Delaware State Police Detectives are investigating two shootings that occurred in Dover.

On January 19, 2025, at approximately 1:58 p.m., troopers responded to the 200 block of Gunning Bedford Drive in the Rodney Village community for a report of a shooting. When troopers arrived, they learned that on January 18^th at approximately 8:30 p.m., unknown suspects fired an unknown number of shots that hit the residence. The two adults in the residence were not hurt.

On January 20, 2025, at approximately 1:11 a.m., troopers responded to the same residence for another report of a shooting. When troopers arrived, they learned that unknown suspects fired an unknown number of shots that hit the residence. One adult was in the residence at the time and was not hurt.

Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit continues its investigation and urges anyone who has information about these incidents to contact Detective S. O’Leary at (302) 698-8527. 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.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post State Police Detectives Investigating Two Shootings in Dover appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

West Park Place between South Main Street and Willa Road has been re-opened. There will be no additional releases on this matter.

West Park Place is closed between South Main Street and Willa Road to allow emergency repairs for water lines. This closure includes turning from South Main Street onto West Park Place and the closure is expected to last most of the day. Please seek…

The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R.) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register at their current address. If anyone knows the location of these individuals, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Click on the image to see the complete profile

The post Delaware State Police S.O.A.R. Searching for Wanted Sex Offenders appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The following individuals are not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed individuals are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Click on the image to see the complete profile

The post Homeless Sex Offender Notification appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police have arrested 19-year-old Asjmeir Fiorentino of Seaford, Delaware, for gun and drug charges following a traffic stop that occurred in Seaford.

On January 15, 2025, at approximately 12:31 p.m., members of the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force were patrolling Concord Road near Tranquill Boulevard when they saw a Ford Edge traveling westbound on Concord Road with a registration violation. Detectives pulled the Edge over and spoke with the driver, identified as Asjmeir Fiorentino, During the traffic stop, detectives learned Fiorentino did not have a valid driver’s license. Additionally, detectives smelled an odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle and saw a marijuana cigar on a can in the center cupholder. Fiortentino was ultimately taken into custody, and a subsequent search of his person and the Edge led to the discovery of the following items:

• Polymer 9mm handgun
• Extended round magazine
• Multiple rounds of 9mm ammunition
• Approximately 1.62 grams of crack cocaine
• Approximately 1.66 grams of marijuana
• Drug paraphernalia

Fiorentino was taken to Troop 4, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $44,403 cash bond.

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon – Firearm (Felony)
• Possession of an Untraceable Firearm (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited who also Possesses a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving without a Valid License
• Fictitious or Cancelled Registration
• Possession of Personal Use Marijuana by a Person under 21

Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The post Governor’s Task Force Arrests Seaford Man for Gun and Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop in Seaford appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

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 Federal Trade Commission’s initial findings from its surveillance pricing market study revealed that details like a person’s precise location or browser history can be frequently used to target individual consumers with different prices for the same goods and services.

The staff perspective is based on an examination of documents obtained by FTC staff’s 6(b) orders sent to several companies in July aiming to better understand the shadowy market that third-party intermediaries use to set individualized prices for products and services based on consumers’ characteristics and behaviors, like location, demographics, browsing patterns and shopping history.

Staff found that consumer behaviors ranging from mouse movements on a webpage to the type of products that consumers leave unpurchased in an online shopping cart can be tracked and used by retailers to tailor consumer pricing.

“Initial staff findings show that retailers frequently use people’s personal information to set targeted, tailored prices for goods and services—from a person’s location and demographics, down to their mouse movements on a webpage,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “The FTC should continue to investigate surveillance pricing practices because Americans deserve to know how their private data is being used to set the prices they pay and whether firms are charging different people different prices for the same good or service.”

The FTC’s study of the 6(b) documents is still ongoing. The staff perspective is based on an initial analysis of documents provided by Mastercard, Accenture, PROS, Bloomreach, Revionics and McKinsey & Co.

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The FTC’s 6(b) study focuses on intermediary firms, which are the middlemen hired by retailers that can algorithmically tweak and target their prices. Instead of a price or promotion being a static feature of a product, the same product could have a different price or promotion based on a variety of inputs—including consumer-related data and their behaviors and preferences, the location, time, and channels by which a consumer buys the product, according to the perspective.

The agency will only release information obtained from a 6(b) study as long as all data has been aggregated or anonymized to protect confidential trade secrets from company respondents, and therefore the staff perspective only includes hypothetical examples of surveillance pricing. 

The staff perspective found that some 6(b) respondents can determine individualized and different pricing and discounts based on granular consumer data, like a cosmetics company targeting promotions to specific skin types and skin tones. The perspective also found that the intermediaries the FTC examined can show higher priced products based on consumers’ search and purchase activity. As one hypothetical outlined, a consumer who is profiled as a new parent may intentionally be shown higher priced baby thermometers on the first page of their search results.

The FTC staff found that the intermediaries worked with at least 250 clients that sell goods or services ranging from grocery stores to apparel retailers. The FTC found that widespread adoption of this practice may fundamentally upend how consumers buy products and how companies compete.

As the FTC continues its work in this area, it is issuing a request for information today seeking public comment on consumers’ experiences with surveillance pricing. The RFI also asks for comments from businesses about whether surveillance pricing tools can lead to competitors gaining an unfair advantage, and whether gig workers or employees have been impacted by the use of surveillance pricing to determine their compensation. Comments are due by April 17.

Commissioners Andrew Ferguson and Melissa Holyoak issued a dissenting statement related to release of the initial research summaries.

The FTC has additional resources on the interim findings, including a blog post advocating for further engagement with this issue, an issue spotlight with more background and research on surveillance pricing and research summaries based on the staff review and initial insights of 6(b) study documents. 

Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan released a summary of the agency’s key accomplishments over the last four years that have improved Americans’ everyday lives and stopped illegal consolidation that raises prices and hampers innovation.

These actions include:

Putting Money Back in Americans’ Pocketbooks: The Commission has helped put more money back into the pockets of American consumers by banning junk fees for short-term lodging and live-event ticketing; finalizing a “click to cancel” rule requiring companies to make it just as easy to cancel subscriptions as it is to sign up; and banning auto dealers from sticking American consumers with junk fees. The agency took action against companies that use deceptive dark patterns to trick consumers into making unwanted purchases, obtaining more than $245 million for consumer refunds from Fortnite maker Epic Games. The FTC also secured $48 million in refunds for consumers who the agency alleged were charged junk fees, suffered unfair eviction practices, and unfairly had their security deposits withheld by corporate landlord Invitation Homes.

Stopping Illegal Consolidation that Raises Prices and Reduces Innovation: The FTC successfully sued to block the $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, a deal the agency alleged would have raised prices, led to store closures, and reduced compensation for unionized workers. The agency has vigorously policed consolidation across critical sectors of the economy, including semiconductors, defense, energy, consumer products, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. The agency also defeated Meta’s summary judgment motion in the FTC’s ongoing lawsuit alleging Meta engaged in a series of acquisitions, including Instagram and WhatsApp, to illegally maintain its monopoly power.

Securing Americans’ Access to Healthcare: The FTC took numerous actions to help ensure Americans have access to affordable health care, including challenging patents on drug products, including inhalers and EpiPens, that were improperly listed in the FDA’s Orange Book. The FTC’s efforts led pharma companies to slash out-of-pocket costs for inhalers from $500 or more to just $35. The agency sued the three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for allegedly engaging in anticompetitive rebating practices that inflated the cost of insulin, sued a Texas anesthesiology provider that allegedly engaged in a private-equity roll-up scheme that consolidated the market and raised prices, and banned “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli from doing business in the pharmaceutical industry after he hiked the price of a lifesaving medication.

Protecting Workers from Coercion and Deception: The FTC banned noncompete clauses from most employment contracts, which the agency estimated would increase the average American worker’s wages by $524 a year. The FTC has also taken enforcement actions in the space, ordering security guard and glass container manufacturing companies to drop coercive noncompete clauses on low-wage workers and ordering two building services contractors to drop “no-hire” clauses with their customers that blocked the ability of employees to freely switch jobs and negotiate for better pay or benefits. The Commission took action against companies such as Care.com, Grubhub and Lyft for misleading workers about how much money they would make, and returned nearly $60 million to more than 140,000 Amazon Flex drivers after Amazon illegally withheld tips from its drivers.

Checking Harmful Commercial Surveillance: The agency has aggressively policed the illegal collection, use, and sale of consumers’ sensitive personal information, banning data brokers from selling consumers’ precise geolocation data and banning digital health apps from disclosing consumers’ sensitive health data for advertising purposes. And, in the FTC’s first privacy action related to connected cars, the FTC banned General Motors for five years from disclosing drivers’ geolocation data and driving behavior information to consumer reporting agencies. The agency has been particularly focused on protecting kids and teens online, strengthening the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) to further limit companies’ ability to profit from kids’ personal data. The agency took numerous enforcement actions against companies for violating COPPA, including obtaining a record $275 million penalty from Fortnite creator Epic Games and suing TikTok over charges that it flagrantly violated the children’s privacy law and its 2019 order related to previous COPPA violations.

Protecting Americans’ Right to Repair: The FTC has worked to combat unlawful restrictions on consumers ability to repair products they buy, saving Americans money and allowing independent repair shops to thrive. The agency recently sued Deere & Company over its use of unfair practices that have driven up equipment repair costs for farmers while depriving farmers of the ability to make timely repairs on critical farming equipment, and it previously obtained orders against Weber, Harley-Davidson, and Westinghouse to protect consumers’ right to repair products they buy from those companies.                      

Helping Small Businesses Compete on a Level Playing Field: The FTC sued Amazon for raising costs for sellers that rely on the platform to reach consumers, ordered Mastercard to stop illegally blocking merchants from routing debit card payments through its payment network and raising costs for small businesses, and protected franchisees from junk fees and preserved their right to report law violations to the government. The agency also reinvigorated enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act, which prohibits price discrimination that squeezes independent retailers, by suing Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, the largest U.S. distributor of wine and spirits, and Pepsi for favoring one large, big box retailer over other competitors when providing promotions and services.

In the last four years, the FTC has worked to maximize its authority to carry out its mission to protect consumers and promote competition, including by reactivating enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act. It has proposed and finalized new rules that allow the agency to return money back to injured consumers, and it has brought its first-ever actions under the Health Breach Notification Rule with cases against prescription drug discount provider GoodRx and fertility tracking app PreMom, the Military Lending Act in a case against Harris Jewelers and the Opioid Addiction Recovery Fraud Prevention Act, in cases against R360 and Monument.

The maker of the video game Genshin Impact has agreed to pay $20 million and to block children under 16 from making in-game purchases without parental consent to settle Federal Trade Commission allegations the company violated a children’s privacy law and deceived children and other users about the real costs of in-game transactions and odds of obtaining rare prizes.

“Genshin Impact deceived children, teens, and other players into spending hundreds of dollars on prizes they could never win,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Companies that deploy these dark-pattern tactics will be held accountable if they deceive players, particularly kids and teens, about the true costs of in-game transactions.”

A complaint, filed by the Department of Justice upon referral from the Commission, alleged that Singapore-based Cognosphere Pte. Ltd and its California-based subsidiary Cognosphere LLC, which do business in the United States as HoYoverse, actively marketed Genshin Impact to children and collected personal information from them in violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA). The complaint further charged that HoYoverse deceived players about the odds of winning particular sought-after “five-star” loot box prizes and how much it would cost to open loot boxes to win the prizes. It also alleged that the confusing virtual currency system that players had to navigate to open loot boxes and the marketing and promotion tactics used to entice players to open loot boxes were unfair to children and teenagers.

Popular among children and teens, Genshin Impact is free to download but has generated significant revenue through the sale of in-game virtual currency and other content. Players advance in the game by collecting virtual heroes, forming a team and using heroes’ abilities to complete tasks. Five-star heroes are the most desirable to collect given their powers, and they can only be obtained by opening loot boxes, which players can purchase using virtual currency.

The complaint alleges that Genshin Impact’s purchasing process obscures the reality that consumers commonly must spend large amounts of real money to obtain “five-star prizes,” and that some children have spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars to win them. The complaint alleges that the system is challenging and confusing, particularly for children and teens. Players must exchange real dollars for bundles of virtual currency that then have to be re-exchanged multiple times to open loot boxes, with exchange rates in unusual denominations. This complicated system, according to the complaint, misleads consumers about the amount of money that players spend on loot boxes on an ongoing basis, and the amount of money that players would likely need to spend to obtain certain prizes.

HoYoverse drives consumer demand for Genshin Impact’s loot boxes through several promotional channels inside and outside of the game, which advertise that desirable prizes will be available only on a limited basis, according to the complaint. This includes using virtual in-game “Event Banners” to promote these limited time prizes and social media influencers to glamorize the excitement of opening loot boxes.

Genshin Impact uses anime-style cartoon graphics, bright and colorful animation, and several characters who have the speech or appearance of children to appeal to children. HoYoverse has spent millions of dollars hiring social media influencers—many of whom are popular with children—to promote Genshin Impact to their respective audiences on social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, and the video game streaming site Twitch. The complaint alleges that the company’s Event Banners and influencer campaigns give players the impression that they will have better odds of obtaining the five-star prize being promoted than they have in reality.

COPPA Violations

In addition to unfairly marketing loot boxes to children, the complaint alleges that HoYoverse failed to comply with the COPPA Rule, which requires online services and websites directed to children under 13 to notify parents about the personal information they collect and to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting and using any personal information collected from children.

The complaint alleges that Genshin Impact is a child-directed online service that collects personal information from children under 13 and therefore is required by COPPA to notify parents about the information they collect from children and to obtain their consent for the collection of that personal data. The complaint, however, alleges that even though HoYoverse was aware that children under 13 were using its service, it continued to collect personal information from children and use it without obtaining parental consent or complying with other COPPA requirements. HoYoverse shared with third-party analytics firms and advertisers user IDs as well as device-related persistent identifiers to track players’ progress, purchases, settings, and friends lists, according to the complaint.

Under the proposed order, which must be approved by a federal judge before it can go into effect, Cognosphere Pte. Ltd and Cognosphere LLC will be required to a pay a $20 million monetary penalty and make changes to address the allegations outlined in the complaint. The companies will be:

• Prohibited from allowing children under 16 to purchase loot boxes in their video games without a parent’s affirmative express consent;
• Prohibited from selling loot boxes using virtual currency without providing an option for consumers to purchase them directly with real money;
• Prohibited from misrepresenting loot box odds, prices and features;
• Required to disclose loot box odds and exchange rates for multi-tiered virtual currency;
• Required to delete any personal information previously collected from children under 13 unless they obtain parental consent to retain such data; and
• Required to comply with COPPA including its notice and consent requirements.

The Commission vote to refer the complaint and stipulated order to the Department of Justice for filing was 5-0. Commissioners Andrew Ferguson and Melissa Holyoak concurred as to Counts I-II, but dissented as to Counts III-V. Commissioners Ferguson and Slaughter issued separate statements. The Department of Justice filed the complaint and stipulated order upon referral from the Commission, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

NOTE: The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the named defendant is violating or is about to violate the law 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 lead attorneys on this matter are Jeffrey Tang, Miles Freeman, Delilah Vinzon and Aaron Schue from the FTC’s Western Region-Los Angeles office.

The Delaware State Police arrested 32-year-old Eric McDuffie of New Castle, Delaware, and 27-year-old Jamir Graham of Wilmington, Delaware, for an armed robbery that occurred in a Wilmington area liquor store parking lot last week.

On January 10, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery that occurred shortly before midnight in the parking lot of Hi-Way Inn Liquors, located at 3806 Governor Printz Boulevard in Wilmington. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was approached by two masked suspects as he returned to his car in the liquor store’s parking lot. Once the victim entered his car, the suspects demanded the victim’s property while pointing a handgun at the victim. The victim complied as the suspects took his property; however, just prior to fleeing the parking lot in a dark-colored SUV, the suspects returned the victim’s property to him.

Through investigative means, Troop 2 Robbery Detectives identified the suspects involved in the robbery as Eric McDuffie and Jamir Graham, and obtained warrants for their arrest. On January 16, 2025, detectives located McDuffie and Graham and took them into custody. Both suspects were taken to Troop 2, where they were each charged with multiple crimes.

McDuffie was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $44,000 secured bond.

• Robbery 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)

Graham was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $44,000 secured bond.

• Robbery 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)

Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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The Federal Trade Commission finalized changes to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule to set new requirements around the collection, use and disclosure of children’s personal information and give parents new tools and protections to help them control what data is provided to third parties about their children.

The final rule requires parents to opt in to third-party advertising and includes other changes to address the emerging ways that consumers’ data is collected and used by companies, and particularly how children’s data is being shared and monetized.

“The updated COPPA rule strengthens key protections for kids’ privacy online,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “By requiring parents to opt in to targeted advertising practices, this final rule prohibits platforms and service providers from sharing and monetizing children’s data without active permission. The FTC is using all its tools to keep kids safe online.”

In January 2024, the FTC proposed changes to the COPPA rule to ensure it keeps pace with changes in the marketplace since the rule was last updated in 2013. The COPPA Rule, which first went into effect in 2000, requires certain websites and other online services to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using or disclosing personal information from children under 13. It also provides other important rights for parents, including the right to require operators to delete personal information collected from their children, and imposes independent obligations on covered operators, for example with respect to data minimization and data retention.

In a notice that will soon be published in the Federal Register, the FTC made several amendments to the rule, including:

• Requiring opt-in consent for targeted advertising and other disclosures to third parties: Website and online service operators covered by COPPA will be required to obtain separate verifiable parental consent to disclose children’s personal information to third-party companies related to targeted advertising or other purposes.
• Limits on data retention: The rule requires covered operators to only retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill a specific purpose for which it was collected. This provision explicitly states that operators cannot retain the information indefinitely.
• Increasing Safe Harbor programs’ transparency: The  FTC-approved COPPA Safe Harbor programs, which are self-regulatory programs that implement the protections of the COPPA Rule, will be required to publicly disclose their membership lists and report additional information to the FTC as part of efforts to increase accountability and transparency in the programs.

The final rule includes several amended definitions, including expanding the definition of personal information to include biometric identifiers as well as government-issued identifiers.

After reviewing the nearly 300 comments the agency received on the proposed changes to the COPPA Rule, the Commission decided against adopting some proposed changes, including proposed requirements that were intended to limit the use of push notifications directed to children without parental consent and changes relating to the requirements applicable to educational technology companies operating in a school environment.

While the Commission declined to finalize those particular proposals, the agency notes that it remains concerned about the use of push notifications and other engagement techniques to keep kids online in ways that could harm their mental health.

The Commission vote approving publication in the Federal Register of the final rule was 5-0. Chair Lina Khan and Commissioner Andrew Ferguson issued separate concurring statements. Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya and Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter issued a joint concurring statement. The final rule will become effective 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register. Entities subject to the final rule will have one year from that publication date to come into full compliance with amendments that do not specify earlier compliance dates.

The lead attorneys on this matter are James Trilling and Elizabeth Averill in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

The Federal Trade Commission and the State of Colorado are taking action against Greystar, the nation’s largest multi-family rental property manager, for deceiving consumers about monthly rent costs by tacking on numerous mandatory fees on top of advertised prices.

According to the complaint filed by the FTC and Colorado, these hidden fees have cost consumers living in Greystar properties hundreds of millions of dollars since at least 2019, and consumers often have not discovered the fees until after they have signed a lease or moved in.

“The FTC is suing Greystar for deceptively advertising low monthly rents only to later saddle tenants with hundreds of dollars of hidden junk fees,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “The FTC should continue its work taking on corporate landlords that use illegal tactics to jack up rent, exploit tenants, and deprive Americans of safe and affordable housing.”

“Because of Greystar’s deceptive advertising and hidden fees, tenants are on the hook in their lease for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more than they anticipated that their apartment would cost. Through their actions, Greystar is thwarting apartment hunters from comparison shopping and choosing a home that fits within their budget,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. “To the extent that other corporate landlords are not advertising their all-in pricing and are engaging in similar tactics, they are on notice that such conduct is illegal and will not be tolerated in Colorado.”

Greystar touts itself as the “largest operator of apartments in the United States,” managing more than 800,000 residential rental units throughout the country in addition to holding an ownership interest in more than 100,000 residential rental units. According to the complaint, the company’s portfolio includes apartment buildings and complexes, senior housing, and student housing. Greystar is hired by property owners to manage apartments on their behalf, including advertising available units and finding tenants for those units, and the company keeps a percentage of all the rent and fees it collects from tenants and applicants.

Greystar widely advertises rental properties in a number of venues, including third-party sites like Zillow, its own website, and sites for individual buildings and complexes. Consumers, however, cannot rent a Greystar unit for the advertised price, but instead must pay a higher price inflated by hidden fees, according to the complaint.

Greystar’s hidden fees allegedly range from tens to hundreds of dollars a month, which add up substantially over the course of a consumer’s lease. Among the fees noted in the complaint are “valet trash” fees, package handling fees, utility fees, fees to distribute utility bills, “verification fees” when consumers use non-Greystar-provided renters’ insurance, and media/smart home packages, among numerous others. The FTC and Colorado say that  consumers cannot opt out of these fees even if they do not want or use the related services.

In many instances, consumers who saw an advertisement for a Greystar apartment had no way to learn about these hidden fees until after they filled out inquiry forms with their personal information or clicked through small-print hyperlinks, according to the complaint. The complaint also explains that Greystar, in some cases, waited to reveal fees until after consumers had paid a substantial application fee or holding deposit, and then only deep in a 40- to 60-page lease agreement. The complaint further charges that if consumers discover the existence of the fees after their application is approved and choose not to sign the lease, Greystar does not refund the application fees or holding deposits they paid, which can be hundreds of dollars.

The complaint cites multiple examples of Greystar-managed properties where its advertisements on third-party real estate listing sites, like Zillow, failed to list the company’s mandatory fees, despite those sites having a specific “fees” section where the company does list optional fees like those for parking or pets. According to the complaint, even on websites Greystar operated, apartment listings did not include information about mandatory fees, even where optional fees were listed.

According to the complaint, despite knowing precisely what fees apply to an individual apartment, Greystar does not tell consumers, who instead have to wade through often contradictory information to identify which fees will apply to their unit and manually add them to the advertised rent price.

Even after moving into Greystar-managed apartments, consumers complained that they were still surprised by mandatory fees for services they either didn’t ask for or didn’t use, according to the complaint. One consumer said, “When signing my lease I was quoted just over $1,000… with all their additional things that are required for you to pay I pay about $1,400 NOT INCLUDING UTILITIES… when you need a place to stay you gotta do what you gotta do right?”

Another consumer cited in the complaint said, “Don’t [m]ove here. Hidden fees in lease. They get no stars from me. Ended up backing out and not signing. Lost $360 in deposits and application fees.”

The complaint charges that Greystar and a number of its subsidiaries violated the FTC Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and the Colorado Consumer Protection Act.

The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint was 5-0. The complaint was filed in 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. The case will be decided by the court.

The staff attorneys on this matter are Samantha Bennett, Roberta Tonelli, and Spencer Scoville of the FTC’s Western Region, San Francisco.

The Federal Trade Commission issued a statement regarding its referral to the Department of Justice of a complaint against Snap Inc., which operates the Snapchat application.

During a closed meeting, the Commission voted 3-0-2 to authorize the issuance of the statement. Commissioners Melissa Holyoak and Andrew Ferguson were recorded as absent. Commissioner Ferguson issued a statement on the matter.

The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against General Motors (GM) and OnStar over allegations they collected, used, and sold drivers’ precise geolocation data and driving behavior information from millions of vehicles—data that can be used to set insurance rates—without adequately notifying consumers and obtaining their affirmative consent.

Under a proposed order settling the FTC’s allegations, General Motors LLC, General Motors Holdings LLC, and OnStar LLC, which are owned by General Motors Company, will be banned for five years from disclosing consumers’ sensitive geolocation and driver behavior data to consumer reporting agencies. They also must take other steps to provide greater transparency and choice to consumers over the collection, use, and disclosure of their connected vehicle data. This is the FTC’s first action related to connected vehicle data.

In its complaint, the FTC alleged that Michigan-based GM used a misleading enrollment process to get consumers to sign up for its OnStar connected vehicle service and the OnStar Smart Driver feature. GM failed to clearly disclose that it collected consumers’ precise geolocation and driving behavior data and sold it to third parties, including consumer reporting agencies, without consumers’ consent.

“GM monitored and sold people’s precise geolocation data and driver behavior information, sometimes as often as every three seconds,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “With this action, the FTC is safeguarding Americans’ privacy and protecting people from unchecked surveillance.”

GM has offered OnStar as a service that will aid consumers during an emergency and provide hands-free voice assistance and real-time traffic and navigation. Over time, the company has increased the amount of data it collects through OnStar to include precise geolocation data—collected every three seconds for some users.

Tracking and collecting geolocation data can be extremely privacy invasive, revealing some of the most intimate details about a person’s life, such as whether they visited a hospital or other medical facility, and expose their daily routines.

When consumers bought a GM vehicle, they were encouraged to sign up for OnStar and its Smart Driver feature, which they were often told would be used to help them assess their driving habits. The FTC alleged, however, that GM’s enrollment process for the data collection for both its OnStar service and Smart Driver feature was confusing and misleading. In fact, some consumers were unaware that they had been signed up for the Smart Driver feature, according to the complaint.

In addition, GM failed to clearly disclose to consumers the types of information it collected through its Smart Driver feature, including that their geolocation and driving behavior data—such as every instance of hard braking, late night driving, and speeding—would be sold to consumer reporting agencies. These consumer reporting agencies used the sensitive information GM provided to compile credit reports on consumers, which were used by insurance companies to deny insurance and set rates.

Many consumers were unaware of these practices and complained to GM after finding out that their driving habits were being used by insurance companies to set their rates. For example, one consumer told a GM customer service representative that “[w]hen I signed up for this, it was so OnStar could track me. They said nothing about reporting it to a third party. Nothing. […] You guys are affecting our bottom line. I pay you, now you’re making me pay more to my insurance company.”

Proposed Order

The proposed order would prohibit GM and OnStar from misrepresenting information about how they collect, use, and share consumers’ location and driver behavior data. Additional provisions of the proposed order require GM and OnStar to:

• Not disclose covered driver data to consumer reporting agencies: The proposed order would ban GM and OnStar from disclosing consumers’ geolocation and driver behavior data to consumer reporting agencies for five years from the date the order is entered.
• Obtain consent prior to collection: The companies must obtain affirmative express consent from consumers prior to collecting connected vehicle data, with some exceptions such as providing location data to emergency first responders.
• Allow consumers to obtain and delete their data: The companies must create a way for all U.S. consumers to request a copy of their data and seek its deletion.
• Allow consumers to limit data collection from their vehicles: The companies must also give consumers the ability to disable the collection of precise geolocation data from their vehicles if their vehicle has the necessary technology and provide a way for consumers to opt-out of the collection of geolocation and driver behavior data, with some limited exceptions.

During a closed meeting, the Commission voted 3-0-2 to accept the proposed consent agreement for public comment. Commissioners Melissa Holyoak and Andrew N. Ferguson were recorded as absent.

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 $51,744.

The lead staff attorneys on this matter are Amy Teng, Breena Roos, and Sarah Shifley with the FTC’s Northwest Regional Office.

The Delaware State Police arrested 27-year-old John Hernandez of New Castle, Delaware, and 32-year-old Shakair Miller of Wilmington, Delaware, for gun and drug charges following a traffic stop that occurred in Wilmington on Monday night.

On January 13, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., members of the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force were patrolling the area of South Market Street in Wilmington when they observed a Jeep Grand Cherokee with multiple equipment violations. Detectives conducted a traffic stop on the Jeep, and made contact with the driver, identified as John Hernandez. A computer inquiry of Hernandez revealed he did not have a valid driver’s license. Detectives also made contact with the passenger, who initially provided a fictitious name and date of birth, but was later positively identified as Shakair Miller. A computer inquiry of Miller revealed he had a capias for his arrest issued by the New Castle County Superior Court. Hernandez and Miller were subsequently taken into custody without incident.

During the traffic stop, detectives conducted a search of Hernandez, Miller, and the Jeep, which led to the discovery of the following items:

• A loaded Ruger handgun, which was concealed in a jacket found in the rear passenger seat
• A variety of bags containing approximately 42.4 grams of crack cocaine
• 41 baggies containing approximately 1.23 grams of heroin
• Various paraphernalia to include a digital scale, and distribution/packaging materials

Hernandez and Miller were taken to Troop 2, where they were each charged with multiple crimes.

Hernandez was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $142,320 cash bond.

• Possess with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possess a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited who also Possesses Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Possess with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
• Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving Without a Valid License
• Additional Traffic Violations

A computer inquiry revealed Miller is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition. He was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $143,100 cash bond.

• Possess with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possess a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited who also Possesses Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Possess with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
• Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
• Making False Statement

The post Governor’s Task Force Arrests Two Men for Gun and Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop in Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police arrested 46-year-old Matthew Foth of Wilmington, Delaware, for series of copper thefts from businesses in North Wilmington between November and December.

Between November 23, 2024, and December 28, 2024, troopers investigated multiple thefts of a similar nature from several businesses in the area of Silverside Road and Marsh Road in North Wilmington. In each incident, an unknown male suspect vandalized commercial air conditioning units and removed the internal copper components, which totaled over $120,000 in stolen copper and damage.

Through investigative means, Troop 2 Property Crimes Detectives developed Matthew Foth as the suspect responsible for copper thefts at the following locations in North Wilmington: Artisans’ Bank, Capriotti’s, Crown Homes Real Estate, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Graylyn Dental, Kim Acupressure, Muddy Paws Pet Salon, Perfect Nails, Poppycock Tattoo, Regency Centers Property Management, Sherwin-Williams, Supercuts, and suites 1705, 1707, 1707B, 1709A, and 1709B on Marsh Road. Further investigation revealed that during one of the thefts Foth contacted an accomplice, a female suspect who has not been identified at this time, to assist him.

On January 14, 2025, detectives executed a search warrant at Foth’s residence in Wilmington, where they took him into custody without incident. Foth was taken to Troop 1, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released on a $48,201 unsecured bond.

• Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 10 counts
• Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony) – 10 counts
• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Criminal Trespass 2^nd Degree – 2 counts
• Criminal Trespass 3^rd Degree

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Property Crimes Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective A. Desiderio by calling (302) 365-8406. 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.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post State Police Arrest Man for Series of Felony Copper Thefts in North Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police arrested 30-year-old Clayton Wilson of Wilmington, Delaware, and 30-year-old David Taylor of Newark, Delaware, for multiple felony charges stemming from a burglary that occurred at a doctor’s office in Wilmington last week.

On January 9, 2025, at approximately 8:54 a.m., troopers responded to Family Practice, located at 701 Foulk Road, Wilmington, for a report of a burglary that occurred overnight. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown male suspect forcibly entered the building and removed 2 lock boxes containing an undisclosed amount of money and multiple prescription pads. The suspect then fled in an unknown vehicle with the stolen property.

Through investigative means, Troop 2 Property Crimes Detectives developed Clayton Wilson as the suspect involved in the burglary. On January 13, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., detectives were notified by the doctor’s office that Wilson dropped off multiple forged prescriptions to be filled at a Walgreens Pharmacy on Kirkwood Highway. Detectives responded to the pharmacy, where they located Wilson, who was there with another male, identified as David Taylor. Both males were taken into custody without incident. During a search of Taylor’s person, detectives found a forged prescription, and 10 clear baggies containing approximately 0.3 grams of a white-powdery substance consistent with heroin.

Wilson and Taylor were taken to Troop 2, where they were each charged with multiple crimes.

Wilson was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and was released on a $23,000 unsecured bond.

• Burglary 3^rd Degree (Felony)
• Theft of Blank Prescription Pad (Felony) – 2 counts
• Forgery 2^nd Degree (Felony) – 5 counts
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Theft Under $1,500
• Criminal Mischief $1,00 but less than $5,000

Taylor was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and was released on a $4,200 unsecured bond.

• Forgery 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Possess a Controlled of Counterfeit Substance without a Prescription

The post State Police Arrest Pair for Felony Forgery Charges Following Burglary at Doctor’s Office in Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Incident Number:  50-25-1479

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 at 10:11 p.m.

Location: 100 Block of Haman Drive, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid   Email: [email protected]

Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Kaliph Miller, 25, of Camden, and Darrell Boyd, 23,of Wilmington, on drug and firearm charges following a drug investigation Tuesday night. The investigation began at 10:11 p.m. when members of the Street Crimes Unit contacted Boyd in the 100 block of Haman Drive in reference to a drug investigation that was being conducted. Boyd initially ran from Officers but was arrested after a foot pursuit. Boyd was found in possession of 5.7 grams of crack cocaine and 6 bags of heroin.

The ensuing investigation led Officers to a residence in the 100 block of Haman Drive where they contacted Miller. Miller was taken into custody without incident.

A search of the residence was conducted and Officers located a loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine, a Sig Sauer P365 9mm handgun that was reported stolen, and approximately 49.3 grams of crack cocaine.

Both defendants were transported to Dover Police Department where they were processed and arraigned.

Miller was committed to SCI on $125,300 cash bail on the following charges:
-Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
-Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (4x)
-Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity
-Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
-Conspiracy Second Degree
-Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine
-Possession of a Stolen Firearm

Boyd was committed to SCI on $126,000 cash bail on the following charges:
-Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
-Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (4x)
-Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity
-Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
-Conspiracy Second Degree
-Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine
-Possession of a Stolen Firearm
-Resisting Arrest

Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:

Dover Police Website

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The Federal Trade Commission will require web hosting company GoDaddy to implement a robust information security program to settle charges that the company failed to secure its website-hosting services against attacks that could harm its customers and visitors to the customers’ websites.

The FTC alleges in its complaint that, since 2018, GoDaddy has failed to implement reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect and monitor its website-hosting environments for security threats, and misled customers about the extent of its data security protections on its website hosting services.

In its proposed settlement order, the FTC is requiring GoDaddy to establish a comprehensive data security program that is similar to those in other FTC cases, including the recent settlement with Marriott International.

“Millions of companies, particularly small businesses, rely on web hosting providers like GoDaddy to secure the websites that they and their customers rely on,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC is acting today to ensure that companies like GoDaddy bolster their security systems to protect consumers around the globe.”

Arizona-based GoDaddy Inc. and its operating subsidiary GoDaddy.com, LLC make up one of the world’s largest web hosting companies, with approximately five million web hosting customers.

GoDaddy’s unreasonable security practices include failing to: inventory and manage assets and software updates; assess risks to its shared hosting services; adequately log and monitor security-related events in the hosting environment; and segment its shared hosting from less-secure environments, according to the FTC’s complaint.

The FTC says that GoDaddy’s data-security failures resulted in several major security breaches between 2019 and 2022 in which bad actors gained unauthorized access to customers’ websites and data. These breaches exposed consumers visiting the websites to risks, including that consumers were redirected to malicious websites.

Additionally, the FTC alleges that GoDaddy misled customers, through claims on its websites and in email and social media ads, by representing that it deployed reasonable security and that it was in compliance with the EU-U.S. and Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Frameworks, which require companies to take reasonable and appropriate measures to protect personal information.

Proposed Order Requirements

The FTC’s proposed order will prohibit GoDaddy from misleading its customers about its security practices in the future and ensure that it has reasonable security going forward.

The order will:

• Prohibit GoDaddy from making misrepresentations about its security and the extent to which it complies with any privacy or security program sponsored by a government, self-regulatory, or standard-setting organization, including the EU-U.S. and Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Frameworks;
• Require GoDaddy to establish and implement a comprehensive information-security program that protects the security, confidentiality, and integrity of its website-hosting services; and
• Mandate that GoDaddy hire an independent third-party assessor who conducts an initial and biennial review of its information-security program.

The Commission voted 5-0 to issue the administrative complaint and to accept the proposed consent agreement. Commissioner Melissa Holyoak concurred, but dissented on Count III in the complaint.

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 $51,744. The lead staff attorneys on this matter are Jarad Brown and David Walko from the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious crash that occurred yesterday in Lewes that left one man critically injured.

On January 13, 2025, at approximately 5:32 p.m., a Suzuki GSXR 750 motorcycle was traveling northbound on Coastal Highway near Old Landing Road in the right lane. The motorcycle passed an unmarked Delaware State Police Chevrolet Tahoe in the center lane and then split the lane between two other vehicles by riding along the dashed lane markings.

The trooper attempted to pull the motorcycle over, but it fled at a high rate of speed, driving recklessly on Coastal Highway while eluding the trooper. As the motorcycle approached the intersection at Coastal Highway and Melson Road, it accelerated northbound through the red light at a high rate of speed. At the same time, a Ford F-150 was crossing the northbound lanes from Coastal Highway southbound to Bay Crossing Boulevard. As a result, the motorcycle collided with the passenger side of truck.

The motorcyclist, a 19-year-old man from Bear, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Ford F-150, a 69-year-old man from Milton, Delaware, was not injured.

Coastal Highway was closed for an extended time while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Senior Corporal J. Smith at (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.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post State Police Investigating Serious Crash Following Motorcyclist’s Attempt to Elude Traffic Stop appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Incident Number:  50-25-1310

Date/Time: Monday, January 13th, 2025 at 3:31 p.m.

Location: West Loockerman Street and South State Street, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid   Email: [email protected]

Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested a 16-year-old male, of Dover, and a 15-year-old male, of Chestertown, MD, following a vehicle pursuit in a stolen vehicle. The investigation began at 2:59 p.m. Monday, when it was reported that a red Hyundai Elantra had been stolen. At 3:31 p.m., a Dover Police K-9 Officer and his K-9 partner Jits were in the area of West Loockerman Street and South State Street when he observed the stolen car traveling eastbound on West Loockerman Street. The Officer attempted to stop the car and it drove away, failing to stop for the Officer. The vehicle continued, committing several traffic violations, until coming to a stop in the area of New Castle Avenue in the Capital Green neighborhood. Once the car came to a stop, the driver and passenger exited. The driver surrendered immediately, however, the passenger began to run away. Members of “B” Platoon were able to take both suspects into custody with the assistance of the K-9 Officer and his partner, K-9 Jits.

The driver, a 16-year-old from Dover, and the passenger, a 15-year-old from Chestertown, MD, were transported to Dover Police Department where they were processed and arraigned.

The 16-year-old was released on $2,800 unsecured bail on the following charges:
-Theft of a Motor Vehicle
-Possession of Burglar Tools
-Resisting Arrest
-Disregarding a Police Officers Signal
-Criminal Mischief
-Conspiracy Second Degree
-Theft Under $1,5000
-Several Traffic Offenses

The 15-year-old was committed to Stevenson House on $5,500 secured bail on the following charges:
-Theft of a Motor Vehicle
-Possession of Burglar Tools
-Resisting Arrest
-Disregarding a Police Officers Signal
-Criminal Mischief
-Conspiracy Second Degree
-Theft Under $1,5000
-Several Traffic Offenses

Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:

Dover Police Website

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The Federal Trade Commission finalized an order prohibiting Gravy Analytics and its subsidiary Venntel from unlawfully tracking and selling sensitive location data from users, including data about consumers’ visits to health-related locations and places of worship.

In a complaint first announced last month, the FTC alleged that Gravy and Venntel violated the FTC Act by unfairly selling sensitive consumer location data, and by collecting and using consumers’ location data without obtaining verifiable user consent for commercial and government uses. The complaint alleged that Gravy Analytics used geofencing, which creates a virtual geographical boundary, to identify and sell lists of consumers who visited healthcare facilities and places of worship and sold additional lists that associate individual consumers to other sensitive characteristics.

Under the final order, Gravy Analytics and Venntel will be prohibited from selling, disclosing, or using sensitive location data except in limited circumstances involving national security or law enforcement. The companies must also establish a sensitive data location program.

After receiving two substantive comments, the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the final order and send responses to the commenters.

The Federal Trade Commission finalized an order banning data broker Mobilewalla Inc. from selling sensitive location data as part of a settlement with the company over allegations it sold such information without taking reasonable steps to verify consumers’ consent.

In a complaint first announced in December, FTC alleged that Mobilewalla unlawfully tracked and sold consumers’ sensitive location data, including data about their visits to healthcare facilities and places of worship.

Under the final order, Mobilewalla will be banned from collecting consumer data from online real-time bidding advertising exchanges for purposes other than participating in those auctions, marking the first time the agency has alleged such a practice was an unfair act or practice.

Mobilewalla is also banned from misrepresenting how it collects, maintains, uses, deletes or discloses consumers’ personal information, and the extent to which consumers’ location data is deidentified. It’s also prohibited from using, transferring, selling and disclosing location data from sensitive locations, such as health clinics, religious organizations, correctional facilities, labor union offices, LGBTQ+-related locations, political gatherings and military installations.

The Commission voted 4–1 to approve the final order and send responses to the commenters, with Commissioner Melissa Holyoak voting no.

Event Overview:

From January 20th to 26th, 2025, a significant Arctic outbreak, driven by the Polar Vortex, is expected to impact the United States, particularly from the Northern Plains to New England.

Key Points:

• Initial Cold Snap: A preliminary wave of cold air will affect the eastern U.S. starting Tuesday, serving as a precursor to the main event.
• Peak Cold Period: The most severe conditions are predicted between January 20th and 26th, with the coldest temperatures anticipated.
• Temperature Anomalies: Expect temperatures to drop dramatically, with anomalies 20 to 40 degrees below average for this time of year.
• Geographical Spread: The cold air mass will move from the Northern Plains eastward, potentially affecting millions with frigid conditions.

Preparatory Measures:

• Monitor Weather Updates: Regularly check local weather forecasts for the latest on this developing situation. Stay tuned to TV Delmarva for continuous coverage.
• Personal Safety:
• Dress in layers to protect against the cold.
• Limit outdoor activities during the coldest periods.
• Home and Property:
• Ensure heating systems are operational.
• Insulate homes, particularly around windows and doors.
• Protect pipes from freezing.
• Emergency Preparedness:
• Assemble an emergency kit including blankets, non-perishable food, water, flashlights, and batteries.
• Keep your vehicle equipped for winter conditions with an emergency kit onboard.
• Pet Care:
• Provide warm shelter for pets, considering indoor accommodations during peak cold.

• Be aware of local community resources like warming centers.
• Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with health concerns.

Health Risks:

• Hypothermia and frostbite are significant risks during this period. Know the signs and seek warmth immediately if symptoms appear.
• Ensure you have access to medical supplies or services if you have conditions exacerbated by cold weather.

Travel Advisory:

• If travel is necessary, ensure your vehicle is in good condition for winter driving. Carry survival gear in case of being stranded.
• Monitor road conditions and avoid travel if advisories are issued.

Stay Informed:

• This alert will be updated as more information becomes available. For the most current information, rely on official weather services, stay tuned to TV Delmarva, and follow our social media for real-time updates.

Stay Safe:
The extreme cold expected can pose serious threats to life and property. Please take this warning seriously and prepare accordingly.

The Newark Police Department is actively investigating a motor vehicle crash that occurred in the early morning hours of January 13, 2025, during which a vehicle struck the St. John AM Church located at the corner of New London Road and Hillside Road. At…

New London Rd and  East Cleveland Ave is now open.

The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $1 million to fully refund consumers who purchased deceptively marketed Zephyr face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April 2024, the FTC took action against Razer Inc., alleging that the company falsely advertised its Zephyr masks as N95 or N95-equivalent. According to the FTC, the company never even submitted the masks for testing to the FDA or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the masks were never certified as N95.

The FTC is sending checks and PayPal payments to 6,764 consumers who purchased the deceptively marketed products. Recipients will get a full refund. Consumers should cash their check within 90 days, as indicated on the check, or redeem their PayPal payment within 30 days. 

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Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, Simpluris, at 1-833-285-3003 or visit the FTC’s 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 2023, FTC actions led to $330 million in refunds to consumers across the country.

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking comment on proposed changes to the Business Opportunity Rule and a proposed new Earnings Claim Rule that, taken together, would strengthen the agency’s tools to curb deceptive earnings claims in industries where they are pervasive: multi-level marketing (MLM) programs and money-making opportunities.

While deceptive earnings claims are already illegal, the proposed changes to the FTC’s Business Opportunity Rule and the new Earnings Claim Rule would allow the FTC to seek strong relief – including money back for consumers and civil penalties – from covered companies making deceptive claims.

“Phony claims about likely earnings lure people looking for honest income into spending thousands, even tens of thousands, of dollars on multi-level marketing, business coaching and other schemes,” said Sam Levine, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The proposed rules would help the FTC deter illegal conduct with civil penalties and put money back in consumers’ pockets. We look forward to getting public comment.”

The FTC is seeking comment from the public on three proposals: two Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NRPM) and one Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM).

NPRM on Business Opportunity Rule

This proposal would expand the Business Opportunity Rule to cover money-making opportunities, such as business coaching and investment opportunities, which claim to assist consumers in building a business or otherwise earning income. Such operations proliferate, using deceptive tactics—and in particular, deceptive earnings claims—to take consumers’ money. They cause significant financial and other harm to consumers. Under the proposed amendments, sellers of these types of opportunities would be, among other things, prohibited from making material misrepresentations, including about earnings.

Sellers also would be required to have written substantiation to back up any earnings claims and make that substantiation available to consumers if they request it – in the language they used to make the earnings claim.

NPRM on Rule Covering Deceptive Earnings Claims in the MLM Industry

The proposal would create a new rule that would address false or misleading earnings claims in the MLM industry. Deceptive earnings claims are a widespread problem in this industry, and they have caused significant financial and other harm to consumers.

Like the Business Opportunity Rule, the new rule, if adopted, would prohibit MLM sellers from making deceptive earnings and related claims. Similarly, this proposal would require MLM sellers to have written substantiation to back up any earnings claims and make that substantiation available to consumers if they request it – in the language they used to make the earnings claim.

ANPRM on Additional Components of the Proposed Earnings Claim Rule

In addition to the NPRMs, the FTC is issuing an ANPRM in connection with the proposed Earnings Claim Rule, seeking comment from the public on the need for additional rule requirements addressing deceptive earnings claims and related conduct. These include:

• whether to require MLMs to provide earnings data to potential recruits and current MLM participants or to post such data on their websites;
• whether all MLM earnings claims should be accompanied by clear and conspicuous information about the earnings MLM participants can generally expect;
• whether there should be a waiting period before a recruit pays any money to the MLM or otherwise joins the MLM;
• whether to prohibit misrepresentations relating to expenses, benefits, or the compensation plan; and
• whether to prohibit MLMs from using non-disparagement or other “gag” clauses to prohibit participants from communicating truthful negative information to the Commission, potential recruits, or others.

The public comment period for all three proposals will last 60 days from when they are published in the Federal Register. Instructions on how to file comments can be found in the Federal Register notice and on the FTC’s websites for the proposals. Once processed, the comments will be posted to Regulations.gov.

The Commission votes to approve the issuance of the proposals in the Federal Register were 3-2, with Commissioners Andrew Ferguson and Melissa Holyoak voting no. Commissioner Ferguson issued a dissenting statement joined by Commissioner Holyoak. 

The Federal Trade Commission finalized an order against IntelliVision Technologies Corp., settling allegations that the company made false, misleading, or unsubstantiated claims that its AI-powered facial recognition software was free of gender or racial bias.

In a complaint, which was first announced in December, the FTC alleged that IntelliVision lacked evidence to back up its claims that its software had one of the highest accuracy rates on the market and performs with zero gender or racial bias. The complaint also alleged that IntelliVision did not train its facial recognition software on millions of faces, as it claimed, nor did it have adequate support for its claims that its anti-spoofing technology ensures the system can’t be fooled by a photo or video image.

Under the final order, IntelliVision is prohibited from misrepresenting the accuracy and efficacy of its facial recognition software; the comparative performance of the technology with respect to different genders, ethnicities, and skin tones; and the accuracy or efficacy of the technology to detect spoofing. The order also prohibits IntelliVision from making representations about effectiveness, accuracy, or lack of bias of its facial recognition technology, or about the effectiveness of its facial recognition technology at detecting spoofing, unless it possesses and relies on competent and reliable testing of the technology.

After receiving no public comments, the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the final order.

The Federal Trade Commission today sued Florida-based Evoke Wellness, LLC and Evoke Health Care Management and their officers Jonathan Mosley and James Hull for using a combination of deceptive Google search ads and telemarketing to masquerade as other substance use disorder treatment providers.

“Preying on consumers suffering from addiction and other substance use disorders is wrong, and it’s illegal,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The use of deceptive online ads to trick consumers into selecting one clinic over another is unacceptable, and the Commission will continue taking action against clinics, marketers, and others in this space, as well as their executives, when they break the law.”

According to the complaint, Evoke tricked consumers into contacting Evoke’s call center by using deceptive Google search ads that appeared to be from the specific substance use disorder treatment clinics searched for by consumers. Evoke targeted consumers who were searching on their mobile phones not only by using the specific names of other clinics as keywords but also prominently displayed the names of those other clinics in the Google ads in a format that impersonated the searched-for clinics.

When consumers clicked on or dialed the telephone number in those ads, Evoke funneled them to their own telemarketers. Evoke’s telemarketers continued the deception, typically by falsely claiming that consumers had reached a centralized admissions office or addiction treatment hotline, rather than a call center associated with Evoke. Even when callers indicated clearly that they sought a different, specific treatment clinic, the telemarketers consistently reinforced the callers’ misimpressions created by Evoke’s deceptive ads, for example by falsely claiming to have a relationship with the other clinic.

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The complaint further alleges that between 2021 and 2023, Evoke disseminated at least 68,510 misleading Google search ads, resulting in at least 3,500 calls to Evoke’s call center. The Commission alleges this conduct violated both FTC Act and the Opioid Addiction Recovery Fraud Prevention Act of 2018. The lawsuit asks the court to permanently stop the deceptive practices and seeks civil penalties.

This is one of several FTC actions in recent years targeting deceptive conduct in the substance use disorder treatment industry. The FTC has previously brought actions against, for example;

• R360 LLC and its owner, Steven Doumar, for deceiving consumers about the evaluation and selection criteria for the treatment centers in their network; Michael J. Connors and his companies for deceptively claiming their Smoke Away products could eliminate consumers’ nicotine addiction;
• Rejuvica, LLC and its owners for making numerous unsubstantiated and false claims about Sobrenix, marketed to reduce and even eliminate alcohol consumption;
• Dr. Dalal A. Akoury and a set of companies operating as AWAREmed Health & Wellness Resource Center, for making a wide range of false or unsupported claims for addiction treatment services;
• Cerebral and its former CEO, Kyle Robertson, for breaking their privacy promises to consumers and misleading them about the company’s cancellation policies in connection with telehealth services; and
• Monument, Inc., an alcohol addiction treatment service provider, for allegedly disclosing users’ personal health data to third-party advertising platforms.

The Commission vote authorizing the filing of the complaint against Evoke Wellness, LLC and Evoke Health Care Management, LLC as well as Mosley and Hull was 5-0. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District for the Southern District of Florida.

The lead staff attorneys on this matter are Victor DeFrancis and Cassandra Rasmussen in 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. The case will be decided by the court.

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The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $960,000 in refunds to consumers who paid a job scheme known as “The Sales Mentor” that, according to the FTC, falsely promised consumers that they would make big money from telemarketing sales. 

The FTC sued the defendants who ran the scheme in December 2023. The complaint charged them with deceiving consumers to get them to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for supposed telemarketing training programs that rarely, if ever, delivered on what was promised. In addition, the FTC said the defendants continued to make deceptive earnings claims even after they received the FTC’s Notices of Penalty Offenses on Money-Making Opportunities and Endorsements and Testimonials, which warned the defendants that such conduct is illegal.

The defendants agreed to a settlement order that prohibits them from making earnings claims that are misleading or unsubstantiated and from any misrepresentation in selling any goods or services. They were also required to pay money to compensate affected consumers.

The FTC is sending PayPal payments to 8,174 consumers. Recipients should redeem their payment within 30 days. Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration, at 877-930-1733, 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 2023, FTC actions led to $330 million in refunds to consumers across the country.

Due to a crash, New London Rd is closed in the area of East Cleveland Ave.  Use an alternate route and expect delays.

The Dover Police Department is canceling the Gold Alert for Darren Stevens. He has been located and is safe.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-25-1065

Date:  Friday, January 10th, 2025 at 1:50 p.m.

Location: Unit Block of Olde Forge Drive, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:  Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Darren Stevens, 15, of Dover, DE. Stevens was last seen on January 10th, 2025 at approximately 1:50 p.m., leaving a residence in the unit block of Old Forge Drive. Stevens is described as a black male, 5’4”, 100 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. At the time, he was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants. Attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for his safety.

If you have any information on Stevens’ whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred last night in Newark.

On January 10, 2025, at approximately 10:45 p.m., troopers responded to a residence on the 900 block of Old Baltimore Pike in Newark for a report of shots fired. When troopers arrived, they learned an unknown suspect fired an unknown number of shots that hit the occupied residence. There was one adult and one child inside at the time of the shooting. The victims were not injured, and the incident remains under investigation.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues its investigation and urges anyone who has relevant information about this incident to contact them at (302) 834-2620. 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.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post State Police Detectives Investigating Shots Fired at a Newark Residence appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-25-1085

Date:  Friday, January 10th, 2025 at 1:50 p.m.

Location: Unit Block of Olde Forge Drive, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:  Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Darren Stevens, 15, of Dover, DE. Stevens was last seen on January 10th, 2025 at approximately 1:50 p.m., leaving a residence in the unit block of Old Forge Drive. Stevens is described as a black male, 5’4”, 100 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. At the time, he was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants. Attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for his safety.

If you have any information on Stevens’ whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.

The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R.) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register at their current address. If anyone knows the location of these individuals, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Click on the image to see the complete profile

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The following individuals are not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed individuals are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Click on the image to see the complete profile

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The Delaware State Police arrested 34-year-old Kendell Dickerson of Wilmington, Delaware, for forgery and theft offenses that occurred in Claymont on Wednesday. Troopers are seeking assistance in locating his coconspirator (pictured above), 24-year-old Cornell Boatwright, who remains at-large.

On January 8, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., a trooper responded to a report of a theft involving counterfeit money that occurred at the Exxon, located at 3700 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont. While responding, the trooper learned the suspects had fled in a gray Nissan Maxima, which had then gone off the roadway and crashed in the area of Interstate 495 and Governor Printz Boulevard. After the collision, the driver of the Nissan, later identified as Kendell Dickerson, and the passenger, later identified as Cornell Boatwright, fled on foot towards Edgemoor. A short time later, Dickerson returned to the Nissan and was taken into custody by troopers without incident. Boatwright has not been located at this time. In the ensuing investigation, troopers learned the victim agreed to meet Dickerson at the Exxon to complete a sale for an item the victim had listed on Facebook. Upon arriving at the Exxon, Dickerson remained in the Nissan, while Boatwright exited the vehicle and paid the victim $400 for the item. As Dickerson and Boatwright drove away in the Nissan, the victim discovered he had been paid with counterfeit bills. During the investigation, troopers recovered the 20 counterfeit $20 bills from the victim.

A computer inquiry of Dickerson was conducted, which led to troopers discovering Dickerson’s driver license was revoked. Dickerson was taken to Troop 1, where he was charged with multiple crimes. Troopers obtained a warrant for Boatwright’s arrest and are seeking the public’s assistance in their on-going efforts to locate Boatwright, who has multiple felony warrants for his arrest.

Dickerson was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $3,000 unsecured bond.

• Forgery 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Theft Under $1,500
• Driving While Revoked
• Additional Traffic Violations

The Delaware State Police continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone with information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Cornell Boatwright to contact Corporal P. Ruszkay by calling (302) 761-6677. 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.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post Troopers Arrest Suspect for Forgery and Theft Offenses in Claymont; Second Suspect Remains At-Large appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Milford City Council will discuss the proposal to allow recreational marijuana stores within city limits.

Public Comment Period:

• Date: Monday, January 13, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Milford City Council Meeting

This session is the only designated time for public comments on this matter.

Milford City Council

Get ready for another round of snow across the Delmarva shore this weekend. While not as intense as the recent storm that left 8-12 inches, this new snowfall could still be quite a nuisance.

Weather Details:

• Storm System: A southern stream storm system will move down the Southeastern US, bringing snow and ice to the Deep South before veering off the Carolina coasts.
• Snowfall: Expect light to moderate snow across Central and Southern Delmarva, with the heaviest impacts in Accomack and Northampton counties in Virginia.

Timeline:

• Snow Start: Snow will begin overnight Friday and continue into the Saturday morning commute.
• Event Type: This will be an all-snow event due to the cold arctic air mass over the Eastern US.

Expected Snowfall:

• Accomack & Northampton Counties, VA: 2-5 inches expected.
• Mid-Shore: 2-4 inches anticipated.
• Pocomoke City to Georgetown: 1-3 inches with lighter intensity.
• Northern Delmarva: A dusting to an inch, depending on how far north the precipitation extends.

Note: Snowfall totals could adjust based on the exact path of the storm.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the weekend.

The Delaware State Police arrested 35-year-old Durell Johns of Newark, Delaware, for reckless endangering and gun offenses following an altercation that occurred earlier today at a pub in Newark.

On January 9, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., troopers responded to McLaren’s Irish Pub, located at 1119 Churchmans Road, Newark, for a report of an altercation involving a male with a gun. Responding troopers learned the suspect had fired one round from the firearm before he fled in a black Hyundai Sonata with Delaware registration. A short time later, troopers located the Hyundai and conducted a traffic stop. Troopers made contact with the driver, identified as Durell Johns, and took him into custody without incident. In the following investigation, troopers learned Johns approached the victim, who was a stranger, in the parking lot of the pub, forcibly grabbed her, and made threatening statements. During the altercation, Johns retrieved a firearm from the Hyundai, and fired one round at the victim’s cell phone, which was on the ground several feet from the victim. Johns then fled from the parking lot in the Hyundai.

Johns was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $31,500 secured bond.

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Reckless Endanger 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
• Malicious Interference Emergency Communications
• Offensive Touching

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit is continuing to investigate the incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective D. Armstrong by calling (302) 365-8440. 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.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The post State Police Arrest Man for Reckless Endangering and Gun Offenses in Newark appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Emergency Alert System Error in Delaware

An erroneous Emergency Alert System message was sent statewide by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) advising a shelter in place. The alert was intended for a 10-mile radius around an actual hazmat incident at the Georgetown Perdue plant in Georgetown, Sussex County. DEMA clarified that there is no statewide shelter in place for the hazmat incident. The incident at the Georgetown Perdue plant involved a chemical leak including thioacetic acid, resulting in a visible white cloud. Emergency services established a 300-meter isolation zone around the plant to contain the spill. The chemicals leaked were contained within the plant’s property, but precautionary measures were taken due to the potential for hazardous vapor dispersion.

The alert was quickly retracted, stating: “There is no statewide shelter in place for a haz mat incident.” This clarification came after the initial message had already been sent to an unknown amount of residents.

For more information visit DEMA.Delaware.gov

The Delaware State Police, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force, arrested 33-year-old Guy Calloway of Wilmington, Delaware, for felony gun and drug related charges following the conclusion of a several-month long drug investigation in Wilmington on Monday.

On January 6, 2025, members of the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Drug Unit, and Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team executed search warrants at properties associated with Guy Calloway on the 800 block of East 13th Street in Wilmington. The search warrants were obtained following a several-month long drug investigation with the FBI of Guy Calloway, who was suspected of the large-scale distribution of narcotics. Upon the execution of the search warrants, Calloway fled from the property on foot. He was subsequently taken into custody near the Brandywine River after a brief foot pursuit.

A search of the properties and Calloway led to the discovery of the following items:

• A Taurus handgun
• Multiple firearm magazines and rounds of ammunition
• Approximately 432 grams of cocaine
• Approximately 48 grams of crack cocaine
• Approximately 234 grams of marijuana
• Approximately $19,928 in suspected drug dealing proceeds
• Various paraphernalia to include digital scales, and distribution/packaging materials

A computer inquiry revealed Calloway is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition. Calloway was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $163,000 cash bond.

• Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possess a Firearm/Ammunition by a Person Prohibited Prior Violent Crime or Felony (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The post Detectives Arrest Man for Felony Gun and Drug Related Charges Following Drug Investigation in Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

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The Federal Trade Commission is sending refunds to consumers who paid a sham mortgage relief operation that told financially distressed homeowners it would help get their mortgages modified, but instead effectively stole their mortgage payments. 

The FTC first filed suit against the defendants, who operated under the names HOPE Services and HouseHoldRelief, in 2015. The complaint charged that the defendants targeted consumers facing foreclosure, especially those who had failed to get any relief from their lenders. Pretending to be a “nonprofit” organization with government ties, they falsely claimed they had a high success rate, special contacts who would help get loan terms modified, and an ability to succeed even when consumers had failed previously. Instead, the complaint alleged, homeowners who made payments did not have their mortgages modified, and their lenders never received the funds.

The FTC is sending checks totaling more than $49,000 to 198 consumers, who will receive $251.36 each. 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, Analytics, at 855-715-2919, 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 2023, FTC actions led to $330 million in refunds to consumers across the country.

The Federal Trade Commission finalized an order requiring the tax preparation company H&R Block to make a number of changes for the 2025 tax filing season in addition to longer-term changes. The settlement also requires the company to pay $7 million to be used to compensate consumers harmed by the company’s unlawful practices.

In a complaint announced in February 2024, the FTC charged that H&R Block unfairly required consumers seeking to downgrade to a cheaper H&R Block product to contact customer service, unfairly deleted users’ previously entered data and made deceptive claims about “free” tax filing.

The settlement requires H&R Block to make it easier for consumers to downgrade products and by eliminating its practice of completely deleting consumers’ previously entered data upon downgrade. By February 15, 2025, the company is required to allow consumers to downgrade products using a chatbot or other automated means, instead of requiring them to call customer service or chat with a live customer service agent.

In addition to the $7 million payment, the settlement requires H&R Block, by the 2026 tax filing season, to stop completely deleting consumers’ previously entered information. Specifically, when a consumer downgrades back to the product they upgraded from, H&R Block must ensure that the consumer returns to the same point in filing where they were when they upgraded, which will save consumers significant time and effort. H&R Block must also provide an easily noticeable and always available way for consumers to downgrade without having to call customer service or chat with a live customer service agent.

The settlement also requires H&R Block to disclose in its “free” advertising either the percentage of taxpayers who are eligible to use any “free” products or that the majority of taxpayers do not qualify.

After receiving three comments, the Commission voted 5-0to approve the final order and send responses to the commenters. Commissioner Andrew Ferguson issued a concurring statement joined by Commissioner Melissa Holyoak.

Under federal district court orders announced today, the co-founders of the Stem Cell Institute of America and several related companies are banned from marketing stem cell therapy in the future. The order resolves a complaint filed jointly by the Federal Trade Commission and Georgia Attorney General’s Office. A separate order requires the defendants to pay $5,155,146 in both civil penalties and refunds to defrauded consumers on Georgia’s state law claims.

“The founders of the Stem Cell Institute of America and their network of companies tricked people who needed real medical help into buying expensive, unproven stem cell therapy,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The court’s orders hold them accountable, refund consumers, and permanently ban the defendants from offering stem cell therapy and other regenerative medicine treatment in the future.”

The agencies’ 2021 complaint named Steven D. Peyroux and Brent J. Detelich; Regenerative Medicine Institute of America, LLC, doing business as Stem Cell Institute of America, LLC (SCIA); Physicians Business Solutions, LLC (PBS); and Superior Healthcare, LLC (SHC) as defendants.

In 2015, Peyroux, a chiropractor, and Detelich, a former chiropractor, co-founded SCIA, a company that trained chiropractors and other healthcare practitioners how to deceptively market unproven stem cell therapy in their practices. SCIA trained its client clinics how to recruit patients through advertising, host free “educational seminars,” and conduct consultations. SCIA provided its clients access to a “vault” of sample advertisements rife with baseless claims of efficacy, and the appearance of being part of a nationwide SCIA network.

The defendants also used these deceptive marketing materials and “educational seminars” to attract stem cell patients to their own chiropractic clinic, SHC. SHC charged up to $5,000 per stem cell therapy injection, with many patients receiving more than one injection as part of their treatment. The group of consumers who purchased defendants’ unproven stem cell therapy consisted almost exclusively of elderly and disabled people.

Summary Judgment

Following extensive litigation, in March 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia issued a summary judgment opinion and order in favor of the FTC and the State of Georgia on all counts. In granting summary judgment, the court found that the defendants created and published false and misleading advertisements about the efficacy and approval of stem cell therapy injection treatments for a host of medical conditions (osteoarthritis, neuropathy, joint pain, and more), and embarked on a comprehensive marketing campaign to distribute those ads to the public and to other medical clinics across the county.

Orders for Injunctive and Monetary Relief

On December 26, 2024, the court issued orders for injunctive and monetary relief. The first order permanently bans the defendants from advertising, marketing, promoting, offering for sale, or selling any regenerative medicine treatments, including any treatment or therapy that falls under the definition of stem cell therapy.

It also prohibits them from misrepresenting that any regenerative medicine compliance training program is approved by either the FTC or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Finally, it prohibits the defendants from providing others with the means of making false and misleading statements about regenerative medical treatment.

The second order, based on Georgia’s state law claims, requires Peyroux and Detelich to pay $3,310,146 that may be used to provide refunds to defrauded consumers, and Peyroux, Detelich, and PBS to pay $1,845,000 in civil penalties, resulting in a total monetary penalty of $5,155,146.

The litigation was handled by attorneys Elizabeth Nach, Robert Van Someren Greve, Stacy Cammarano, and Cassandra Rasmussen and investigators Sallie Schools and Kenneth Chrzanowski from the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. The FTC appreciates the partnership of the Georgia Attorney General’s Office in bringing the action announced today.

The Delaware State Police arrested 39-year-old Daniel Wilkowski of Lewes, Delaware, for stalking and harassment offenses that occurred last month in Lewes.

On December 26, 2024, troopers were contacted by the victim, a woman whose identity will not be disclosed, for a report of harassment and stalking that occurred throughout December in Lewes. During the investigation, troopers learned the victim received over 40 emails in a one-week time span from an acquaintance, identified as Daniel Wilkowski. The emails were unsolicited and sexual, which caused the victim to feel alarm. Troopers obtained a warrant for Wilkowski’s arrest and made several attempts to locate him.

On January 4, 2025, Wilkowski was located by the Milton Police Department during an unrelated investigation and taken into custody. Wilkowski was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1,100 secured bond.

• Stalking (Felony)
• Sexual Harassment

Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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The Federal Trade Commission, along with the New York Attorney General, are taking action against gig economy company Handy Technologies for making a broad array of deceptive claims about how much money workers on its platform could earn.

The complaint charges that Handy, which currently does business as Angi Services, has peppered its advertisements with earnings claims that don’t reflect the reality for the overwhelming majority of workers on the platform. The complaint also charges that Handy has failed to clearly disclose fees and fines that have led to millions of dollars being withheld from workers.

Under the terms of a proposed settlement order, Handy would be required to turn over $2.95 million to be used to provide refunds to harmed workers, and make substantial changes to ensure that workers give clear consent to any fees charged by the company and that the company gives workers clear direction about how to avoid fines.

“Handy Technologies relied on inflated and false earnings claims to lure workers onto its platform. It then deducted inadequately disclosed fines and fees from their wages,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The order announced today puts a stop to these unlawful practices and ensures an honest marketplace for American workers.”

“New York workers deserve to be paid what they are promised, when they are promised,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “Apps like Handy’s offer New Yorkers flexible job opportunities, but they cannot be allowed to lure workers with lies and false promises. Together with our partners at the FTC, we are holding Handy accountable and requiring the company to pay $2.95 million back to thousands of workers who were misled. My office will never hesitate to take action against companies that cheat hardworking New Yorkers.”

According to the complaint, Handy has widely advertised that workers who do gig jobs through their platform—often cleaning homes and doing repair and maintenance projects—will be paid specific amounts and will be paid “as soon as the job is done.” In fact, new workers on the platform are by default generally paid seven days after the work they do is complete. Workers seeking to be paid “as soon as the job is done” must pay an additional fee and can only do so after completing another job for Handy.

The complaint notes that the amounts advertised by Handy often far outstrip any reasonable amount that a worker could expect to be paid. In New York, New Jersey, and California, advertisements have touted pay “at least” or “up to” a rate that is only accessible to workers who successfully move into the highest pay tier offered. That requires meeting targets for numbers of jobs completed and customer ratings that a vast majority of workers are unable to achieve. In other markets, Handy advertised pay for handyman/furniture assembly jobs as high as $45 an hour, even when more than 90 percent of workers made far less – on average more than $20 an hour less.

Similarly, Handy advertised lawn care jobs as paying as much as $62 an hour when that rate was made by less than 10 percent of workers. The claims happened in markets across the country; one worker in Memphis, Tennessee, complained “Handy is misrepresenting itself. This [$62/hour] is not even close to what I’m getting paid, it is not a slight misrepresentation, it is actually off by almost 3x what we are making.”

Handy also has regularly charged its workers an array of fees and fines that it fails to adequately disclose, according to the complaint. Handy has a series of fines they impose on workers (and deduct from their pay) for a variety of issues. In particular, the complaint highlights an issue that has affected thousands of workers, in which the person or company requesting a job through Handy tells the worker not to show up to the job, but then fails to properly cancel the job in Handy’s system. In these instances where the worker is in no way at fault for the job not being complete, Handy has regularly fined these workers $50 for each instance.

The only way for workers to avoid fines in situations where a requester cancels a job is to follow a complicated process that Handy does not adequately disclose to workers, according to the complaint. The process is complex and time-consuming, requiring workers to give GPS permission to Handy’s app and wait more than 30 minutes at the site, among other requirements. The complaint notes that Handy has fined its workers for these kinds of cancellations thousands of times. The impact of these fines and fees on Handy’s workers, which it calls “Pros,” can be significant. As Handy’s Operations Manager acknowledged in an email to its Customer Experience Manager, “Many pros are on public assistance/housing.”

The proposed settlement that Handy has agreed to would require the company to turn over $2.95 million to be used to provide refunds to workers who were harmed by the company’s practices. In addition, the settlement would require Handy to get workers’ express, informed consent before charging them any fee or fine—including clearly disclosing any requirements or processes to avoid those fees and fines. The settlement would also require the company to back up any claims it makes about how much workers can potentially make and ensure those claims reflect what a typical worker is likely to make.

The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint and stipulated final order was 5-0. Commissioner Andrew Ferguson issued a statement concurring in part and dissenting in part. Commissioner Melissa Holyoak concurs in this matter, but dissents as to the “up to” earnings claims in Count I (Misrepresentations Regarding Earnings) and Count V (Violations of Prior Commission Determinations Known to Defendant). The FTC filed the complaint and final order in 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 injunctions/orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.

The staff attorneys on this matter were Edward Hynes, David Alex, Anne LeJeune and Tammy Chung of the FTC’s Southwest Region.

Today, the Federal Trade Commission announced that crude oil producers XCL Resources Holdings, LLC (XCL), Verdun Oil Company II LLC (Verdun), and EP Energy LLC (EP) will pay a record $5.6 million civil penalty to settle allegations they engaged in illegal pre-merger coordination, known as gun jumping, in violation of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (HSR Act).

According to the complaint, Verdun, which was under common management with XCL at the time of the transaction, agreed to acquire EP in a $1.4 billion transaction that was subject to the HSR Act. The HSR Act requires merging parties to submit an HSR form to the federal antitrust agencies and observe a waiting period before completing a transaction. EP, however, allowed XCL and Verdun to assume operational and decision-making control over significant aspects of EP’s day-to-day business operations prior to the transaction closing, in violation of the HSR Act’s waiting period requirements, the complaint states.

The three companies’ unlawful gun-jumping activities during the HSR waiting period included XCL and Verdun ordering a stoppage to EP’s planned well-drilling and development activities; XCL and EP coordinating to manage EP’s customer contracts, relationships, and deliveries in the Uinta Basin region of Utah; and Verdun and EP coordinating on prices for EP’s customers in the Eagle Ford region of Texas. This led to a crude oil supply shortage for EP when the U.S. market was facing significant supply shortages and multi-year highs in oil prices, resulting in Americans paying skyrocketing prices at the pump, the complaint states.

The civil penalty settlement reached with XCL, Verdun, and EP provides for the largest dollar penalty ever imposed for a gun-jumping violation in U.S. history.

The HSR Act requires companies and individuals to report large transactions, including securities acquisitions, over a certain threshold to the FTC and DOJ so that the federal agencies can investigate the deals before they close. The agencies have 30 days after a transaction has been reported to conduct an initial investigation and issue a “second request” demand for additional information. It is generally illegal to finalize an acquisition during this investigatory period.

FTC Investigation

The waiting-period obligation for this transaction went into effect on July 26, 2021, the date XCL, Verdun, and EP executed their purchase agreement and began engaging in gun-jumping activities, according to the FTC’s complaint.

The FTC’s investigation of Verdun’s acquisition of EP uncovered significant competitive concerns given that the deal, as originally structured, would have eliminated head-to-head competition between two of only four significant energy producers and would have harmed competition for the sale of Uinta Basin waxy crude oil to Salt Lake City refiners. To resolve those concerns, the FTC entered into a consent agreement with XCL, Verdun, and EP in March 2022 that required the divestiture of EP’s entire business and assets in Utah.

XCL, Verdun, and EP’s illegal gun-jumping conduct lasted through October 27, 2021, when they executed an amendment to the purchase agreement, which allowed EP to operate independently once again and in the ordinary course of business, without XCL’s or Verdun’s control over its day-to-day operations.

The HSR waiting period expired on March 25, 2022, which is the date the FTC accepted a consent agreement and granted termination of the waiting period. In total, XCL, Verdun, and EP were in violation of the HSR Act for 94 days.

The Commission vote to accept the settlement and refer the matter to the Department of Justice for filing was 4-0-1, with Commissioner Holyoak recused. The Department of Justice filed the complaint and proposed stipulated order on the FTC’s behalf in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlement, along with a competitive impact statement, was published in the Federal Register. Any person may submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement during a 60-day comment period to Maribeth Petrizzi, Special Attorney, United States, c/o Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580 [email protected]. At the conclusion of the 60-day comment period, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia may approve the proposed settlement upon finding that it is in the public interest.

The Gold Alert is canceled.  Mitchell Hollobaugh has been located. Original Post

In the last four hours, the Delmarva region has experienced significant snowfall, with reports from Georgetown, Delaware Airport, indicating one foot of snow. This comes as part of a broader winter storm sweeping through the Mid-Atlantic.

Meteorological reports from 2:00 PM on January 6, 2025, confirmed 12 inches of snow near Delaware Coastal Airport, highlighting the intensity of the snowfall in Sussex County, Delaware. The storm has brought widespread snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches, with forecasts predicting another burst of snow from 8 PM to 11 PM, potentially adding 1-3 more inches, pushing the total snow accumulation to between 9-14 inches across Central Delmarva.

In addition to the snow, sleet has begun to affect the extreme southeastern part of Sussex County, complicating conditions further. Road conditions are reported as extremely hazardous with numerous vehicles stuck, prompting warnings from authorities to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, to allow Delaware Department of Transportation (DELDOT) crews to manage the intense snowfall rates.

As the storm progresses, the region braces for not only the immediate effects of the snow but also for dangerously cold temperatures expected to spread across the central and eastern U.S. in the aftermath. Residents are advised to stay informed about local weather updates and adhere to safety recommendations.

Stay Updated: Follow TV Delmarva’s website and social media for the latest weather updates and safety information.

Current Situation:
Delaware is currently experiencing a significant snow storm, with accumulations exceeding four inches in areas like Dover, Bridgeville, and Seaford. High winds and low visibility are contributing to hazardous conditions.

During the Storm:

• Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from reliable sources like TV Delmarva’s website and their social media platforms for the latest on storm progression, road conditions, and safety advisories from Meteorologist Hunter Outten.
• Limit Travel: Avoid unnecessary travel. If you must venture out, inform someone of your route and expected return time.
• Driving Safely:
• Reduce speed and increase your following distance to account for slick roads.
• Use gentle braking to avoid skidding.
• Be particularly cautious on bridges and overpasses which tend to freeze first.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear multiple layers, including hats, gloves, and waterproof boots to combat the cold.

If You Become Stranded:

• Stay in Your Vehicle: Your car provides shelter and makes you easier to locate. Run the engine and heater in short bursts to conserve fuel, ensuring to crack a window for ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
• Signal for Assistance: Use a brightly colored cloth tied to your car’s antenna or place it in a visible spot to signal for help.

Post-Storm Actions:

• Snow Removal: Shovel with caution to prevent injury. Push snow rather than lift it when possible to reduce strain.
• Roof Safety: Beware of snow and ice sliding off roofs. If clearing is necessary, do so with safety in mind.
• Community Care: Check on neighbors, particularly those who might need assistance like the elderly or those living alone.

By following these guidelines, residents can better manage the challenges of a snow storm, ensuring safety for themselves and their community. Keep updated through TV Delmarva’s website and social media for the latest information and advice.

As Delaware faces a significant winter storm, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDot) traffic cameras have become an essential tool for residents to keep abreast of road conditions. With snow accumulating across the state, especially noted in areas like Dover, Bridgeville, and Seaford where snow depths exceed four inches, these cameras provide real-time visual updates crucial for safe travel planning.

DelDot’s network of over 230 traffic cameras, strategically placed across key routes such as Route 1 and Route 13, captures the evolving situation on the roads. This storm has brought heavy snow, leading to deteriorating road conditions, and the cameras are instrumental in:

• Visibility: Allowing drivers to see firsthand the snow coverage, accumulation, and traffic movement, helping them decide if travel is necessary or safe.
• Safety: With warnings of a Winter Storm affecting Sussex County, residents can assess road safety before venturing out, potentially avoiding accidents or getting stuck in hazardous conditions.
• Efficiency: Commuters can plan alternative routes or delay trips based on the visibility of plowed roads versus those still covered in snow, thus saving time and reducing frustration.

The DelDot interactive map and app have been updated to include not just camera feeds but also a snowplow tracker, offering a dynamic view of where and how quickly roads are being cleared. This information is crucial for those who must travel during the storm, providing a clearer picture of which areas might be more passable.

For real-time updates during this storm, residents can access:

• DelDot Interactive Maps

Additionally, DelDot is actively updating their social media platforms with road condition reports, closures, and safety advisories, ensuring that Delawareans have multiple avenues to stay informed. This proactive approach in using technology like traffic cameras during severe weather conditions underscores DelDot’s commitment to public safety and efficient transportation management.

For the latest weather updates and insights on this snowstorm, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to the TV Delmarva website and follow their social media channels, where Chief Meteorologist Hunter Outten provides comprehensive updates and forecasts. Hunter Outten, known for his accurate local weather predictions, will offer guidance on when and where the storm’s impact will be most severe, helping you navigate through this snowy weather safely.

The Federal Trade Commission is sending refund claim forms to consumers who bought deceptively marketed treatment plans sold by Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical, Inc., including products that falsely claimed to treat COVID-19, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease.

In June 2021, the FTC announced an order under which the medical director of Golden Sunrise agreed to settle Commission charges that he took part in deceptively advertising a $23,000 treatment plan as a scientifically proven way to treat COVID-19, and using false or unproven claims that other treatment plans could cure cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Stephen Meis was barred from making similar unsupported health claims in the future and ordered to pay $103,420 to provide consumer refunds.

The FTC is mailing notices to 581 consumers who bought certain products from Golden Sunrise between July 2017 and July 2020, including: 1) Primary Plan of Care, 2) Emergency D-Virus Plan of Care, 3) Metabolic Plan of Care, and 4) Cancer Plan of Care.

Eligible consumers can file a claim online at www.ftc.gov/GoldenSunrise. Payment amounts will depend on several factors, including how many people file claims.

The deadline for filing a claim is April 6, 2025. Consumers who have questions or need help filing a claim should call 844-804-3922 or email [email protected]. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to submit a claim or receive a refund.

The Commission’s interactive dashboards for refund data provide a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2023, FTC actions led to $330 million in refunds to consumers across the country.

The Dover Police Department is canceling the Gold Alert for Nicholas Untied. He has been located and is safe.

**ORIGINAL RELEASE**

Incident/Complaint#:  50-25-485

Date:  Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Location: Bally’s, 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:  Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Nicholas Untied, 74, of Lewes, DE. Untied was last seen on January 4th, 2025 at approximately 7:00 p.m. at Bally’s Casino. Untied is described as a white male, 5’7”, 190 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. At the time, he was wearing a button up shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers. Attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for his safety.

If you have any information on Untied’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-25-485

Date:  Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Location: Bally’s, 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:  Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Nicholas Untied, 74, of Lewes, DE. Untied was last seen on January 4th, 2025 at approximately 7:00 p.m. at Bally’s Casino. Untied is described as a white male, 5’7”, 190 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. At the time, he was wearing a button up shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers. Attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for his safety.

If you have any information on Untied’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.

The Newark Police Department is attempting to locate Mitchell Hollobaugh, 37, of Newark. On January 4, 2025, the Newark Police Department was contacted by a person expressing concern for the welfare of Mitchell Hollobaugh.  Hollobaugh was last known to be at a business in…

The Delaware State Police arrested 65-year-old Gregory Collins of Wilmington, Delaware, for a robbery that occurred at a Citizens Bank in Wilmington earlier today.

On January 4, 2025, at approximately 10:05 a.m., troopers responded to the Citizens Bank, located at 1620 Marsh Road, Wilmington, for a report of a robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown black male suspect approached a bank teller at the front counter, and demanded money while pointing an unknown object through his shirt in a threatening manner. The employee complied, and the suspect fled in a blue Mitsubishi Outlander with an undisclosed amount of money.

Through investigative means, troopers located the suspect, identified as Gregory Collins, in the area of a motel in New Castle, and took him into custody without incident. During the investigation, Troop 2 Robbery Detectives reviewed Citizens Bank video surveillance and confirmed Collins as the suspect.

Collins was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crime listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $60,000 secured bond.

• Robbery 1^st Degree (Felony)

Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The post State Police Arrest Man for Citizens Bank Robbery in Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police arrested 32-year-old Arturo Guerrero of New Castle, Delaware, for a felony DUI following a pursuit in Newark early this morning.

On January 4, 2025, at approximately 1:10 a.m., a trooper conducting routine patrol in the area of Harmony Plaza, located at 4126 Ogletown Stanton Road, Newark, observed a 2014 Dodge Durango with a shattered windshield traveling to the rear of the shopping center. The trooper approached the Dodge, which had parked behind a dumpster, and attempted to make contact with the driver and sole occupant of the SUV. However, the driver, later identified as Arturo Guerrero, disregarding verbal commands to stop and fled from the shopping center. In the ensuing pursuit, the Dodge committed numerous traffic violations, before ultimately coming to a stop on Llangollen Boulevard. Guerrero was subsequently taken into custody without incident. During their contact with Guerrero, troopers observed multiple signs of impairment, including the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath.

Guerrero was taken to Troop 2, where a computer inquiry revealed Guerrero had 4 prior DUI-related convictions. Guerrero was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $12,800 cash bond.

• 5^th Offense Diving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
• Aggressive Driving
• Additional Traffic Violations

Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The post Troopers Arrest Man for 5th Offense DUI Following Pursuit in Newark appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The following individuals are not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed individuals are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Click on the image to see the complete profile

The post Homeless Sex Offender Notification appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R.) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register at their current address. If anyone knows the location of these individuals, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Click on the image to see the complete profile

The post Delaware State Police S.O.A.R. Searching for Wanted Sex Offenders appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police continues investigating a robbery that occurred last month at the 7-Eleven in Bear, and are requesting the public’s assistance with locating the suspect, 27-year-old Shaquille Campbell of Wilmington, Delaware.

On December 23, 2024, at approximately 7:49 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a robbery at the 7-Eleven, located at 1700 Pulaski Highway in Bear. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown black male suspect approached an employee inside of the store, and demanded he open the cash register. While making the demand, the suspect implied he had a gun and threatened to shoot the employee. The employee complied, and the suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Through investigative means, Troop 2 Robbery Detectives identified the suspect responsible for the robbery as Shaquille Campbell. Detectives further discovered Campbell was linked to similar incidents in Delaware and Maryland. His current whereabouts are unknown. Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in their on-going efforts to locate Campbell, who has a warrant for his arrest for multiple felony charges.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit is continuing to investigate the incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective D. Armstrong by calling (302) 365-8440. 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.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post *Update – Attempt to Locate Suspect* Detectives Investigating 7-Eleven Robbery in Bear appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

On December 27, 2024, at about 0103 hours, a Newark Police Officer was on patrol on Library Avenue and stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation.  Upon contacting the driver, the officer determined he was wanted by a court for an unrelated violation.  The…

The Delaware State Police arrested 28-year-old Thomas Lowe of Wilmington, Delaware, for a robbery stemming from a shoplifting that occurred at the Royal Farms in Wilmington last month.

On December 21, 2024, at approximately 9:27 p.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Royal Farms, located at 3701 Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown white male suspect concealed merchandise on his person and attempted to leave the store with the unpaid products. Employees confronted the suspect as he exited the store, at which point the suspect displayed a handgun and threatened the employees. The suspect then fled from the store in a blue sedan driven by an unknown subject.

Through investigative means, Troop 2 Robbery Detectives identified the suspect responsible for the robbery as Thomas Lowe, and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On January 2, 2025, Lowe was located by detectives in Wilmington and taken into custody without incident. Lowe was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crime listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $60,000 cash bond.

• Robbery 1^st Degree (Felony)

The post *Update – Suspect Arrested* Detectives Investigating Shoplifting Turned Armed Robbery at Royal Farms in Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

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 Federal Trade Commission has approved a final consent order against Sitejabber, a company offering an AI-enabled consumer review platform, which deceived consumers by misrepresenting that ratings and reviews it published came from customers who experienced the reviewed product or service, artificially inflating average ratings and review counts.

The FTC’s November 2024 complaint alleges Sitejabber collected ratings and reviews from consumers for its online business clients at the time of purchase, before they received or had the chance to experience the products or services they bought. The company used these ratings and reviews to deceptively inflate the average ratings and review counts of its clients on the company’s review platform. The inflated ratings and review counts were also displayed in Google and other search results. The FTC also alleges Sitejabber provided its clients with pre-fulfilment product ratings and reviews, providing them with the means to misrepresent that the reviews and ratings are from customers who had received their purchases.

The final order settling the Commission’s complaint prohibits Sitejabber from making, or assisting anyone else in making, misrepresentations about any ratings, average ratings, or reviews it collects, moderates, or displays.

Following a public comment period, the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the final consent order.

The Federal Trade Commission will require software provider accessiBe to pay $1 million to settle allegations that it misrepresented the ability of its AI-powered web accessibility tool to make any website compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for people with disabilities.

“Companies looking for help making their websites WCAG compliant must be able to trust that products do what they are advertised to do,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Overstating a product’s AI or other capabilities without adequate evidence is deceptive, and the FTC will act to stop it.”

New York-based accessiBe Inc. and accessiBe Ltd. (accessiBe) market and sell a web accessibility software plug-in called accessWidget that the company has said can make any website compliant with WCAG, a comprehensive set of technical criteria used to assess website accessibility. The company made the claims on its website, on social media, and in articles on third-party websites formatted to look like impartial and objective reviews.

According to the complaint, despite the company’s claims, accessWidget did not make all user websites WCAG-compliant and these claims were therefore false, misleading, or unsubstantiated, in violation of the FTC Act. In addition, the complaint alleges that accessiBe deceptively formatted third-party articles and reviews to appear as if they were independent opinions by impartial authors and failed to disclose the company’s material connections to the supposedly objective reviewers.

Under the proposed order settling the complaint, accessiBe would be prohibited from engaging in the allegedly illegal conduct. First, the order would bar the company from representing that its automated products, including accessWidget’s AI, can make any website WCAG-compliant or can ensure continued compliance with WCAG over time, unless it has the evidence to support such claims.

Image

Next, the order would prohibit accessiBe from misrepresenting any material facts about its products and services to consumers regarding their features, performance, benefits and other qualities, and from misrepresenting that: 1) statements made in third-party reviews, blog posts, or articles about its automated products are independent opinions by impartial users; 2) an endorser is an independent or ordinary user of the automated product; or 3) an endorser is an independent organization providing objective information.

The order also would require accessiBe to clearly and conspicuously disclose any “unexpected material connection” that an endorser has to the company’s automated products, including accessWidget’s artificial intelligence and other automated technology. Finally, the order would require accessiBe to pay the FTC $1 million that may be used to provide refunds to consumers.

The Commission vote to accept the proposed consent order was 5-0, with Commissioners Andrew Ferguson and Melissa Holyoak issuing a joint separate statement.

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 which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent order final. Instructions for filing comments appear in the published notice. Comments must be received 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Once processed, comments will be posted on Regulations.gov.

NOTE: 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 $51,744.

The lead staff attorney on this matter is Kristin Williams in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. 

Delaware State Police have arrested 41-year-old Nicholas Maltas of Delmar, Delaware on multiple charges, including Felony DUI, after a concerned citizen reported an erratic driver on New Year’s Day in Felton.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., a caller contacted 911 about an SUV with an undisclosed Pennsylvania registration driving erratically and nearly causing several collisions. Responding troopers located the vehicle at the intersection of South Dupont Highway and E Evens Road, where they conducted a traffic stop.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, identified as Nicholas Maltas, exhibited signs of impairment during the interaction. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were conducted, which indicated further signs of impairment. During an inventory search of the vehicle, troopers discovered a concealed, loaded 9mm handgun. A subsequent computer search revealed that Maltas did not possess a valid carry-concealed permit, his driver’s license was suspended, and he had four prior DUI convictions.

Maltas was taken into custody and transported to Troop 3, where he was charged with the below-listed offenses, arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on an $8,200 cash bond.

• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• 5th Offense DUI (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm while under the influence
• Traffic Offenses

Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The post State Police Arrest Man for Felony DUI and Firearm Charges on New Year’s Day appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police have identified 32-year-old Terron King of New Castle, Delaware, as the man who died in the fatal pedestrian crash in Newark on Wednesday.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Corporal D. McKenna by calling 302-365-8486. 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.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post *Update – Victim Identified* State Police Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Newark appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred early this morning in Newark that left one man dead.

On January 1, 2025, at approximately 1:14 a.m., a 2013 silver Kia Optima was traveling westbound in the left lane of East Chestnut Hill Road, east of Martindale Drive. For reasons under investigation, a pedestrian wearing dark-colored clothing was walking in the left lane of westbound East Chestnut Hill Road, directly in the Kia’s path of travel. As a result, the Kia struck the pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a 32-year-old man from New Castle, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Kia, a 36-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was not injured. The passengers of the Kia, a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old, were not injured.

The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Corporal D. McKenna by calling 302-365-8486. 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.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post State Police Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Newark appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police arrested 46-year-old Christina Cerroni of Newark, Delaware, for multiple vehicle thefts and shopliftings that occurred over the last several months throughout New Castle County.

Between September 27, 2024, and December 29, 2024, troopers investigated several motor vehicle thefts of a similar nature that occurred in Wilmington and Newark. In each theft, a white female suspect stole the vehicle, which was unsecured and unattended, and fled from the scene in the stolen vehicle. Through investigative means, troopers identified the suspect responsible for the vehicle thefts as Christina Cerroni. Troopers further identified Cerroni as the suspect responsible for 4 shopliftings at the Christiana Mall Target that occurred in April and May 2024, and totaled over $1,000 worth of stolen merchandise. Troopers obtained warrants for Cerroni’s arrest for several theft-related offenses and made several attempts to locate her.

On December 30, 2024, at approximately 9:25 p.m., a trooper responded to Delaware Park Casino located at 777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Wilmington, for a report of a disorderly woman refusing to leave the property. Upon arriving, the trooper made contact with the woman, later identified as Cerroni, and took her into custody. Cerroni initially provided a fictitious name to the trooper; however, the trooper was familiar with Cerroni from previous investigations and was aware she was wanted for several theft-related offenses.

Cerroni was taken to Troop 2, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $2,000 cash bond.

• Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony) – 5 counts
• Shoplifting Under $1,500 – 5 counts
• Theft Under $1,500
• Criminal Impersonation
• Disorderly Conduct
• Resisting Arrest
• Criminal Trespass 3^rd Degree
• Public Intoxication

The post State Police Arrest Woman for Multiple Vehicle Thefts and Shopliftings Throughout New Castle County appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Dover Police Department is canceling the Gold Alert for Eric Jarvis. Jarvis has been located and is safe.

**ORIGINAL RELEASE**

Incident/Complaint#:  50-24-48306

Date:  Monday, December 30th, 2024 at 3:13 p.m.

Location: Public Storage, 653 Jefferic Boulevard, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:  Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Eric Jarvis, 33, of Philadelphia, PA. Jarvis was last seen on December 29th, 2024 and is believed to be in the Dover area. Jarvis is described as a black male, 6’0”, 200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what he was wearing at the time. Attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for his safety.

If you have any information on Jarvis’ whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-24-48302

Date:  Monday, December 30th, 2024 at 3:13 p.m.

Location: Public Storage, 653 Jefferic Boulevard, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:  Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Eric Jarvis, 33, of Philadelphia, PA. Jarvis was last seen on December 29th, 2024 and is believed to be in the Dover area. Jarvis is described as a black male, 6’0”, 200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what he was wearing at the time. Attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for his safety.

If you have any information on Jarvis’ whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.

The Delaware State Police arrested a 14-year-old male from Penns Grove, New Jersey, and a 16-year-old male from Deepwater, New Jersey, for multiple felony offenses following a pursuit in a stolen vehicle that occurred Sunday night in New Castle.

On December 29, 2024, at approximately 4:50 p.m., troopers on patrol in the area of State Route 1 southbound and Christiana Road, New Castle, observed a white 2012 Kia Optima with New Jersey registration occupied by two teens. A computer inquiry of the Kia’s tag revealed it was reported stolen to the Carneys Point Police Department in New Jersey on December 29, 2024. Troopers subsequently initiated a traffic stop, which the Kia disregarded as it fled across the front lawn of a residence on Lanford Road at a high rate of speed and nearly struck a pedestrian before striking a mailbox.  In the ensuing pursuit, the Kia committed numerous traffic violations, which culminated in a collision with a Nissan Maxima at the intersection of North Dupont Highway and School Lane. After the collision, the Kia’s operator abruptly exited the vehicle and fled on foot on North Dupont Highway. The operator, identified as a 14-year-old male, was ultimately taken into custody after a brief foot chase. The passenger, identified as a 16-year-old male, remained in the Kia after the collision and was taken into custody without incident. The operator of the Nissan was taken to an area hospital by EMS for non-life-threatening injuries.

During the investigation, a search of the stolen Kia led to the discovery of screwdrivers and multiple pairs of gloves. Troopers also observed damage to the Kia’s steering wheel column and ignition, and no vehicle key. This type of damage is consistent with the nationwide trend of Kias being stolen using a screwdriver. The two teens were taken to Troop 2, where they were each charged with multiple crimes.

The 14-year-old male was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to New Castle County Detention Center on a $21,500 secured bond.

• Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
• Reckless Endangering 2^nd Degree
• Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000 – 2 counts
• Criminal Mischief Under $1,000
• Resisting Arrest
• Vehicular Assault 3^rd Degree
• Criminal Trespass 3^rd Degree – 2 counts
• Reckless Driving
• Driving Without a Valid License
• Several Additional Traffic Violations

The 16-year-old male was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released to a guardian on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

• Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
• Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)

The post Troopers Arrest Two Teenagers Following Pursuit in Stolen Vehicle in New Castle appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a reported shots-fired incident that occurred outside the Christiana Mall on Sunday evening.

On December 29, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m., troopers responded to the Christiana Mall parking lot, located at 501 Christiana Mall, Newark, for a report of possible shots fired. Upon arriving, troopers determined there was no active threat to the public. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown black male displayed what appeared to be a firearm while walking through the parking lot near Macy’s. The mall was closed at the time of the incident, and there were no reported injuries or victims. Troopers are continuing to investigate whether any shots were fired.

The suspect’s identity is unknown at this time. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

Delaware State Police encourages anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this case to contact Trooper M. Carter by calling 302-660-3786. 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.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post State Police Investigating Report of Possible Shots Fired at Christiana Mall appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Federal Trade Commission has referred its federal court case against online cash advance firm Dave Inc. to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) which has filed an amended complaint in the case that names Dave CEO Jason Wilk as a defendant and seeks civil penalties.

The FTC first brought its case against Dave in November 2024, charging that the company uses misleading marketing to deceive consumers about the amount of its cash advances, charges consumers undisclosed fees, and charges so-called “tips” to consumers without their consent.

“Dave has targeted consumers facing financial challenges with false promises of quick cash while pocketing surprise fees, including by paying itself a so-called ‘tip,’” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.  “Today the DOJ and FTC have shown their commitment to work together to protect consumers from these unlawful practices.”

The amended complaint names Wilk, who co-founded Dave and also serves as the company’s board chair, as a co-defendant in the allegations, that include that he and the company market their app as instantly providing consumers “up to $500” without any hidden fees. The complaint alleges that the defendants actually very rarely offer consumers anywhere near the advertised $500, often do not offer any cash advance at all, and charge consumers an “express fee” to get cash advances instantly that they do not clearly disclose before consumers give the app access to their bank accounts.

The complaint also alleges that Dave and Wilk have charged consumers hundreds of millions of dollars in surprise fees that are described by Dave as “tips.” Many consumers are either unaware that Dave is charging them or unaware that there is any way to avoid paying the so-called “tips.” The company also says that, based on the consumer’s payment of a “tip,” it will  provide healthy meals to needy children, when in reality, Dave donates just 10 cents for each percentage in “tip” and keeps the rest of the “tip” amount.  Dave’s donation does not pay for the food required to actually provide a meal.

The amended complaint charges Dave and Wilk with violating the FTC Act and the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act and seeks both refunds for consumers and civil penalties against the defendants, as well as asking the court to stop the company’s unlawful actions.

The Commission vote to refer the civil penalty complaint to the DOJ for filing was 4-1, with Commissioner Melissa Holyoak voting no. The Department of Justice filed the amended complaint on behalf of the Commission in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

NOTE: The Commission refers a complaint for civil penalties to the DOJ for filing when it has “reason to believe” that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and that a proceeding is in the public interest. The case will be decided by the court.

The staff attorneys on this matter are Daniel Hanks, Jason Sanders, and Julia Heald of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

The Dover Police Department is canceling the Gold Alert for Aiden Clark. Clark has been located and is safe.

**Original Release**

Incident/Complaint#:  50-24-46691

Date:  Monday, December 16th, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.

Location: The Hamlet Neighborhood, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:  Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Aiden Clark, 16, of Dover, DE. Clark suffers from a condition that may pose a risk to his health and safety if not properly monitored and treated. Clark is described as a white male, 6’01”, 180 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes. Clark was last seen getting off his bus in the Hamlet neighborhood. At the time, he was wearing a black Hoodie, black sweat pants with white stripe down either pant leg, and white and gray Nike Jordan shoes.

If you have any information on Clark’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.

Delaware State Police arrested 33-year-old Keemie Adkins of Georgetown, Delaware, after a vehicle theft and subsequent pursuit on December 27, 2024.

At approximately 6:30 a.m., troopers responded to a residence in the 32000 block of Shoppes at Long Neck Boulevard in Millsboro for a reported vehicle theft. The vehicle’s owner had started the car to warm it up before leaving for work and briefly went back inside. When the owner returned, the car was gone, along with personal items stored inside the vehicle.

At approximately 12 p.m., members of the Delaware State Police Troop 4 Governor’s Task Force located the stolen vehicle and attempted a traffic stop at the entrance to Pot Nets Lakeside. The driver, later identified as Keemie Adkins, initially stopped but then fled, driving aggressively and committing multiple traffic violations.

The pursuit was discontinued once the Delaware State Police Aviation Section began tracking the vehicle. Adkins eventually abandoned the moving vehicle in Avalon Woods, causing it to crash into a tree while a passenger remained inside. Nearby troopers and an officer from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control apprehended Adkins after a brief foot chase. No injuries were reported as a result of the crash.

Investigators determined that Adkins had picked up the 41-year-old Georgetown passenger, a friend, earlier that morning. He had repeatedly asked Adkins to stop the vehicle during the pursuit but was not allowed to exit. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed drug paraphernalia and two baggies of suspected heroin. A computer check also revealed that Adkins has a suspended/revoked driver’s license.

Adkins was transported to Troop 7, where he was charged with the following offenses associated with the pursuit:

• Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest
• Possession of a Controlled/ Counterfeit Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia– 2 counts
• Multiple traffic offenses

Additionally, he was charged with the following offenses associated with the theft of the vehicle:

• Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
• Theft Under $1500 – 2 counts

Adkins was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $15,440 cash bond for charges related to the pursuit. He also received a $4,000 unsecured bond for charges related to the stolen vehicle.

The DSP wants to remind the public to take precautions to safeguard their vehicles and belongings. Tips include locking your vehicle and never leaving it unattended while running.

The post State Police Arrest Georgetown Man Following Pursuit in Stolen Vehicle appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Dover Police Department has arrested a 15-year-old male, and a 13-year-old male, both of Dover, for the Christmas Eve shooting that led to the death of Juwan Walker.

On 12/28/2024, the Dover Police Department’s Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T) executed a search warrant on a residence in the unit block of Stevenson Drive. The 13-year-old suspect was arrested during this search warrant. He was transported to Dover Police Department to be processed and arraigned.

Detectives arrested the 15-year-old male suspect at an apartment in the 400 block of Country Drive. He was taken to Dover Police Department to be processed and arraigned.

The 13-year-old male was committed to Stevenson House Detention Center on $181,000 cash bail on the following charges:
-Murder Second Degree
-Conspiracy First Degree
-Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
-Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (2x)
-Reckless Endangering in the First Degree
-Criminal Mischief Over $1000 under $5000

The 15-year-old male was committed to Stevenson House Detention Center on $181,000 cash bail on the following charges:
-Murder Second Degree
-Conspiracy First Degree
-Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
-Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (2x)
-Reckless Endangering in the First Degree
-Criminal Mischief Over $1000 under $5000

Consistent with State law, the Dover Police Department only releases the names and photographs of juveniles charged with crimes when those crimes are violent felonies, and the release of the name is necessary to protect the public’s safety. Because both juveniles are being detained pending trial, the Dover Police Department is not releasing their names or photographs at this time.

Both juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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 [email protected] 

**ORIGINAL RELEASE**

Incident Number:  50-24-47728

Date/Time: Tuesday, December 24th, 2024 at approximately 6:50 p.m.

Location: Willis Road north of North Little Creek Road, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid   Email: [email protected]

Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that seriously injured a 14-year-old male of Dover on Tuesday night. The investigation began at 6:50 p.m., when Dover Police received a call from Bayhealth Kent Campus, reporting that a 14-year-old male was at the hospital and had a gunshot wound to his upper body. Due to the nature of his injuries, the victim was flown to a New Castle County Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

The ensuing investigation revealed that the victim was sitting in a parked vehicle on Willis Road, just north of North Little Creek Road when two black males approached the vehicle. One of the suspects then fired several rounds at the vehicle, striking the victim, and left the area on foot. The victim was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus in a privately owned vehicle.

There are currently no leads to provide and the circumstances surrounding this shooting remain under investigation.

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:

Dover Police Website

Facebook

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The Dover Police Department is investigating the shooting death of 14-year-old Juwan Walker, of Dover. Walker was shot on Christmas Eve on Willis Road and had been receiving treatment at Nemours Hospital in New Castle County since the incident.

Tragically, on December 27, 2024 he died as result of the injuries he sustained during the shooting.

The Dover Police Department is seeking information on this case and encourages anyone with information to contact the 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.

**ORIGINAL RELEASE**

Incident Number:  50-24-47728

Date/Time: Tuesday, December 24th, 2024 at approximately 6:50 p.m.

Location: Willis Road north of North Little Creek Road, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid   Email: [email protected]

Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that seriously injured a 14-year-old male of Dover on Tuesday night. The investigation began at 6:50 p.m., when Dover Police received a call from Bayhealth Kent Campus, reporting that a 14-year-old male was at the hospital and had a gunshot wound to his upper body. Due to the nature of his injuries, the victim was flown to a New Castle County Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

The ensuing investigation revealed that the victim was sitting in a parked vehicle on Willis Road, just north of North Little Creek Road when two black males approached the vehicle. One of the suspects then fired several rounds at the vehicle, striking the victim, and left the area on foot. The victim was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus in a privately owned vehicle.

There are currently no leads to provide and the circumstances surrounding this shooting remain under investigation.

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:

Dover Police Website

Facebook

X

The Delaware State Police have arrested 29-year-old Devin Collins and 31-year-old Brittany Gray, both of Laurel, Delaware, on several gun and drug charges following an administrative search conducted by Probation and Parole on Monday.

On December 23, 2024, at approximately 4:56 p.m., the Sussex County Drug Unit assisted Probation and Parole after an administrative search at probationer Devin Collins’ residence on the 32000 block of South Summer Court in Laurel, led to the discovery of guns and illicit drugs. During the search of the residence, four children were present, and Collins and Gray were detained. Probation officers located the following:

• Loaded 9mm handgun and ammunition
• RF-15 multicaliber rifle
• 19 amphetamine pills
• 119 ecstasy pills
• 4 Oxycodone pills
• Approximately 495.38 grams of methamphetamine
• Approximately 27.32 grams of raw heroin
• Approximately 21.84 grams of heroin
• Several digital scales
• Assorted drug paraphernalia

The children were turned over to the custody of a family member.

Collins, who is prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition, and Gray were arrested and taken to Troop 4 where they were charged with multiple crimes.

Collins was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $130,200 cash bond and $50,000 cash bond for violation of probation charges filed by Probation and Parole.

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Two Separate Violent Felonies (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony) – 3 counts
• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 4 counts
• Unlawfully Operating a Clandestine Laboratory (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 4 counts

Gray was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $119,200 secured bond.

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Who also Possesses a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony) – 3 counts
• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 4 counts
• Unlawfully Operating a Clandestine Laboratory (Felony)
• Maintaining a Drug Property (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 4 counts

The post State Police Detectives Arrest Laurel Pair Following Probation & Parole Search appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police arrested 31-year-old Darryck Norris, of Waterbury, Connecticut, on several felony charges stemming from multiple burglaries that occurred at New Castle area storage units in November.

On November 16, 2024, troopers began investigating multiple burglaries of a similar nature that occurred at two Public Storage locations in New Castle on November 12, 2024. In each incident, 3 unknown suspects arrived at the storage facility in a rented Home Depot van and entered the property under a fictitious account. Once inside the property, the suspects damaged and entered multiple storage units. The suspects then ransacked and stole over $35,000 worth of property from within the storage units.

Through investigative means, and in collaboration with out-of-state law enforcement agencies, Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Detectives developed Aaron Kearney, Deshawn Sawyer, and Darryck Norris as the suspects involved in the burglaries. Detectives subsequently obtained warrants for burglary and associated charges for their arrests.

On December 26, 2024, Norris turned himself in at Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $22,000 unsecured bond.

• Burglary 3^rd Degree (Felony) – 6 counts
• Attempted to Commit Burglary 3^rd Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
• Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 3 counts
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
• Theft Under $1,500
• Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000
• Criminal Mischief Under $1,000 – 4 counts

The post *Update – Third Suspect Arrested* Two Suspects in Custody for New Castle Area Storage Unit Burglaries; One Suspect Remains At-Large appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Federal Trade Commission and Maryland Attorney General have charged Lindsay Automotive Group with systematically deceiving and overcharging car-buying consumers for years, costing them millions of dollars in junk fees and unwanted add-on products.

The agencies’ complaint also alleges that Lindsay advertised prices it refused to honor and falsely claimed consumers needed to obtain financing through Lindsay. The agencies’ complaint alleges that three Lindsay dealerships and their management company, along with the company’s part-owner and president Michael Lindsay, COO John Smallwood, and the dealerships’ former general manager Paul Smyth, engaged in pervasive unlawful conduct.

“Auto dealers who trick consumers with bait-and-switch advertising, financing sleights of hand, and unwanted add-ons should expect to hear from the FTC,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC and its state partners will continue working to combat this illegal conduct.”

“Buying a car is a significant financial investment. Marylanders deserve to know upfront how much they will actually pay for a vehicle and should not be surprised by hidden charges that they did not budget for,” said Attorney General Anthony G. Brown. “Our Office will not let car dealerships profit from unfair and deceptive practices.”

According to the complaint, Lindsay regularly advertises deceptive prices on its website and in its advertising, promoting vehicles for sale at a price that is not actually available to the vast majority of consumers. Lindsay employees continue the deception when consumers call, claiming the advertised price is real.

Only when consumers get to the dealership do they learn that the price is hundreds or even thousands more than advertised because they do not qualify for a raft of rebate programs, or because they must pay thousands of dollars in additional fees. One dealership manager cited in the complaint told a consumer that the price on the website “was not realistic” and that “no one would qualify for it because it was nearly impossible to qualify for all the rebates to get to that price.” In fact, Michael Lindsay told Smallwood and others, “we never deliver the vehicle anywhere near the stated price.”

The complaint cites numerous examples in which customers, who sometimes traveled significant time and distance, including booking flights from other states, to get to Lindsay dealerships based on the low advertised prices, were hit with supposedly mandatory fees of thousands of dollars. In other cases, dealership employees simply told consumers directly that the advertised price wasn’t true, according to the complaint.

A sample of Lindsay’s transactions shows that 88 percent of consumers who bought a car from the defendants’ dealerships from 2020 to 2023 paid more than the advertised price—on average over $2,000 more—according to the complaint.

Additionally, the complaint charges that Lindsay’s unlawful conduct didn’t stop at the vehicle’s purchase price. Instead, after consumers navigate the often arduous process of negotiating a price, they then face further challenges when Lindsay deceptively claims that they must finance their car through the dealership.

Lindsay receives what it calls “kickbacks” from financing companies when consumers finance a car through the dealership, according to the complaint. Consumers who arrive at Lindsay dealerships looking to pay cash or with pre-approved financing from another financial institution are regularly told that the advertised price won’t be honored.

The complaint cites multiple instances in which consumers were directed to financing offers through Lindsay that charged higher interest than what they’d obtained on their own—and would cost them thousands more over the life of the loan. A survey cited in the complaint showed that more than a third of Lindsay shoppers were told that financing through the dealer was mandatory to purchase the car or to obtain the advertised price.

Finally, the complaint alleges that Lindsay systematically charged consumers for add-on products—such as extra service plans, tire and rim protection, and “guaranteed asset protection” coverage—they did not consent to purchase or falsely told consumers the add-ons are mandatory. In fact, a survey cited in the complaint shows 68% of consumers were charged for at least one add-on they did not agree to buy or were falsely told was required. These charges often amount to hundreds or thousands of dollars for each consumer.

The complaint charges that Lindsay Chevrolet of Woodbridge; Lindsay Ford of Wheaton; Lindsay Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram; Lindsay Management Company, LLC; and individual defendants Lindsay, Smallwood, and Smyth violated the FTC Act as well as Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act. The complaint asks the court to stop Lindsay’s unlawful actions and provide redress to the consumers harmed by those actions.

The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint was 5-0. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

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. The case will be decided by the court.

The staff attorneys on this matter are Mary Weaver and Evan Zullow of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

The Delaware State Police have identified 22-year-old Alberto Valdez-Orozco of Wilmington, Delaware, as the man who died in a fatal crash in Wilmington on Tuesday night.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki by calling 302-365-8417. 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.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post *Update – Victim Identified* State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have identified 29-year-old Leo Hernandez Perez of Milford, Delaware, as the man who died in a fatal hit-and-run crash on Christmas Day.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Senior Corporal J. Smith at (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.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post *Update—Victim Identified* State Police Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash in Lincoln appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.