. One example cited in the complaint included the line “YOUR USD IS FDIC INSURED”
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Voyager, however, is not a bank or financial institution, and the deposits consumers made with Voyager were not eligible to be insured by the FDIC. The complaint notes that the FDIC does not insure crypto assets at all, and consumers’ cash deposits were actually placed in an account held by Voyager at a traditional bank that also issued debit cards on behalf of Voyager. Consumers’ cash was only protected if that bank itself failed, and their cryptocurrency wasn’t protected at all.
The complaint notes that Voyager was aware that the company’s claims could mislead consumers. The bank where Voyager deposited consumers’ funds contacted the company in 2021 saying the claims were “potentially misleading.” A bank representative went on to say that “a reasonable consumer could conclude that his USDC [USD Coin] held with Voyager is FDIC-insured.” While Voyager made some changes to its cardholder agreement, the complaint notes that the company continued its misleading advertisements. The company only removed the FDIC claims from its advertising after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the FDIC.
Ehrlich himself, in a June 2022 letter to Voyager customers, reassured them of the company’s stability, claimed it was “well-capitalized and positioned to weather the bear market,” and said that consumers’ funds were “as safe with us as at a bank.”
Two weeks later, the company froze consumers’ access to their accounts.
The FTC staff complaint alleges that Voyager and Stephen Ehrlich violated the FTC Act’s prohibition on deceptive practices and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act’s prohibition on obtaining a customer’s financial information through false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements. The complaint also alleges that Stephen Ehrlich transferred millions of dollars to his wife Francine, including funds that can be traced directly to the alleged unlawful conduct.
In addition to banning Voyager and its affiliated companies from handling consumers’ assets, the proposed settlement prohibits the companies from misrepresenting the benefits of any product or service; from making false, fictitious, or fraudulent representations to any customer of a financial institution in order to obtain or attempt to obtain their financial information; and from disclosing nonpublic personal information about consumers without their express consent.
The Commission voted 3-0 to file a complaint against Voyager and its affiliated companies, Stephen Ehrlich, and relief defendant Francine Ehrlich and to approve a stipulated order with Voyager and its affiliated companies. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
In a parallel action, on October 12, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission separately charged Ehrlich with fraud and registration failures.
NOTE: The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Stipulated orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.
The staff attorneys on this matter are Quinn Martin, Sanya Shahrasbi, and Larkin Turner of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
NEW CASTLE, Del. – On Saturday, October 28, 2023, the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Police Department will participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) twenty-fifth National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This initiative, which focuses on removing potentially dangerous drugs from our nation’s homes, provides an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceuticals and other medications to law enforcement officers for proper disposal.
“We’re pleased to be able to once again participate in this national program to take old prescription drugs and expired over-the-counter medicines out of circulation,” said Col. Wayne McFadden of the DRBA Police Department. “With the proper disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs, you’re ensuring that these medications don’t find their way into the wrong hands. We encourage folks to take advantage of this convenient, anonymous way to clean out that medicine cabinet.”
This easy, hassle-free program is strictly confidential. “No questions or requests for identification will be made by law enforcement personnel present,” McFadden added. “In fact, participants will be asked to remove any personal information from bottles or packages.”
Numerous collections sites are established throughout the area for the public to relinquish over the counter, controlled substances, or prescription drugs – including tablets, capsules, ointments, creams and liquids as well as expired animal medication and vitamins. No syringes please.
Since the bi-state agency began participating in the NTBI in 2010, more than 2,800 pounds of medication have been collected at DRBA sites.
When: October 28, 2023; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: The DRBA Police Department has established three collection sites:
Wilmington Airport Terminal Building, 151 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE
Lewes Ferry Terminal, 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE
Cape May Ferry Terminal, 1200 Lincoln Blvd., N. Cape May, NJ
Typical methods for disposing of unused medicines – either flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – pose potential safety, health, and environmental risks. Drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved, abused, or illegally sold. Flushing unwanted medicines may contaminate the water supply. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.
The public can find the nearest collection sites in their community by logging on to the internet and going to the www.dea.gov website and clicking on the drug disposal icon. After clicking on the icon, you must enter your zip code and the database will query the collection sites that have been registered and provide you with the nearest collection site near that zip code.
About the Delaware River and Bay Authority
The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing. The DRBA also manages corporate and aviation properties through its economic development powers – two airports in New Jersey (Millville Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (New Castle Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities. For more information, visit www.drba.net.
After a period of very dry and chilly conditions over the weekend and throughout much of this week, we have a potential storm looming towards the weekend. Computer guidance has been hinting at a Miller B type of coastal storm to sweep across the northern tier of the nation and redeveloping a coastal low right off to our east.
“Miller B Nor’easters is a low pressure system first tracks over the Midwest, bringing a swath of rain, sleet or snow to parts of the Plains. This storm generally moves into the Kentucky/Ohio River Valley before it starts to transfer energy to a newly forming low pressure system along the coast of North Carolina and Virginia. From here, the newly redeveloped storm takes a northerly path before making a turn out to sea.”.
Our storm first develops across the Central Plains as a fairly strong system already on Friday before heading into our region on Saturday with rain and breezy conditions. Then the low begins to transfer off the coast of us and begins to redevelop with increasing northeasterly winds. European model ensembles really show a very good cluster of low centers right off the coast of Jersey showing there is a good potential for this to occur. So more than likely, get ready for more wind, rain, and coastal flooding going into the weekend with the new moon ahead.
Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a bicyclist in Bethany on Tuesday morning.
On October 3, 2023, at approximately 10:47 a.m., a bicyclist was traveling southbound on the southbound shoulder of Coastal Highway just south of the Indian River Inlet Bridge. A 2020 Lexus was traveling southbound in the left lane, approaching the bicyclist. The bicyclist turned left, crossing from the right to the left lane in front of the Lexus. This resulted in the bicyclist being ejected after colliding with the front of the Lexus.
The 71-year-old bicyclist from Hockessin, who was wearing a helmet, was taken to the hospital for serious injuries. On October 5, 2023, the bicyclist died from his injuries. His name is being withheld until his family is notified. The driver of the Lexus, a 62-year-old man from Ocean View, was not injured during the crash.
Both southbound lanes of Coastal Highway were closed for approximately 2.5 hours to investigate the crash and remove any obstructions from the roadway.
Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Senior Corporal J. Smith by calling (302) 703-3267. 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.
During the month of September, 2023, the Newark Police Department Street Crimes Unit investigated the illegal distribution of drugs in Newark. During the course of the investigation, drug purchases were made from Patrick Lamb, 42, of New Castle. Following multiple purchases, a search warrant…
On October 4, 2023, Newark Police responded to a residence in the unit block of Continental Avenue for a report of a residential burglary. An investigation at the scene determined that between 0100 – 0730 hours that morning, unknown suspect(s) entered the unlocked residence. …
New campaign spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Hall-Long and Delaware Governor’s Challenge seeks to help identify military members and veterans with mental health concerns
WILMINGTON, Del. — Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and the Delaware Governor’s Challenge announced a new campaign on Thursday that aims to better identify suicide risk among military members and veterans. The “Ask the Question” campaign will be piloted at the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s Bridge Clinics.
The campaign centers around breaking the stigma and identifying risk by first asking the question: Have you, or a member of your immediate family, ever served in the military? The goal is to connect Delawareans with service experience to resources that they’ve earned and help address their unique needs.
“While we’ve taken steps to address suicide prevention, there are still far too many Delawareans reluctant to seek help and share their experiences. Our military members are especially at risk with veterans and service members 4 times more likely to die by suicide than civilian counterparts,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Ph.D, R.N and co-chair of the Delaware Governor’s Challenge. “Asking the question regarding service is just the entry point; this initiative is about ensuring veterans and service members are connected to the resources they’ve earned. I’m so grateful for the Delaware Governor’s Challenge team and the partnership of the DSAMH Bridge Clinics to specifically respond to the needs of our veterans and service members through the “Ask the Question” campaign.”
Formed in 2022, the Delaware Governor’s Challenge is co-chaired by Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and retired Major General Frank Vavala, and is in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It is part of a national effort that seeks to expand mental health resources for the veteran community and implement suicide prevention best practices and policies for veterans, service members, and their families across the state by using a public health approach. There are three key priority areas:
Identifying Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families (SMVF) and Screening for Suicide Risk
Promoting Connectedness and Improving Care Transitions
Increasing Lethal Means Safety and Safety Planning
Delaware is home to more than 66,000 veterans, according to data from SAMHSA and the VA. Through this challenge, public-private partners are working to combine community-based strategies, prevention, and intervention to support service members and veterans, and build on plans for the First State.
“Communication is the key to breaking the stigma. We have to address veteran and military suicide head-on, and asking the question about risk in a sensitive, culturally competent manner is the first step,” said Major General Frank Vavala. “Our military members put their lives on hold to serve their country, we need to be there for them when they cry out for help.”
“Ask the Question” serves as a call to action and has been adopted in other states participating in the national Governor’s Challenge, such as New Hampshire and Maryland. As part of Delaware’s “Ask the Question” pilot, Bridge Clinic staff will utilize a two-prong approach to identify and address suicide risk. Following the SAMHSA and VA best practice Columbia Protocol, anyone coming into the Bridge Clinics will be screened for suicide risk and asked about service status. If someone is identified as having service experience, then they will be offered a peer professional to help assess any underlying causes that may impact suicide risk like social determinants of health. Additionally, the campaign helps to connect Bridge Clinic staff with professional development opportunities on military cultural competency and resources from other states who are engaging with the Governor’s Challenge.
“DSAMH is thankful to be a part of the ‘Ask the Question’ campaign. Asking the question, ‘Have you, or a member of your immediate family, ever served in the military?’ can lead to improved access to care and quality of care for our veterans. This initiative will engage and educate providers throughout Delaware about the importance of connecting with those who have served,” said Dr. Gerard Gallucci, MD MHS, Acting Medical Director for the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.
Are you a clinician, provider, family member, service member or veteran looking to get involved with the Delaware Governor’s Challenge? Here are a few ways to link with the team:
Visit the website de.gov/governorschallenge to learn more
Email [email protected] to join a workgroup on a challenge priority area
Governor Carney signed HB 172, “An Act To Ammend The Charter Of Laurel” 9/21/23. Sponsored by Representative Dukes, and Senator Richardson. This bill increases the amount of money the Town of Laurel is permitted to raise from levying and collecting taxes from $500,000 to $2,500,000. The Bill went into effect immediatly upon the Governor signing.
Delaware State Police arrested 17-year-old Shakur Bowen for the murder of a missing Hurlock, Maryland man.
On September 22, 2023, at approximately 12 p.m., 41-year-old David Thomas Jr. was reported missing by family members. The investigation revealed that on September 15, 2023, Thomas visited his family in Kent County, borrowed a car from a family member, and failed to return it. Detectives attempted to locate and contact him but were unsuccessful, so a Gold Alert was issued.
Through the course of this investigation, detectives continued to search for Thomas. On September 29, 2023, detectives found what appeared to be human remains in a tax ditch located in Meadowbrook Acres. The Division of Forensic Science confirmed that the suspected human remains belonged to David Thomas Jr.
Shakur Bowen was identified as a suspect who shot and killed Thomas through investigative means. On October 2, 2023, at approximately 2 p.m., Bowen was contacted and transported to Troop 3, where he was charged with the following crimes:
Murder First Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Hindering Prosecution
Abusing a Corpse
Conspiracy Third Degree
Bowen was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the Department of Corrections on a $500,000 cash bond.
The Delaware State Police arrested 34-year-old Autumn Bray of Camden, Delaware, for weapon-related and DUI charges early Sunday morning in Dover.
On October 1, 2023, at approximately 3:59 a.m., a trooper on patrol saw a white Range Rover traveling northbound on South Dupont Highway with no license plate and the right rear wheel tire missing. While behind it, the trooper observed the vehicle leaving the left edge of the roadway, crossing over the single yellow line, and going onto a curb. The trooper stopped the vehicle on the shoulder of South Dupont Highway, south of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Dover, Delaware. While in contact with the operator, identified as Autumn Bray, the trooper detected signs of impairment. Bray completed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and was subsequently taken into custody without incident. During a search incident to an arrest, the trooper located a loaded handgun concealed inside the front of Bray’s jeans. A computer check showed Bray did not have a valid permit to carry a concealed deadly weapon.
Bray was transported to Troop 3, where she was charged with the following crimes:
Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
Driving Under the Influence of Drug
Traffic Offenses
Bray was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on her own recognizance.
Delaware State Police arrested 61-year-old Roy Brown of Millsboro, Delaware, for 7th offense DUI following a traffic stop on Sunday evening in Rehoboth Beach.
On October 1, 2023, at approximately 9:55 p.m., a trooper on patrol observed a maroon Saturn SUV traveling southbound on Coastal Highway south of Postal Lane, swerving from the right lane into the middle lane and fluctuating speeds. As the vehicle approached the red light on Coastal Highway at Old Landing Road, the operator abruptly made a right turn onto Old Landing Road without activating the right turn signal. The trooper stopped the Saturn, contacted the operator, identified as Roy Brown, and detected signs of impairment. Brown was taken into custody after he partially completed the Standard Field Sobriety Test. A computer check showed a court order resulting from a DUI that prevented Brown from driving a motor vehicle, along with several prior DUI convictions.
Brown was transported to Troop 7, where he was charged with the following crimes:
7th Offense DUI (Felony)
Noncompliance with Bond Conditions (Felony)
Traffic Offenses
Brown was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $22,600 cash bond.
Delaware State Police arrested 19-year-old Timothy Lawrence, of Dagsboro, Delaware for a weapons-related offense following an argument on Wednesday morning.
On September 27, 2023, at approximately 5:13 a.m., troopers responded to a residence on the 31000 block of Hope Street in Ocean View, Delaware, for a disorderly conduct. The investigation revealed that a verbal argument occurred between an 18-year-old female victim and Lawrence, her roommate’s boyfriend. During the argument, the victim told him to leave the residence. Lawrence then removed a knife from his pocket and waved it in the victim’s face. As Lawrence walked toward the door to leave the room, he stabbed the wall with the knife. No one was injured during the argument.
Troopers then made contact with Lawrence and took him into custody without incident. He was transported to Dagsboro Police Department, where he was charged with the following crimes:
Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Lawrence was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correction Institution on a $7,000 secured bond.
As we approach closer to the winter months here on Delmarva, we are already looking at the signs ahead for what kind of winter could we have been looking at. The last several years we have been stuck in a La Nina pattern across the Pacific. (colder than normal water temperatures). But this winter we are getting a bigger change. We got a El Nino in place and a decent strength one too.
Right now from the look of the data, we are currently in a moderate strength El Nino. Could go into the strong territory’s during the winter but we shall see as we get closer to December.
Snow lovers last year was extremely disappointed as we pretty much got a “sneeze” of snow which left many of us hungry. Well i have some better news for you based on the climate side of things.
Delmarva usually fairs very well with El Nino winters in the snow department. Going back since the 1940s, the Delmarva region has seen many winters with above average snow. Even recently from 2010 and 2016. Not very cold winters at that but very snowy.
All in all right now, snow lovers should be a bit happier this year. (granted anything was better than last year) A overall super cold winter i highly doubt. Probably end up slight above average for temperatures wise, precipitation should well above average too which leads to better snow chances.
The Delaware State Police arrested 20-year-old, Brandon Thompson, of Delmar, Delaware, for threatening people with a hand grenade early Tuesday morning in Laurel.
On September 26, 2023, at approximately 1:12 a.m., troopers were called to Royal Farms located at 30983 Sussex Highway in Laurel for reports of a man pacing in front of the store with a suspicious object in his pocket. Officers from the Laurel Police Department located the suspect at a business across the street from the Royal Farms. The suspect, identified as Brandon Thompson, was taken into custody without incident. Troopers searched Thompson and recovered a grenade and a knife from his pockets.
During the investigation, troopers discovered Thompson had been at Royal Farms with a group of friends several hours earlier. At that time, a Royal Farms employee overheard Thompson threatening to blow himself and a woman in the group up. Employees were concerned for their safety when Thompson returned to the store hours later and began pacing out front with a suspicious object in his pocket. Through investigative means, troopers identified the woman from earlier as Thompson’s girlfriend and learned Thompson made several additional threats after leaving Royal Farms to blow up and stab his group of friends if they came looking for him.
Members of the Delaware State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team responded to the scene and secured the grenade. The grenade was discovered to be a training grenade that had been modified, similar to a pipe bomb.
Thompson was taken to Troop 5, where he was charged with the following crimes:
Possession of a Destructive Weapon (Felony)
Terroristic Threatening – 3 counts
Disorderly Conduct
Thompson was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $9,100 cash bond.
The Delaware State Police continues to investigate a Rehoboth Beach area crash that occurred earlier this month after 81-year-old Richard Bland of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, died on September 19, 2023, from injuries sustained in the crash.
On September 2, 2023, at approximately 5:42 p.m., a silver 2010 Honda Cruiser was traveling in the left northbound lane of Coastal Highway just north of Camelot Drive. A black 2018 Jeep Cherokee was stopped in traffic in the left lane directly in front of the Honda. For unknown reasons, the Honda failed to stop and struck the rear of the Jeep. As a result of the impact, the operator of the Honda was partially ejected and came to rest in the middle of the left lane.
The operator of the Honda, identified as Richard Bland, was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where he was admitted for critical injuries. On September 19, 2023, he died from injuries sustained in the crash. The operator of the Jeep, a 55-year-old man from Randolph, New Jersey, was not injured.
Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Master Corporal K. Argo by calling 302-703-3264. 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.
Chazmen cousin-Lee (32 of Frederick, MD) was transported to Howard Young Correctional Facility in lieu of $163,300 cash bond.
The driver of the vehicle Allan Sheingold (41, Middletown, DE) was charged with multiple drug offenses, failure to have insurance identification in possession, and expired tags.
Occupant Maria Dejesus (33, Middletown, DE) was charged with drug offenses.
According to the 
