Newark Police Detectives have been investigating a shooting at a Newark hotel that occurred in 2021. Detectives identified Abian Plenty, 25, of Wilmington as a person who was present during this shooting. A warrant for Plenty was obtained charging him with one count of…
The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred on Thursday afternoon in Lewes that left one woman dead.
On January 30, 2025, at approximately 3:22 p.m., a black 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling southbound in the parking lot of the Weis Markets located at 17232 North Village Main Boulevard in Lewes. At the same time, a pedestrian was walking westbound in the same parking lot and crossing the lane of travel in front of the Jeep. For reasons under investigation, as the pedestrian was crossing the travel lane, the Jeep continued southbound and struck the pedestrian.
The pedestrian, a 63-year-old woman from Milton, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital by ambulance, where she later died. Her name is being withheld until her family is notified.
The driver of the Jeep, an 86-year-old man from Lewes, Delaware, was not injured.
The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal K. Argo by calling (302) 703-3264. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
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 Lewes appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
The Delaware State Police have arrested 45-year-old Randolph Shockley of Magnolia, Delaware for 6th offense DUI and related charges following a pursuit that occurred in Dover yesterday.
On January 29, 2025, at approximately 5:14 p.m., a trooper on patrol saw a Dodge Charger speeding southbound on Bay Road near Dover Air Force Base. The trooper attempted to pull the car over, but it failed to stop. During the pursuit, the Charger committed multiple traffic violations as it traveled on area roads, and ultimately came to a stop on Barkers Landing Road after stop sticks were used. The driver, identified as Randolph Shockley, who showed signs of impairment, was taken into custody without incident. A computer check revealed that Shockley had a revoked driver’s license and five prior DUI-related convictions.
Shockley was taken to Troop 3, 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 $24,007 secured bond.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The post Troopers Arrest Magnolia Man for 6th Offense DUI Following Pursuit appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
The Delaware State Police arrested 31-year-old Daquan Christy of Newark, Delaware, for a shoplifting turned robbery that occurred at a Newark area smoke shop yesterday afternoon.
On January 29, 2025, at approximately 3:53 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a robbery at King Smoke Shop, located at 4614 Ogletown Stanton Road in Newark. The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect approached the King Smoke Shop employee at the counter and inquired about products. The suspect then grabbed the merchandise and began to flee from the shop with the unpaid items. The employee attempted to stop the suspect from exiting the store, at which point the suspect punched the employee multiple times and a physical altercation ensued. The fight continued in the parking lot, until the suspect ultimately fled on foot towards in a northbound direction with the stolen merchandise. Delaware Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement Officers assisted troopers with canvassing the area, and quickly located him in a nearby park. The suspect, identified as Daquan Christy, was taken into custody without incident. A search of his person led to the discovery of the stolen merchandise.
The employee was evaluated at the scene by EMS for his injuries.
Christy 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 $3,000 secured bond.
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 Newark Area Smoke Shop Shoplifting Turned Robbery appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
A much-needed round of rainfall is set to arrive across the Delmarva Peninsula late tonight, providing a temporary break from the dry conditions that have persisted for months. A warm front will lift through the region after midnight, bringing light to moderate rain that will continue through much of Friday. While occasional breaks in the precipitation are possible, Friday is expected to be a generally wet day before rain tapers off just before sunrise on Saturday morning.
Rainfall totals will range between 0.5 to 1 inch on average, with localized areas potentially receiving slightly higher amounts. While this rain will help to wash away accumulated road salt and provide some short-term relief, it will do little to alleviate the severe to extreme drought conditions gripping the region. Rainfall deficits remain substantial, with much of Delmarva running nearly a foot below average for the past several months. This system, though beneficial, will barely make a dent in the long-term precipitation shortfall.
Nonetheless, the rain will bring some temporary improvements to soil moisture levels and reduce the immediate fire danger that has accompanied the prolonged dry spell. However, with no significant additional rainfall in the extended forecast, drought conditions are likely to persist into February.
The Dover Police Department is canceling the Gold Alert for Elizabeth Brown. She has been located and is safe.
**ORIGINAL REPORT**
Incident/Complaint#: 50-25-3305
Date: Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Location: 100 Block of Holmes Street, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Elizabeth Brown, 16, of Dover, DE. Brown was last seen on January 28th, 2025 at approximately 3:30 p.m. in the 100 block of Holmes Street. Brown is described as a black female, 5’7″, 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. At the time, she was wearing a black hooded sweat shirt, and ripped jeans. Attempts to contact her have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for her safety.
If you have any information on Browns’ whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
Incident Number: 50-25-3257
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at 1:37 a.m.
Location: North DuPont Highway and West Denney’s Road, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Tamir Glover, 20, and a 17-year-old male, both of Philadelphia, following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle. The investigation began at 1:37 a.m., when an Officer on patrol observed a stolen Nissan Sentra with Maryland registration traveling southbound on North DuPont Highway in the area of West Denney’s Road. The Officer was aware that the vehicle had been reported stolen earlier in the evening, and confirmed through the communications center, that this was the stolen vehicle. A traffic stop was initiated in the area of North Governors Avenue and William Street and the vehicle failed to stop. The Officers pursued this vehicle throughout the City of Dover and eventually toward State Route 1. While on a curved portion of the roadway, entering Route 1, the vehicle exited the roadway, struck a guardrail, and eventually struck a tree, coming to a stop. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident and were identified as Glover, who was the passenger, and a 17-year-old male, who was the driver. No injuries were reported as a result of the collision.
Both suspects were transported to Dover Police Department where they were processed and arraigned.
Glover was released on $4,000 unsecured bail on the following charges:
-Receiving Stolen Property
-Conspiracy Second Degree
The 17-year-old male was committed to Stevenson House Detention Facility on $1,500 Secured bail on the following charges:
-Receiving Stolen Property
-Several Traffic Charges
Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Incident Number: 50-25-3254
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at approximately 12:31 a.m.
Location: 300 Block of Tribbitt Street, 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 left a home damaged early Wednesday morning. The investigation began at 12:31 a.m., when Dover Police received a call for a shooting in the 300 Block of Tribbitt Street. Officers responded and observed damage to a residence. The ensuing investigation revealed that an unknown suspect fired multiple shots at the residence and left in an unknown direction. The home was occupied by two people at the time, and both were unharmed as a result of this incident.
There are no additional leads to provide at this time.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:
Incident/Complaint#: 50-25-3305
Date: Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Location: 100 Block of Holmes Street, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Elizabeth Brown, 16, of Dover, DE. Brown was last seen on January 28th, 2025 at approximately 3:30 p.m. in the 100 block of Holmes Street. Brown is described as a black female, 5’7″, 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. At the time, she was wearing a black hooded sweat shirt, and ripped jeans. Attempts to contact her have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for her safety.
If you have any information on Browns’ whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred at a warehouse in New Castle yesterday evening.
On January 28, 2025, at approximately 5:21 p.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Wireless World, 161 Cirillo Circle in New Castle. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown male suspect entered the business and began loading a bag with electronic devices stocked at the business. A Wireless World employee confronted the suspect, and a struggle ensued, during which the suspect pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the victim. The suspect then fled from the business towards a wooded area behind the industrial park with the stolen merchandise.
The suspect is described as an unknown male wearing dark-colored clothing. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.
Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has relevant information to contact Detective D. Patterson at (302) 365-8472. 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 Detectives Investigating New Castle Area Armed Robbery appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
The Delaware State Police arrested two 16-year-old males and four 17-year-old males, all from Delaware, for multiple assault-related offenses following a fight that occurred at Glasgow High School in Newark earlier this month.
On January 15, 2025, at approximately 12:50 p.m., the Delaware State Police School Resource Officer assigned to Glasgow High School located at 1901 S. College Avenue, Newark, and the school’s staff were notified of a fight involving multiple students in the hallway. The School Resource Officer and school staff quickly separated the students. The investigation revealed a 17-year-old student from Bear, DE, a 16-year-old student from New Castle, DE, a 17-year-old student from Newark, DE, a 17-year-old student from New Castle, DE, a 16-year-old from Newark, DE, and a 17-year-old from Bear, DE, were involved in a mutual physical altercation in the hallway. During the fight, the 16-year-old from New Castle, and the 17-year-old from Newark, kicked the 17-year-old from Bear. The 17-year-old student was taken to an area hospital by EMS, where he was treated and released. Also, during the fight, the 17-year-old from Newark, kicked the second 17-year-old from Bear. The student was evaluated by the school nurse and turned over to his guardian. The remaining students were turned over to their guardians while the investigation was conducted.
Following the investigation, the School Resource Officer obtained a warrant for the 16-year-old from New Castle and the 17-year-old from Newark. On January 27, 2025, the two males turned themselves in at Troop 2, where they were each charged with multiple offenses. The remaining teens were each charged with misdemeanor offenses.
The 16-year-old from New Castle, DE, was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by New Castle County Family Court, and released to a guardian.
The 17-year-old from Newark, DE, was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by New Castle County Family Court, and released to a guardian.
The 17-year-old from New Castle, DE, was issued a criminal summons for the offenses below, and released to a guardian.
The 16-year-old from Newark, DE, was issued a criminal summons for the offenses below, and released to a guardian.
The 17-year-old from Bear, DE, was issued a criminal summons for the offenses below, and released to a guardian.
The 17-year-old from Bear, DE, was issued a criminal summons for the offenses below, and released to a guardian.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The post State Police Arrest Multiple Students for Assault Offenses Following Fight at Glasgow High School appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
Incident Number: 50-25-3234
Date/Time: Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at approximately 7:32 p.m.
Location: 100 Block of Willis 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 shots fired complaint that left a home damaged Tuesday evening. The investigation began at 7:32 p.m., when Dover Police received a call for shots fired in the 100 block of Willis Road. Officers responded and contacted a victim at one of the residences. The ensuing investigation revealed that an unknown suspect/suspects fired several shots into their residence causing damage. Four people were in the house and were unharmed as a result of the shooting.
There are no additional leads to provide at this time.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:
Incident Number: 50-25-3180/3193/3195/3203/3213/3214
Date/Time: Tuesday, January 28th, 2025
Location: Undisclosed Dover Area Hotel
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department is continuing their efforts to address quality of life issues in the City of Dover, which include prostitution. The Dover Police Department has been actively exploring strategies that will help address all of the concerns, including measures to deter patronage. Patronizing or soliciting the services of a prostitute is a crime punishable by law, and both the police and the Delaware Department of Justice are cracking down on offenders in Dover and throughout the State.
On January 28th, 2025, the Dover Police Department, conducted an operation specifically targeting prostitution at an undisclosed Dover area Hotel. As a result of the operation, the following individuals were arrested and charged:
William Hare,74, of Dover – Released on a criminal summons on the following charges:
-Patronizing a Prostitute
Michael Scheers, 58, of Dover – Released on a criminal summons on the following charges:
-Patronizing a Prostitute
-Resisting Arrest
-Possession of Cocaine
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Michael Lunn,52, of Magnolia – Released on a criminal summons on the following charges:
-Patronizing a Prostitute
Dakota Achenbach,36, of Dover – Released on a criminal summons on the following charges:
-Patronizing a Prostitute
Excellent Asare,24, of Dover – Released on OR bond after arraignment on the following charges:
-Patronizing a Prostitute
-Carrying A Concealed Deadly Weapon (Asare was found in possession of a concealed 9mm handgun)
Keith Litchford,62, of Dover – Released on a criminal summons on the following charges:
-Patronizing a Prostitute
Dakota Achenbach, Dover, DE
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Excellent Asare, Dover, DE
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William Hare, Dover, DE
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Keith Litchford, Dover, DE
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Michael Lunn, Dover, DE
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Michael Scheers, Magnolia, DE
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All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Winds are beginning to intensify along the shoreline as a cold front steadily progresses through the region over the next several hours. Current observations indicate wind gusts already reaching up to 40 mph in some areas, with conditions expected to worsen as the front advances. By tomorrow, winds are forecast to strengthen further as the pressure gradient tightens, resulting in gusts up to 45 mph—nearing Wind Advisory thresholds.
This increase in wind activity is tied to the influence of a strong low-pressure system currently diving southward from Canada. This system will bring widespread impacts, including areas of heavy snow squalls expected to develop across portions of upstate Pennsylvania and New York on Wednesday. Additionally, the intensification of the low-level jet stream, which is projected to reach speeds between 50 and 80 mph, will contribute to widespread gusty conditions across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Regions surrounding the Chesapeake Bay and Northern Maryland are expected to experience even stronger winds as the cold front and low-pressure system interact. In particular, wind acceleration along the eastern slopes of the Appalachian Mountains could produce gusts reaching as high as 50 mph. Higher-elevation areas, including parts of Western Maryland and Northern Virginia, where High Wind Warnings are in effect, are likely to encounter gusts exceeding 60 mph at times, presenting potential hazards to outdoor activities, infrastructure, and travel.
Residents across the affected areas are encouraged to remain vigilant and secure loose objects outdoors, as these strong winds could lead to localized damage and power outages. Travelers should exercise caution, particularly in high-profile vehicles, due to the risk of crosswinds. Stay tuned to local forecasts for updates as this dynamic weather system unfolds.
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM EST WEDNESDAY…
* WHAT…West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, and
northern Maryland, and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 11 AM to 6 PM EST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
Delaware State Police have arrested 49-year-old Jason Griffith of Selbyville, Delaware and 81-year-old Robert Griffith of Bridgeville, Delaware for theft and related charges following an investigation of the fraudulent sale of vehicles.
In November of 2024, detectives began investigating Jason Griffith and Robert Griffith of Geared Up Trucks and More LLC, and Wicked Wrench, located at 34407 Dupont Boulevard in Frankford, for the fraudulent sale of vehicles. During the investigation, detectives learned that both men had involvement in the sale of vehicles that were in for repair. Additionally, the suspects falsified documents to obtain vehicle title information, sold vehicles that had already been purchased, sold stolen vehicles from out of state, and did not provide victims with vehicles after payment was made.
Detectives obtained warrants for their arrest and last week, both men turned themselves in at Troop 4, where they were charged with multiple crimes.
Jason Griffith was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on his own recognizance.
Robert Griffith was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on his own recognizance.
The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who has further information regarding this case or is aware of similar incidents to contact Detective P. LaPlaca by calling 302-752-3798. 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.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The post State Police Detectives Arrest Two Men for Fraudulent Sale of Vehicles in Frankford appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
The Federal Trade Commission is sending payments totaling nearly $2.4 million to consumers who bought products from fast fashion retailer Fashion Nova, which the FTC alleged blocked negative reviews of its products from being posted on its website.
The FTC alleged in January 2022 that Fashion Nova misrepresented that the product reviews on its website reflected the views of all customers who submitted reviews, when in fact it suppressed reviews with ratings lower than four stars out of five. It was the FTC’s first case involving efforts to conceal negative customer reviews.
Fashion Nova agreed to a settlement order that prohibits the company from suppressing customer reviews of its products. Fashion Nova was also required to pay money to compensate affected consumers.
The FTC is sending checks and PayPal payments to 148,351 Fashion Nova customers who filed a valid claim. Consumers selected their payment method when they completed their claim form. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check, or redeem their PayPal payments within 30 days.
Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration, at 855-678-0018 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.
More rain is in the forecast as we approach the weekend, but unfortunately, it is unlikely to significantly alleviate the ongoing drought conditions. Although several snowfall events have occurred this winter—including the major storm on January 5-6—these have not contributed meaningfully to overall precipitation levels. The region remains in a notable deficit, and the upcoming weather system is expected to provide limited relief.
Later this week, a storm system originating from the Deep South will begin impacting the area. A warm front will approach Friday morning, bringing intermittent light rain throughout the day. This pattern of precipitation will persist into early Sunday morning. Current projections estimate rainfall amounts between 0.50 and 1 inch; however, these figures are subject to change as the system develops. Unfortunately, even this level of precipitation will be insufficient to make a significant dent in the drought conditions.
We extend our gratitude to National Weather Service Meteorologist Michael Lee from Mount Holly for providing valuable data and graphical insights into the current precipitation shortfall.
These figures highlight the severity of the situation, emphasizing the significant gap that remains to be addressed in the coming months.
The continued drought is a major concern for local farmers, particularly with the spring growing season fast approaching. Persistent dry conditions are likely to place extreme stress on agricultural operations, potentially affecting crop yields and overall productivity. Addressing this deficit before spring is critical to reducing the strain on farmers who have already faced significant challenges due to drought conditions in recent years.
While the upcoming rainfall is welcome, it is clear that much more precipitation will be needed to recover from this prolonged dry spell. The hope remains that weather patterns in the next few months will bring sustained rainfall to help close the gap and alleviate some of the burdens facing the region.
The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery that occurred yesterday in the parking lot of Manor Creek Shopping Center in New Castle.
On January 26, 2025, at approximately 1:08 p.m., troopers responded to Manor Creek Shopping Center, located at 1413 North Dupont Parkway in New Castle, for a report of a robbery. The investigation revealed that a black male suspect approached the victim in the parking lot, displayed a knife and demanded his property. The victim struggled with the suspect, and he fled the area without the victim’s property. The victim suffered minor injuries.
The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’0” – 6’3” tall, weighing approximately 220-240 pounds, and was last seen wearing tan pants and a green hooded sweatshirt. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.
Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding 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 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].
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Many of us have been eagerly anticipating relief from the bitter cold, not only for our comfort but also for some respite from the high costs of heating our homes. Over the last 30 days, we’ve experienced one of the coldest stretches in recent years. In fact, this period ranks as the 6th coldest since 1981, with temperatures averaging a remarkable 9 degrees below normal. However, after enduring weeks of frigid conditions, we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as January draws to a close and February begins.
The dramatic shift in weather patterns can be attributed to a significant change in the overall Northern Hemisphere setup. The persistent lobe of the Polar Vortex, which has been entrenched over the eastern half of the United States, is finally breaking down. This change is ushering in a new phase, with a deep trough developing across the western United States. As a result, Pacific air is beginning to flow more consistently across the lower 48 states. Here in the East, ridging is starting to take hold, allowing for a warmer southerly flow to bring much-needed relief from the cold.
Now, while we’re not expecting a dramatic swing to extreme warmth akin to the 30-40 degrees below normal temperatures we’ve endured, the return to near-average conditions will be a welcome change. For our region on the Eastern Shore, average temperatures in the mid-40s will feel almost balmy in comparison. In fact, some days may even reach the 50s, which, after this prolonged cold snap, might feel like a veritable heatwave.
Looking ahead to the next 1-2 weeks, the outlook remains promising. Warmer conditions are expected to persist as February gets underway. Beyond that, the latest 3-4 week outlook from the Climate Prediction Center indicates above-average temperatures for much of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. While this signals a reprieve from the deep freeze, the question remains: are we done with the cold and snow for the season? Only time will tell, but for now, we can enjoy a much-deserved break from the relentless chill.
The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred on Dupont Boulevard near Millsboro early yesterday morning.
On January 25, 2025, at approximately 5:22 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a shooting that occurred on Dupont Boulevard near Millsboro. The preliminary investigation revealed that on January 25th at approximately 1:45 a.m., the victim was driving northbound on Dupont Boulevard near Avenue of Honor, when an unknown vehicle passed the victim, and an unknown suspect fired an unknown number of shots that hit the victim’s vehicle. The suspect vehicle fled the area northbound on Dupont Boulevard. The victim was not hurt.
Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this case to contact Detective M. Skidmore by calling 302-752-3796. 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].
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The Delaware State Police have arrested 40-year-old Candido Felix Reynolds of Milford, Delaware for felony drug and multiple traffic offenses following a crash while attempting to elude a traffic stop last night near Millsboro that left one man injured.
On January 25, 2025, at approximately 6:05 p.m., a trooper on patrol saw an Audi A8 traveling southbound on Mount Joy Road near Cannon Road with an equipment violation. When the trooper turned around to pull it over, the Audi fled at a high rate of speed, driving recklessly on Cannon Road, eluding the trooper. As the Audi approached the intersection at Cannon Road and Indian Mission Road, it failed to stop at the stop sign, lost control, and began traveling southbound on Indian Mission Road at a high rate of speed. At the same time, a Jaguar XK was traveling southbound on Indian Mission Road south of Cannon Road when the front of the Audi hit the back of the Jaguar.
The driver of the Jaguar, an 83-year-old man from Millsboro, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the Audi, identified as Candido Felix Reynolds, had minor injuries but refused medical treatment.
After the crash, troopers searched the Audi and found approximately 29.14 grams of cocaine.
Reynolds was arrested and taken to Troop 4, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $7,000 secured bond.
Indian Mission Road was closed for approximately 4 hours 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 Master Corporal R. Albert at (302) 703-3266. 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.
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Delaware State Police have arrested 46-year-old Charles Graves of Seaford, Delaware, for 5th offense felony DUI yesterday in Millville.
On January 24, 2025, at approximately 5:47 p.m., troopers responded to the 35000 block of Atlantic Avenue in Millville, for a report of a vehicle parked on a sidewalk. When troopers arrived, they saw a Chevrolet Silverado on the sidewalk with the driver asleep. When troopers spoke to the driver, identified as Charles Graves, he showed signs of impairment. Troopers administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and after the tests, he was arrested for driving under the influence. A computer check showed that Graves had four prior DUI-related convictions. During a search of the truck, troopers found drug paraphernalia.
Graves was taken to Troop 4, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $5,200 cash bond.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Delaware State Police have arrested 35-year-old Douglas McLean of Wilmington, Delaware, for DUI, drug, and stolen gun charges following a traffic stop in Georgetown.
On January 24, 2025, at approximately 4:33 a.m., a trooper on patrol saw a Ford Fusion speeding and swerving on Dupont Boulevard northbound near Deer Forest Road. The trooper pulled the car over and spoke to the driver, identified as Douglas McLean, who showed signs of impairment. The trooper administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and after the tests, he was arrested for driving under the influence. During a search of the car, troopers found a stolen 9mm handgun, ammunition, and approximately 2.3 grams of cocaine.
McLean was taken to Troop 4, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $55,702 cash bond.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The post Troopers Arrest Wilmington Man for DUI, Gun, and Drug Charges in Georgetown 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
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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 are investigating an armed robbery that occurred at Four Seasons Tobacco Outlet in Newark this morning.
On January 25, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Four Season Tobacco Outlet, located at 638 Plaza Drive in Newark. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown black male suspect entered the business, jumped the counter, threatened an employee with a knife and began removing tobacco products. Before fleeing the scene, the suspect punched the employee, he was not injured.
The suspect is described as a black male wearing black clothing. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.
Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has relevant information to contact Detective D. Patterson at (302) 365-8404. 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 Detectives Investigating Newark Armed Robbery appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
Delaware State Police have arrested 36-year-old Dante Durham, and 48-year-old Ernie Washington, both from Dover, Delaware, for felony drug charges following a search warrant at a Dover residence.
On January 23, 2025, members of the Kent County Drug Unit, Kent County Governor’s Task Force, Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team, and Delaware Probation and Parole, executed a search warrant at a house on the 200 block of Gunning Bedford Drive in Dover. The search warrant was obtained following an investigation of Durham and the distribution of illegal narcotics from the property. During the search warrant, Washington threw a bag containing drugs out of a window that detectives recovered. A child was in the residence when Durham and Washington were taken into custody.
A search of the residence and vehicles on the property led to the discovery of the following items:
After completing the search, Durham and Washington were taken to Troop 3, where they were charged with multiple felony offenses.
Durham was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $131,750 cash bond.
Washington was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $131,750 cash bond.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The post Search Warrant in Dover Leads to Arrests for Drug Offenses appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
Astronomers have detected fast-repeating radio bursts from a distant “dead” galaxy, challenging existing theories about such phenomena. The discovery was reported on January 24, 2025.
Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are intense, millisecond-long pulses of radio waves originating from distant galaxies. While some FRBs have been traced to galaxies with active star formation, the recent detection from a quiescent, or “dead,” galaxy—where star formation has ceased—raises questions about the mechanisms producing these bursts.
The identification of repeating FRBs from a galaxy previously thought incapable of generating such high-energy phenomena suggests that our understanding of the environments and conditions necessary for FRB production is incomplete. Further research is needed to determine the exact sources and processes responsible for these enigmatic signals.
The latest bursts were traced to a massive elliptical galaxy located billions of light-years away. This galaxy is classified as “quiescent,” meaning it has not formed new stars for billions of years. Such galaxies are typically considered inhospitable to the high-energy processes thought to produce FRBs, making the discovery especially surprising.
The Case for Magnetars
Magnetars, formed from the collapse of massive stars, are leading candidates for the origin of repeating FRBs. Their intense magnetic fields can produce bursts of radio waves during periods of instability. In active galaxies, magnetars can arise from recent supernova explosions, but their presence in a quiescent galaxy indicates they might also be formed by less conventional means, such as mergers of old stellar remnants.
This finding underscores the importance of continued observation and study of FRBs across diverse galactic environments to unravel the mysteries surrounding their origins.
As we examine the climate data for January, we have observed some significant trends. So far this month, average temperatures in our region have consistently been 7 to 9 degrees colder than normal. While this cold weather is not unprecedented, all of our long-term climate monitoring stations are reporting the lowest average temperatures for the first 23 days of January in over 30 years, with certain areas such as Richmond, Salisbury, and Elizabeth City recording their coldest temperatures in over 40 years.
Looking ahead, we anticipate temperatures will begin to stabilize, with averages returning closer to normal levels in the coming week as we near the end of the month. This indicates that while the current temperature deviations are notable, they may decrease somewhat. Nonetheless, we project that Salisbury and Elizabeth City are likely to secure spots on the top 10 coldest January lists by month’s end. Richmond may be on the cusp of making this list, but it is more probable it will fall just outside the top 10. In the meantime, Norfolk, which has a weather record extending over 150 years, is expected to rank between the 15th and 20th coldest January.
Stay warm everyone, and please keep an eye on those temperature fluctuations! #WeatherUpdate #ColdWeather #JanuaryTemperatures #ClimateChange #StayWarm #TemperatureRecord #Meteorology
The Dover Police Department has arrested Patience Dodd, 21, of Smyrna, following a continued investigation into Tuesday’s collision that left a 1-year-old boy critically injured. Since the incident, Officers have continued to examine the facts and circumstances surrounding this collision and learned that Dodd also had a no-contact order with Lamar Howard, and was in violation of that order. As a result of their review, Officers obtained a warrant for Dodd for the below-listed charges. The child remains in a New Castle County hospital in critical condition.
On January 23rd, 2025, Dodd was arrested without incident. She was processed and arraigned at Dover Police Department.
Dodd was released on her own recognizance on the following charges:
-Endangering the Welfare of a Child
-Non Compliance with Bond
Dodd is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
**ORIGINAL RELEASE**
Incident Number: 50-25-2208
Date/Time: Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 at 1:39 p.m.
Location: 700 Block of East Loockerman Street, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Lamar Howard, 22, of Dover, on assault and DUI charges, following a serious motor vehicle collision Tuesday afternoon. The investigation began at 1:39 p.m. when Dover Police received a call for a serious crash in the 700 block of East Loockerman Street. Officers arrived on the scene and found a one-year-old male with serious injuries. The child was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus and later airlifted to a New Castle County Hospital for treatment where he remains in critical condition. An adult female passenger was also in the vehicle, however she sustained no injuries. No other injuries were reported.
The ensuing investigation revealed that the driver, Howard, was under the influence of marijuana while operating a 2012 Dodge Durango. The vehicle left the roadway in the 700 block of East Loockerman and struck a tree. The one-year-old was not properly restrained in a car seat which resulted in him being seriously injured. Howard also had a no-contact order with the adult female passenger and Officers located 69 grams of marijuana in the vehicle, along with packaging material.
Howard was transported to Dover Police Department where he was processed and arraigned.
Howard was committed to SCI on $25,506 cash bail on the following charges:
-Assault First Degree
-Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance
-Endangering the Welfare of a Child
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
-Non-Compliance with Bond
-DUI (Drug Related)
-Several Traffic Offenses
Howard is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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 U.S. Coast Guard has set Winter Port Condition One for the Chesapeake Bay and the Chesapeake & Delaware (C&D) Canal due to increasing ice formation in the region’s waterways. This status indicates that current weather conditions are conducive to further ice development.
Recent observations revealed up to 40% ice coverage, with thicknesses reaching two inches, in areas including the C&D Canal, Welch Point to Nine Foot Knoll, and Turkey Point. Further south, from Quantico to Alexandria, Va., as well as the D.C. Harbor and Anacostia River, ice coverage stands at approximately 30%, with thicknesses around one inch. The Nanticoke and Wicomico rivers report 15% ice coverage at one inch thick.
While no navigation restrictions are currently imposed, the Coast Guard advises mariners to exercise caution. Ice can displace buoys and damage navigational aids, potentially leading to hazards. If ice coverage approaches 100% and impacts port operations, the Coast Guard may initiate icebreaking efforts and implement vessel restrictions.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Coast Guard have icebreaking vessels on standby. Recent icebreaking activities have been reported in sheltered areas, including Selby Bay, South River, and Bay Bridge Marina, to assist vessels hindered by ice accumulation. Continued low temperatures could lead to widespread ice in creeks and along river and bay shorelines, potentially affecting routes such as the Smith Island to Crisfield ferry and oyster harvest operations.
Emergency services are also preparing for icy conditions. The Hacks Point Fire Company conducted ice rescue training at Hack Point Marina on the Bohemia River over the weekend to ensure readiness for potential emergencies.
The Dover Police Department is canceling the Gold Alert for Asya Walker. She has been located.
**ORIGINAL POST**
Incident/Complaint#: 50-25-2415
Date: Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 at 10:36 p.m.
Location: Bayhealth Kent Campus, 640 South State Street, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Asya Walker, 21, of Middletown, DE. Walker was last seen on January 22nd, 2025 at approximately 10:36 p.m. at Bayhealth Kent Campus, 640 South State Street Dover, DE. Walker is described as a black female, 5’5″, 350 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what she was wearing at the time. Attempts to contact her have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for her safety.
If you have any information on Walker’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
The Delaware State Police arrested 28-year-old Fidel Villatoro-Martinez of Newark, Delaware, for vehicular assault charges following a fatal two-vehicle crash investigation that occurred Tuesday night in Glasgow that left one man dead. Future charges are pending as the incident continues to be investigated.
On January 21, 2025, at approximately 10:39 p.m., a 2019 Dodge Ram was traveling in the center lane of DE-896 southbound, approaching the intersection with Pulaski Highway. At the same time, a 2004 Chevrolet Express van, operated by Fidel Villatoro-Martinez, was traveling in the left lane of Pulaski Highway westbound, approaching the intersection with DE-896. The preliminary investigation revealed the Dodge entered the intersection on a green traffic signal as the Chevrolet entered the intersection on a red traffic signal. As a result, the Chevrolet struck the Dodge in the intersection.
The driver of the Dodge, 51-year-old David Funk from Centreville, Maryland, was taken to an area hospital by ambulance for serious injuries. On January 22, 2025, he died from injuries sustained in the crash. His family has been notified. The passenger of the Dodge, a 16-year-old male from Centreville, Maryland, was taken to an area hospital by ambulance for non-life-threatening injuries.
Villatoro-Martinez was taken to an area hospital by ambulance, where he was admitted for injuries sustained in the crash. During the investigation, troopers observed multiple containers of alcoholic beverages in the Chevrolet. Upon making contact with Villatoro-Martinez, troopers smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. In the ensuing DUI investigation, impairment was suspected to be a factor at the time of the crash. Villatoro-Martinez was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and turned over to the custody of the Department of Correction on a $3,500 secured bond.
The roadway was closed for approximately 2.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
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].
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Incident/Complaint#: 50-25-2415
Date: Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 at 10:36 p.m.
Location: Bayhealth Kent Campus, 640 South State Street, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Asya Walker, 21, of Middletown, DE. Walker was last seen on January 22nd, 2025 at approximately 10:36 p.m. at Bayhealth Kent Campus, 640 South State Street Dover, DE. Walker is described as a black female, 5’5″, 350 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what she was wearing at the time. Attempts to contact her have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for her safety.
If you have any information on Walker’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
The Delaware State Police arrested a 16-year-old female from Newark, DE, a 17-year-old female from New Castle, DE, 18-year-old Trajuan Wilmot, 18-year-old Bryson Ridgley, and 18-year-old Miguel Matthews, all three from Elkton, MD, for robbery and assault charges stemming from a shooting investigation that occurred last month at the Biden Welcome Center in Newark. During the investigation, detectives also arrested 45-year-old Orenzo Charles of Goshen, New York, for felony drug offenses.
On December 1, 2024, at approximately 7:00 a.m., troopers responded to a reported shooting at the Biden Welcome Center, located at 530 John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway in Newark. Upon arriving, troopers found a man lying on the ground in the parking lot outside of Starbucks. The victim, identified as Orenzo Charles, was transported to an area hospital by EMS for non-life-threatening injuries. The preliminary investigation revealed that Charles was approached by multiple unknown suspects in a white sedan while he was stopped at the service center. The suspects and Charles discussed drugs, during which Charles retrieved a bag containing marijuana from his vehicle. One of the suspects then grabbed the bag through their vehicle’s window, and a struggle ensued for the bag while the suspect vehicle attempted to drive away. During the struggle, one of the suspects fired shots from a firearm, one of which struck Charles. After the shooting, the suspect vehicle fled in an unknown direction with the bag.
Through investigative means, and with the assistance of out-of-state law enforcement agencies, Troop 2 Robbery Detectives identified the suspects involved in the shooting as a 16-year-old female, a 17-year-old female, Trajuan Wilmot, Bryson Ridgley, and Miguel Matthews, and obtained warrants for their arrests. During the investigation, detectives also obtained a warrant for Charles’ arrest after they executed a search warrant on Charles’ vehicle and found approximately 265.59 grams of marijuana.
All of the suspects were ultimately taken into custody on separate dates throughout the investigation and were each charged with multiple crimes.
On December 10, 2024, Charles 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 $3,000 unsecured bond.
On December 12, 2024, the 17-year-old female was taken into custody by detectives in Wilmington. She was transported to Troop 2, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by New Castle County Family Court, and committed to New Castle County Detention Center on a $182,000 cash bond.
On December 16, 2024, the 16-year-old female turned herself in at Troop 2, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released to a guardian after posting a $62,000 secured bond.
On December 16, 2024, Wilmot was taken into custody in Maryland by the Elkton Police Department. On December 18, 2024, Wilmot was extradited to Delaware, and transported 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 $182,000 cash bond.
On December 16, 2024, was taken into custody in Maryland by the Elkton Police Department. On December 18, 2024, Ridgley was extradited to Delaware, and transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and ?? on a $182,000 cash bond.
On January 17, 2025, Matthews 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 $77,000 cash bond.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The post *Update – Multiple Suspects Arrested* State Police Investigating Shooting at Biden Welcome Center appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
Incident Number: 50-25-2289
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 at approximately 3:50 a.m.
Location: Royal Farms, 293 Saulsbury 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 robbery that occurred at Royal Farms early Wednesday morning. The investigation began at 3:50 a.m., when Dover Police was called to the store for the report of a robbery. Upon arrival, Officers made contact with an employee of the store, who advised that a black male suspect had entered the store wearing a mask, stated he had a gun, and demanded they turn over money. The victim complied and gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect then ran from the store eastbound.
The suspect is described as a black male wearing a black mask, black jacket, black pants, brown boots and gloves.
There are no additional leads to provide at this time.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:
Incident Number: 50-25-2208
Date/Time: Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 at 1:39 p.m.
Location: 700 Block of East Loockerman Street, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Lamar Howard, 22, of Dover, on assault and DUI charges, following a serious motor vehicle collision Tuesday afternoon. The investigation began at 1:39 p.m. when Dover Police received a call for a serious crash in the 700 block of East Loockerman Street. Officers arrived on the scene and found a one-year-old male with serious injuries. The child was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus and later airlifted to a New Castle County Hospital for treatment where he remains in critical condition. An adult female passenger was also in the vehicle, however she sustained no injuries. No other injuries were reported.
The ensuing investigation revealed that the driver, Howard, was under the influence of marijuana while operating a 2012 Dodge Durango. The vehicle left the roadway in the 700 block of East Loockerman and struck a tree. The one-year-old was not properly restrained in a car seat which resulted in him being seriously injured. Howard also had a no-contact order with the adult female passenger and Officers located 69 grams of marijuana in the vehicle, along with packaging material.
Howard was transported to Dover Police Department where he was processed and arraigned.
Howard was committed to SCI on $25,506 cash bail on the following charges:
-Assault First Degree
-Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance
-Endangering the Welfare of a Child
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
-Non-Compliance with Bond
-DUI (Drug Related)
-Several Traffic Offenses
Howard is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:
MILTON, Del. – Documents have emerged detailing new commercial developments proposed for Milton’s Broadkill Road. In addition to a proposed 2800 square foot Dunkin’ Donuts, and a 2100 square foot Dairy Queen Grill and Chill, the proposals also include:
These developments join recent additions in the vicinity, such as a McDonald’s and a self-storage facility, indicating a significant commercial expansion in Milton.
MILTON, Del. – Milton is experiencing commercial growth along Broadkill Road, with a Dairy Queen proposal scheduled for discussion at the next planning and zoning meeting. A Dunkin’ Donuts is also planned for the area. Recent developments include a McDonald’s and a self-storage facility. The Dairy Queen proposal will be reviewed at 6:30 p.m. on January 21.
Delaware State Police Arrest Woman for Felony Assault in Grocery Store Parking Lot
Stanton, DE – The Delaware State Police arrested 28-year-old Jamira Loper of Wilmington, Delaware, for felony assault charges following an incident at a grocery store parking lot in Stanton on Saturday.
On January 18, 2025, at approximately 2:57 p.m., a trooper responded to a report of an assault at ShopRite, located at 1600 West Newport Pike in Wilmington. Upon arrival, the trooper found multiple victims who had been maced by a woman they knew while near their vehicle in the parking lot. The investigation revealed that the suspect, identified as Jamira Loper, had maced five victims while driving by them before fleeing the scene.
Two adults and a teenager were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries to their face and neck caused by the chemical spray. The other two victims, one adult and one child, were evaluated by EMS at the scene.
Following the investigation, a warrant was issued for Loper’s arrest. She turned herself in at Troop 2 on January 20, 2025, where she was charged with:
Loper was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on a $27,500 unsecured bond.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
MAGNOLIA, DELAWARE – On January 17, 2025, Delaware State Police, along with the Kent County Drug Unit and the Kent County Governor’s Task Force, executed a search warrant at a residence on Gray’s Lane in Magnolia, leading to the arrest of three individuals on felony gun and drug charges.
The individuals arrested were identified as 58-year-old Tina Burris, 22-year-old Doimeire Gray, and 24-year-old Devon Young, all residents of Magnolia.
The operation uncovered significant amounts of narcotics and firearms:
Charges:
Tina Burris was charged with:
Doimeire Gray faced charges including:
Devon Young was charged with:
All three were taken into custody without incident at the residence and subsequently arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2. Burris, Gray, and Young were committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on cash bonds of $147,000, $141,000, and $153,000 respectively.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
On January 10, 2025, at about 1520 hours, members of the Newark Police Department and New Castle County Police Mobile Enforcement Team attempted to apprehend a wanted person. Officers observed Savion Whyte-Douglas, 23 of Wilmington, who was a passenger in a vehicle, and was…
❄️ As we brace ourselves for the frigid days ahead, the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is here to support our beloved community during this harsh winter season. We understand how challenging it can be to face the biting cold, which is why we are taking proactive steps by opening warming stations. These stations are designed to provide warmth and comfort to everyone in need, ensuring that no one feels isolated or uncomfortable during this season.
📅 We invite you to join us on Tuesday, January 21, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday, January 22-24, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our warming stations will be available at various designated locations throughout the county. These spaces have been created to ensure a secure, inviting environment where anyone can find refuge from the chilly conditions.
❗ Remember, no one should have to face this frigid weather alone. Together, let’s ensure that everyone in our community can stay safe, warm, and cared for during these cold days. Every bit of support makes a difference!
🗺️ Be sure to check the accompanying graphic for the specific locations of the warming stations available in your county. This important information will help you or someone you know find shelter from the cold.
❤️ Let’s come together to spread the word and keep an eye out for one another. If you or someone you know could benefit from a warm place to go, please don’t hesitate to visit us. Your safety and comfort are our utmost priority this winter!
A minor to light snowfall event on the way tonight as a rare southern US snowstorm is underway. Areas of Delmarva will see the extreme northern extend of the precipitation shield bringing areas of snow showers tonight, in particular across the VA counties. With extremely cold temperatures in place, this will be a very light and fluffy snow as temperatures are expected to be in the teens by the time the snow arrives later this evening. Most of the snowfall accumulations will be occurring across Northampton and Accomack counties where a short duration 1 to 2 inches are possible. Even though the amount of precipitation is very little of a tenth of a inch or less, temperatures are playing a huge role for “high ratio snowfall”
The snow-to-liquid ratio is a quantitative measurement of how fluffy or heavy new fallen snow is. It’s reported as the number of inches of snow that comes from 1 inch of liquid precipitation. Typical snow-to-liquid ratios vary by region and by the weather pattern producing the snowfall. Air temperature, humidity, and wind speed influence how dense new fallen snow is. The highest snow ratios (or lowest density snow) are usually formed by temperatures that are roughly between 0°F and 10°F, in what is called the “Dendritic Growth Zone.” This is the regime for forming large dendrites that accumulate with abundant air space between crystals. New snow grains that are smaller and pack together better form denser snow. Snow that forms outside of the Dendritic Growth Zone regime will be denser, as will snow that falls through warmer layers or is subject to riming. Stronger winds will batter snowflakes together as they fall, which breaks down snow crystals into smaller, denser grains.
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 AM EST WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches. * WHERE...Portions of northeast North Carolina and eastern and southeast Virginia. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 7 AM EST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.
The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $5 million in refunds to consumers harmed by a deceptive credit card debt relief scheme known as ACRO Services.
The FTC filed a lawsuit in November 2022 against ACRO Services, which operated under multiple names such as American Consumer Rights Organization, Consumer Protection Resources, Reliance Solutions, Thacker & Associates, and Tri Star Consumer Group. The complaint charged the company and its owners with running a deceptive telemarketing operation that made numerous phony debt relief promises to consumers, including that they could greatly reduce or eliminate consumers’ credit card debt in 12 to 18 months. They charged consumers thousands of dollars in unlawful upfront enrollment fees and told them it was part of the debt that will be eliminated as part of the program. Consumers were also charged monthly fees ranging from $20-$35 for “credit monitoring” services.
The individual defendants agreed to a settlement order that permanently bans them from the debt relief and telemarketing industries and required them to surrender assets to be used to refund consumers. The funds in this distribution also came from the FTC’s case against payment processor BlueSnap, which provided services to, and profited from, the ACRO Services scheme.
The FTC is sending checks to 7,687 consumers. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration, at 877-753-2846, 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 is sending more than $5 million in refunds to consumers harmed by a deceptive credit card debt relief scheme known as ACRO Services.
The FTC filed a lawsuit in November 2022 against ACRO Services, which operated under multiple names such as American Consumer Rights Organization, Consumer Protection Resources, Reliance Solutions, Thacker & Associates, and Tri Star Consumer Group. The complaint charged the company and its owners with running a deceptive telemarketing operation that made numerous phony debt relief promises to consumers, including that they could greatly reduce or eliminate consumers’ credit card debt in 12 to 18 months. They charged consumers thousands of dollars in unlawful upfront enrollment fees and told them it was part of the debt that will be eliminated as part of the program. Consumers were also charged monthly fees ranging from $20-$35 for “credit monitoring” services.
The individual defendants agreed to a settlement order that permanently bans them from the debt relief and telemarketing industries and required them to surrender assets to be used to refund consumers. The funds in this distribution also came from the FTC’s case against payment processor BlueSnap, which provided services to, and profited from, the ACRO Services scheme.
The FTC is sending checks to 7,687 consumers. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration, at 877-753-2846, 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.
Delaware State Police have arrested 39-year-old Leon Leager of Ellendale, Delaware for theft and related charges in theft of pull-behind campers.
On January 12, 2025, at approximately 11:20 a.m., troopers responded to the 10000 block of Blacksmith Shop Road in Greenwood, for a reported theft of two campers. During the investigation, troopers learned that on January 10th, an unknown suspect, driving an unknown black pick-up, stole a 28-foot Keystone Kodiak camper from the property. It was also learned that on January 11th, an unknown suspect, driving an unknown black pick-up, stole a 32-foot Prowler camper from the same property. Through investigative means, detectives identified Leon Leager as the suspect in the thefts and located the Prowler camper that was damaged after the theft. Detectives continue their ongoing efforts to locate the stolen Keystone Kodiak camper (pictured below) and are requesting the public’s assistance with any information about its whereabouts.
On January 15, 2025, Leager was arrested and taken to Troop 4, where was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $10,150 unsecured bond.
Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues its investigation and urges anyone who has information about the location of the stolen camper to contact Detective K. Perry by calling (302) 752-3793 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].
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The post State Police Detectives Arrest Ellendale Man for Theft of Campers appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
The Delaware State Police arrested 28-year-old Jamira Loper of Wilmington, Delaware, for felony assault charges stemming from an incident that occurred at a grocery store parking lot in Stanton on Saturday.
On January 18, 2025, at approximately 2:57 p.m., a trooper responded to a report of an assault at ShopRite, located at 1600 West Newport Pike in Wilmington. Upon arriving, the trooper made contact with multiple victims who were maced by a woman they know while they were near their vehicle in the grocery store’s parking lot. In the ensuing investigation, the trooper learned that the suspect, identified as Jamira Loper, maced the five victims, whose identities will not be disclosed, while driving by them in the parking lot. Loper then fled from the parking lot in an unknown direction.
Two adults and a teenager were taken to an area hospital by ambulance for injuries sustained from the chemical spray to their face and neck areas. The remaining two victims, an adult and a child, were evaluated by EMS at the scene. Following the investigation, the trooper obtained a warrant for Loper’s arrest and made multiple attempts to locate her.
On January 20, 2025, Loper turned herself in at Troop 2, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released on a $27,500 unsecured bond.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The post State Police Arrest Woman for Felony Assault in Stanton appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
The Delaware State Police arrested a 17-year-old male, and 19-year-old LeShaun Bradley, both from Wilmington, Delaware, for multiple felony offenses following a pursuit in a stolen Acura that occurred early Wednesday morning in New Castle.
On January 15, 2025, at approximately 1:35 a.m., troopers responded to New Castle Avenue and Rogers Road, New Castle, for a report of a stolen black Acura MDX traveling in the area. Upon arriving at the intersection, troopers observed the Acura, operated by an unknown black male, stopped at the traffic light on Rogers Road. Troopers conducted a computer inquiry of the vehicle’s Pennsylvania registration and confirmed the vehicle was reported as stolen to the Upper Providence Township Police Department (Pennsylvania). Troopers initiated a traffic stop after the Acura turned onto New Castle Avenue; however, the Acura did not stop and fled towards Interstate 495 at a high rate of speed. During the pursuit, the Acura exited I-495 at Edgemoor and fled into a neighborhood, where the pursuit was quickly discontinued due to the driver’s reckless driving. Shortly after the pursuit was discontinued, New Castle County Police Department Officers located the Acura, unoccupied and abandoned, on Polk Road near South Stuyvesant Drive in Edgemoor. Troopers and NCCPD Officers conducted a search of the area for the suspects, and located the driver and passenger of the Acura running in the area of Bedford Drive. The driver, identified as a 17-year-old male, and the passenger, identified as LeShaun Bradley, were ultimately taken into custody after a brief foot chase.
Both suspects were taken to Troop 2, where they were each charged with multiple crimes.
The 17-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 $7,500 cash bond.
Bradley 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 $5,000 cash bond.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The post Troopers Arrest Two Suspects Following Pursuit in Stolen Acura in New Castle appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
Delaware State Police have arrested 58-year-old Tina Burris, 22-year-old Doimeire Gray, and 24-year-old Devon Young, all from Magnolia, Delaware, for felony gun and drug charges following a search warrant at a Magnolia residence.
On January 17, 2025, members of the Kent County Drug Unit, Kent County Governor’s Task Force, and Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team, executed a search warrant at a house on Gray’s Lane in Magnolia. The search warrant was obtained following an investigation of Burris, Gray, and Young and the distribution of illegal narcotics from the property. During the search warrant, Young discarded drugs in a toilet. All three were taken into custody at the residence without incident.
A search of the property led to the discovery of the following items:
Burris, Gray, and Young were arrested and taken to Troop 3 where they were charged with multiple crimes.
Burris was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $147,000 cash bond.
Gray was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $141,000 cash bond.
Young was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $153,000 cash bond.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The post Search Warrant in Magnolia Leads to Arrests for Gun and Drug Offenses appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
A few changes going into this winter season with the replacement of Wind Chill products. Introducing Extreme Cold Weather products with “Cold Weather Advisories” now in place for areas of the Delmarva region starting tonight through Wednesday morning.
...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON EST WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 7 below expected. * WHERE...Delaware, northeast Maryland, central to southern New Jersey, and southeast Pennsylvania. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon EST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.
Dangerous wind chills dropping down below zero are expected for the next few nights here on Delmarva as winds will be gusting 20-30 mph. Temperatures dropping down to the single digits making it the coldest nights we have seen in the last several years.
Extremely cold air comes every winter into at least part of the country and affects millions of people across the United States. The arctic air can be dangerous. Combined with brisk winds, dangerously cold wind chill values can result. People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite and can succumb to hypothermia in a matter of minutes. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.
The way to avoid frostbite and hypothermia is to plan for extreme cold before it arrives. Don’t get caught unprepared.
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 18th 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:
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.
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.
🌨️ First Call Snowfall Forecast 🌨️
Alright folks, as we approach the weekend, we want to inform you about an upcoming winter storm expected to impact our region, particularly from Sunday to Monday. This storm is anticipated to significantly affect the northern areas of Delmarva and northern Maryland, while southern regions may encounter a mix of winter weather, including rain, which will likely reduce snowfall totals.
Current forecasts predict that a considerable snowfall of 2-4 inches could cover areas along the I-95 corridor, extending from Washington, DC to Wilmington, DE. Communities such as La Plata, Easton, Dover, and Vineland should also prepare for a dusting to 2 inches of snow. For residents south of this region, conditions will begin with rain but are expected to transition to ice and light snow accumulation of less than an inch.
Snow and rain are projected to commence Sunday morning, intensifying throughout the afternoon. The precipitation is expected to taper off by early Monday morning; however, please brace for dangerously cold temperatures as we start the new week.
Stay safe and continue to follow us for updates on this evolving weather scenario! ❄️
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.
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.
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:
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 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.
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.
A potential snow event is taking shape for Sunday night into Monday as a dynamic weather pattern evolves. Heading into the weekend, an Arctic boundary is expected to push through the region, bringing temperatures into the upper 40s along with rain. However, a secondary piece of energy trailing behind the front will interact with the boundary, allowing a new low-pressure system to rapidly develop. This setup could result in light to moderate snow accumulations across parts of the area.
ECMWF (European Model):
Currently one of the most reliable models, the ECMWF suggests a light snow event affecting much of Delmarva and extending into the western shore of Maryland. Projected snowfall totals range between 1 and 4 inches, which aligns with current trends. However, areas along the southern shore may experience a mix of rain and snow due to the proximity of the low-pressure center and the Arctic front.
UKMET, CMC, and RGEM Models:
These models present a less favorable scenario for snowfall on the shore, with a more northern storm track that shifts the focus of snow accumulation to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and extreme northwestern Maryland. The CMC and RGEM in particular show no significant snow accumulations for Delmarva. The UKMET, however, highlights a snow band producing 2 to 4 inches across northern Delmarva, aligning more closely with the ECMWF in terms of low-pressure positioning.
GFS Model:
The GFS takes a more expansive approach, forecasting widespread snowfall across the region. Accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are indicated from Easton to Dover and northward toward Wilmington. However, the GFS has shown considerable variability and currently holds the lowest verification rate among the models.
Confidence is increasing for another accumulating snow event across the region late Sunday into Monday. While there is still some uncertainty regarding the exact track of the low-pressure system and snow totals, current trends suggest a light to moderate event is possible, particularly for snow-prone areas on Delmarva. The National Blend of Models (NBM) also supports the potential for snowfall, giving some hope to snow enthusiasts before the arrival of extreme cold next week.
Stay tuned for updates as this system develops.
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.
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.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The post Detectives Arrest Two Suspects for Parking Lot Armed Robbery in Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.
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:
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 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 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 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:
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.
Severe Cold Weather Alert: An Arctic air mass is forecasted to sweep across a significant portion of the United States this weekend! 
From the Rockies to the Great Plains, this frigid air will reach the Gulf Coast by Saturday night and move towards the Eastern Seaboard by Sunday evening.
Extremely Low Wind Chills: The Rockies, northern Plains, and Upper Midwest are expected to experience dangerous wind chills as low as -30°F or even lower from Saturday through Tuesday. This extreme cold poses serious risks of hypothermia and frostbite for individuals exposed to these conditions. If you plan to travel, ensure you have a cold weather survival kit prepared for your safety.
Furthermore, below-zero wind chills are anticipated to extend into the southern Plains and the Ohio Valley from Sunday night through Tuesday. The hazardous cold is likely to persist along the Gulf Coast and across the Southeast U.S. for much of the following week. Stay warm and take all necessary precautions during this severe cold snap! 
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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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.
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.
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:
Preparatory Measures:
Health Risks:
Travel Advisory:
Stay Informed:
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 $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.
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.
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;
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.
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 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:
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 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.
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.
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
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.
Prepare your stargazing binoculars and telescopes for a truly remarkable event, as Mars will temporarily vanish behind the moon in an astronomical phenomenon known as a lunar occultation. This captivating event will occur on January 13, 2025, offering skywatchers across large portions of the world a rare opportunity to witness the Red Planet disappearing and re-emerging from behind Earth’s natural satellite.
A lunar occultation happens when the moon passes directly between Earth and another celestial object, temporarily obscuring that object from view. In this case, Mars will be hidden behind the moon’s bright disk for several minutes, creating a unique and fleeting moment in the night sky. Lunar occultations of planets are relatively rare occurrences because they require precise alignment between Earth, the moon, and the planet in question. When they do happen, they offer an extraordinary sight for observers and an excellent opportunity for astrophotographers to capture a spectacular cosmic event.
The timing of this occultation makes it even more special. On January 13, Mars will be in opposition, meaning it will be directly opposite the sun from Earth’s perspective. During opposition, Mars appears at its largest and brightest in the night sky, as it reaches its closest approach to Earth. This combination of a lunar occultation and Mars being at opposition is a rare cosmic coincidence that amplifies the visual spectacle.
Mars will shine brilliantly in a deep reddish hue, and its brightness will contrast sharply with the glowing, full moon. As a result, viewers will have the chance to observe Mars in its most stunning form just before it slips behind the lunar surface.
This event will be visible across the contiguous United States, parts of Canada and Mexico, and portions of Western Africa. The exact timing of the occultation will vary slightly depending on your geographic location. Generally, Mars and the moon will rise together around 5 p.m. EST on January 13 and will remain close throughout the night until they set around 8 a.m. EST on January 14.
In many regions, the occultation will begin in the early evening hours, shortly after sunset. Observers will first see Mars approach the bright limb of the moon before it disappears behind it. Depending on your location, the disappearance will last for several minutes to over an hour before Mars re-emerges on the opposite side of the moon.
For the best possible view of this celestial event, it’s crucial to find a location away from urban light pollution. A rural area or a dark-sky park will provide optimal conditions. Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness for enhanced visibility. While the lunar occultation will be visible to the naked eye, using a pair of binoculars or a small telescope will dramatically improve your experience, allowing you to see finer details of both Mars and the lunar surface.
Astrophotographers should prepare in advance to capture this rare event. A telescope equipped with a camera or a DSLR attached to a high-quality telephoto lens will yield the best results. Since the moon will be full and bright, adjusting exposure settings to balance the moon’s brightness against Mars’ dimmer glow will be key to producing well-detailed images.
Events like the lunar occultation of Mars have fascinated both amateur astronomers and professionals for centuries. Historically, occultations have been used to refine our understanding of the moon’s orbit and to measure the positions of stars and planets with great precision. In the modern era, they serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the night sky and offer an excellent opportunity to engage the public in the wonders of astronomy.
Moreover, such events can inspire a sense of awe and curiosity about the universe. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a casual observer, witnessing Mars disappear behind the moon can be a humbling experience, reminding us of our place in the vast cosmic dance.
The lunar occultation of Mars on January 13, 2025, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year. With Mars at opposition, the full moon illuminating the sky, and clear winter nights typical for much of the viewing region, conditions are ideal for a memorable stargazing experience.
Mark your calendar, gather your stargazing gear, and prepare to be dazzled by this celestial spectacle. Whether you watch with the naked eye, through binoculars, or a telescope, the sight of Mars vanishing and reappearing behind the moon is sure to be an unforgettable highlight of your stargazing adventures.
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.
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:
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:
Timeline:
Expected Snowfall:
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.
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.
Here we go ahead folks with another round of snowfall across the shore heading into this weekend. Although not as a major storm like areas of Delmarva witnessed Sunday into Monday, but more of a headache for the already 8-12 inches that remain on the ground currently.
A southern stream storm system will slide down through the Southeastern US with arctic air already in place blanketed the Deep South with snow & ice before heading off the Carolina coastlines. While this remains a weaker system overall, areas of light to potentially moderate snow is expected across Central and Southern portions of Delmarva. Heaviest impacts will be down in Accomack & Northampton counties in Virginia here on the shore.
...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH
SATURDAY AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow
accumulations between 2 and 4 inches and ice accumulations up to
one tenth of an inch possible.
* WHERE...Portions of northeast North Carolina and eastern and
southeast Virginia.
* WHEN...From Friday evening through early Saturday afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Snow will begin to move in across the shore starting in the overnight hours Friday through the morning commute on Saturday. This will be a all snow event for the region as bitter cold arctic air remains locked in across much of the Eastern US.
As it stands right now, Accomack & Northampton counties will likely see the most snowfall of 2-5″ before tapering off. Across the mid-shore, slightly less amounts of 2-4″ and 1-3″ expected from Pocomoke City towards Georgetown where the snow will be a bit lighter in intensity. Depending how far north the precipitation shield is, these totals could go up or down at this time. Areas across Northern Delmarva will only see about a dusting to a inch maybe if the precip shield is generous enough to keep that far north.
More updates will follow going into tomorrow with any further changes down the line
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
