Blog

The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred last night in Newark that left one man dead.

On November 5, 2024, at approximately 9:57 p.m., a blue 2012 Infiniti G37 was traveling southbound on Salem Church Road, south of Arthurs Drive. For reasons under investigation, the Infiniti failed to remain in its lane as it went off the right side of the roadway. The Infiniti continued traveling for approximately 30 feet before it struck a culvert and overturned several times. The Infiniti ultimately came to rest in a driveway on the 700 block of Salem Church Road. The driver and the passenger were ejected from the car as it overturned. The driver of the Infiniti has not been determined at this time and the crash remains under investigation.

The Infiniti was occupied by a 31-year-old man, and a 59-year-old man, both from Newark, Delaware. The 59-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified. The 31-year-old man was taken to an area hospital by EMS for non-life-threatening injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 5.5 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 J. Forester by calling 302-365-8485. 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 Single-Vehicle Crash in Newark appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police have identified 24-year-old Marcos Nunez-Jamie of Wilmington, Delaware, as the man who died in a fatal motorcycle crash in Wilmington on November 4, 2024.

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 M. Calio by calling 302-365-8483. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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

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

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

Under a proposed order settling the agency’s complaint, Sitejabber will be prohibited from making such misrepresentations in the future and from making other misrepresentations about consumer ratings or reviews.

“Platforms don’t have free rein to mislead people about the consumer reviews shown for companies and their products,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Along with our rule on fake reviews and testimonials, cases like this one show that we’ll act to stop all forms of deception in the review ecosystem.”

According to the FTC’s complaint, GGL Projects, Inc., which does business as Sitejabber, collected ratings and reviews for its online business clients from consumers at the time of purchase, before they received or had the chance to experience the products or services they bought. For example, after online customers checked out, they were asked to “rate your overall shopping experience so far” on a 5-star scale and then to “type a quick message about your shopping experience so far.”

Sitejabber allegedly used these point-of-sale ratings and reviews to deceptively inflate the average ratings and review counts of its clients on the company’s review platform, claiming that the ratings “indicat[e] that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases.” Sitejabber’s inflated ratings and review counts were also displayed in Google and other search results.

Further, the complaint alleges that Sitejabber provided its clients with pre-fulfilment product ratings and reviews by asking customers, “Why did you choose the [product] today?” and requesting a rating on a 5-star scale. The FTC alleges that, by providing clients with product review tools that allowed them to publish this feedback on their own websites as product reviews and ratings, Sitejabber provided its clients with the means to misrepresent that the reviews and ratings were from customers who had received their purchases.

The proposed order prohibits the company from misrepresenting, or assisting anyone else in misrepresenting, that the average customer rating, number of ratings or reviews, or any rating or review of a product, service, or business reflects the views of customers who actually received the product or service purchased or had an opportunity to experience the product or service. It also bars Sitejabber from making or assisting anyone else in making any misrepresentation about any ratings, average ratings, or reviews it collects, moderates, or displays.

Finally, the proposed order prohibits Sitejabber from providing others with the means to misrepresent that ratings or reviews collected at the time of purchase were from consumers who had received or had the opportunity to experience the product or service purchased.

The Commission vote to issue the administrative complaint and to accept the consent agreement was 5-0, with Commissioners Andrew Ferguson and Melissa Holyoak issuing separate statements.

The FTC will publish a description of the consent agreement package in the Federal Register soon. The agreement will be subject to public comment, after which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent order final. Instructions for filing comments will appear in the published notice. Comments must be received 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Once processed, comments will be posted on Regulations.gov.

NOTE: 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 staff attorneys on this matter are Michael Ostheimer and Michel Atleson in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Delaware State Police arrested 34-year-old Garrett Hitchens of Wilmington, Delaware, for robbery and theft-related offenses stemming from multiple shopliftings that occurred over the last several months at businesses in the Prices Corner area in Wilmington.

Between April 25, 2024, and October 25, 2024, troopers investigated several shopliftings of a similar nature from businesses in the Prices Corner area in Wilmington. In each shoplifting, a white male suspect took various household goods and fled from the business without paying. However, the shoplifting that occurred on August 17, 2024, at the Acme located at 1308 Centerville Road, Wilmington, escalated to a robbery after the suspect threatened to kill an Acme employee as he fled from the store with the stolen goods. Through investigative means, troopers identified Garrett Hitchens as the suspect responsible for the robbery, and the 21 shopliftings that occurred over a period of 7 months and totaled over $5,600 worth of stolen merchandise. The thefts occurred at the following businesses in the Prices Corner area in Wilmington: Acme, Bath and Body Works, Target, and Walgreens (located at 2121 Kirkwood Highway). Troopers obtained warrants for Hitchens’ arrest and made several attempts to locate him.

On October 28, 2024, at approximately 7:32 p.m., a trooper was conducting routine patrol in the area of the Prices Corner Acme when he observed Hitchens exit the grocery store. The trooper was familiar with Hitchens from previous investigations and was aware he was wanted for several theft-related warrants. The trooper made contact with Hitchens in the Acme parking lot, and took him into custody without incident. A computer inquiry confirmed Hitchens had several warrants and capiases for his arrest.

Hitchens was then transported by ambulance to an area hospital for an unrelated non-life-threatening medical condition. Hitchens was ultimately charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $15,002 secured bond.

• Robbery 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Shoplifting Over $1,500 or Greater (Felony)
• Organized Retail Theft Over $1,500 (Felony)
• Shoplifting Under $1,500 – 12 counts
• Organized Retail Theft – 2 counts
• Breach of Release – 5 counts

The post State Police Arrest Man for Robbery and Theft-Related Offenses Following Multiple Shopliftings in Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred near Seaford last night that left one man dead.

On November 4, 2024, at approximately 8:16 p.m., a Kia Optima was traveling eastbound on Ockels Road approaching the stop sign at Sussex Highway. At the same time, a Chevrolet Silverado was traveling southbound on Sussex Highway, in the right lane, approaching Ockels Road. The preliminary investigation revealed, the Kia pulled away from the stop sign to cross Sussex Highway and into the path of the Silverado. As a result, the front of the Silverado hit the driver’s side rear of the Kia.

The driver of the Kia, a 33-year-old woman from Milford, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. The front seat passenger, a 64-year-old man from Seaford, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital where he died. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Silverado, a 37-year-old man and a passenger, a 10-year-old child, both from Laurel, Delaware, were taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Sussex Highway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

 

 

 

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Sergeant A. Mitchell by calling 302-703-3269. 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 Two-Vehicle Crash Near Seaford appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a bank robbery that occurred yesterday afternoon at the Fulton Bank in Wilmington.

On November 4, 2024, at approximately 1:38 p.m., troopers responded to the Fulton Bank, located at 800 Foulk Road, Wilmington, for a report of a robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown black male suspect entered the bank and presented a demand note to a bank employee. The victim complied and the suspect fled on foot towards Wilson Road with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’0”-6’1” tall with a thin build wearing dark-colored clothing. Surveillance images and video are not yet available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective J. Dempsey by calling (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 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 Wilmington Area Fulton Bank Robbery appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Dover Police Department is announcing the launch of a special Quality of Life Initiative, a program focused on addressing the mounting community concerns regarding “quality of life” issues in the Capitol City.  This program is designed to help make our city a safer and more welcoming place for everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Dover.

This initiative will focus on important issues affecting the quality of life in the city.  Special attention will be paid to connecting individuals experiencing mental health and substance use issues with essential support, reducing homelessness through targeted outreach, and ensuring the safety of Dover’s public spaces.  Supported by other team members in cooperating City Departments and our partner agencies, the DPD seeks to reduce lewd, disorderly, and destructive behaviors.  It also seeks to create an improved environment for all community members to encourage the growth of Dover as a safe and vibrant city.

The Dover Police Department will be working with the following Strategic Partners to make this initiative a success:

-The Dover Community
-Delaware Department of Justice
–Delaware State University Police Department
–Delaware State Capitol Police Department
–Delaware State Police
-Departments of the City of Dover including Planning & Inspections, the Office of the Fire Marshal, the Office of the Emergency Manager & Public Information, Parks and Recreation, and the Dover Library
-Identified Outreach Organizations, including the Dover Police Department’s Behavioral Health Unit and the Delaware Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health

While all of our partnerships have their place, the most important partner is you, the community.  Community involvement is essential to the success of this initiative.  You have a voice, and we want to hear it!  We have established a website for you to share concerns and report any non-emergency issues that you believe impact the safety and well-being of Dover.

To provide information on these issues, you can visit www.doverpolice.org/QOL or you can take advantage of our non-emergency reporting number of 302-736-7111.  As always, please call 911 if there is a true emergency. 

This initiative is going to be a continued effort with no set timeline.  However, regular performance evaluations on the impact of this initiative will help ensure that these efforts have a lasting, positive impact on Dover’s quality of life.

Chief Thomas Johnson Jr. commented, “I first want to thank everyone who has helped make this effort possible.  We are excited to deploy this initiative as we try to do our part to improve conditions.  This balanced operation will prioritize empathy and offer options to at-risk individuals so enforcement action might not be necessary.  That said, when the totality of the circumstances dictate an enforcement action, we will do just that.  We see this as a problem solving exercise that brings in innovative and alternative solutions to supplement traditional law enforcement operations.”

The Delaware State Police have identified 79-year-old William Blatt of Dagsboro, Delaware as the man who died in a fatal bicycle crash in Dagsboro on November 2, 2024.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal R. Albert by calling 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].

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

The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred last night in Wilmington that left one man dead.

On November 4, 2024, at approximately 7:40 p.m., a burgundy 2010 Ford F-150 was parked directly in front of a large box truck on the right shoulder of eastbound Maryland Avenue between East Summit Avenue and West Summit Avenue. The Ford began to enter the eastbound lanes of Maryland Avenue, which put it directly into the path of a black 2003 Honda CBR motorcycle that was traveling in the left eastbound lane on Maryland Avenue. The motorcyclist was unable to avoid the collision, and the front of the motorcycle struck the left side rear of the Ford. As a result of the impact, the motorcyclist was ejected from the motorcycle.

The motorcyclist, a 24-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the Ford, a 29-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was not injured. The Ford’s passengers, a 50-year-old man, a 29-year-old woman, and a 2-month-old boy, all from Newark, Delaware, were not injured.

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

 

 

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal M. Calio by calling 302-365-8483. 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 Motorcycle Crash in Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against online cash advance app Dave for allegedly using misleading marketing to deceive consumers about the amount of its cash advances, charging consumers undisclosed fees, and charging so-called “tips” to consumers without their consent.

Dave describes the consumers it targets as being “financially vulnerable” or “financially coping,” including those whose spending exceeds their income, who have minimal savings, and who overdraft their bank accounts frequently.

“Dave lured in consumers living paycheck-to-paycheck with false claims of big-dollar advances, then reached into their pockets to give itself a so-called ‘tip,’” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Whether the products are called cash advances, payday loans, or something else, the FTC will take action to protect consumers from unauthorized charges and deceptive claims.”

Dave’s advertising is dominated by claims that consumers can receive “up to $500” by using Dave, and that they can do so “instantly.” According to the FTC’s complaint, though, Dave’s service failed to live up to its promises.

Image

The complaint charges that despite making these claims in a variety of advertisements, Dave offered advances of $500 only a tiny percentage of the time. One consumer cited in the complaint said Dave “[c]laims you can borrow up to 500.00 dollars. But, I only was able to get 25.00. Not very helpful.” Another consumer who filed a complaint about Dave said they “got 2 small cash advances and paid them OFF ON TIME. They kept promising 500 for the past month and NEVER delivered. I Uninstalled this useless app from this useless company.” The complaint notes that Dave has made similar claims pushing its highest advance amount for years.

Despite promising “instant” or “on the spot” access to advances, Dave requires users to pay an “Express Fee” to get instant access to that money that is not disclosed until after the sign-up process is complete and the user has given Dave access to their bank account, according to the complaint. This fee ranges from $3 to $25, and consumers who do not pay the fee have to wait two to three business days to receive their advance.

Dave’s undisclosed charges go beyond this Express Fee, though, according to the complaint. Consumers who take advances from Dave are often charged a surprise fee of 15% of their advance that’s described by Dave as a “tip.” Many consumers are either unaware that Dave is charging them or unaware that there is any way to avoid being charged. One consumer cited in the complaint said, “The interface is set up to trick you into giving the tip. . . I feel cheated/scammed by this whole process.”

In addition, consumers are shown a screen featuring a cartoon of a small child surrounded by food, and the options for “10 Healthy Meals,” “15 Healthy Meals,” and “20 Healthy Meals,” representing that, based on the consumer’s payment of a “tip,” Dave will provide meals to people in need.

Image

Dave’s interface leads consumers to believe that, for every percentage of tip they are giving, Dave is donating an actual healthy meal to a needy child. But, according to the complaint, Dave donates just 10 cents for each percentage in “tip” the consumer clicks on and keeps the rest of the “tip” amount. Dave’s donation does not pay for the food required to actually provide a meal. Consumers who discover they can leave a lower tip and attempt to do so see food taken away from a cartoon child until the image of the child is finally replaced by an image of an empty plate.

In public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dave reported receiving more than $149 million in revenue from these so-called “tips” alone from 2022 through just the first six months of 2024.

In addition to the “tip” fee, the complaint also alleges that Dave failed to clearly and conspicuously disclose that it charges consumers a $1 monthly “membership fee” debited directly from consumers’ bank accounts. When consumers discover the fee is being deducted from their account, the steps to cancel it are not clear or easy to follow, according to the complaint. In the words of one consumer cited in the complaint: “I’ve tried leaving, but they literally will not let me go. I had to fight with them to delete my account, and I kept getting charged the membership fee… LEAVE ME ALONE. I HATE DAVE.”

The complaint charges that Dave’s conduct violates the FTC Act and the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act.

The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint was 4-1, with Commissioner Melissa Holyoak voting no. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

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 Daniel Hanks and Jason Sanders of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Delaware State Police have arrested 36-year-old Samuel Seymour of Dover, Delaware, for felony drug charges following a search warrant in Dover.

On October 31, 2024, members of the Kent County Drug Unit and the Kent County Governor’s Task Force, executed a search warrant at an apartment on Webb Lane in Dover Estates. The search warrant was obtained following a five-month investigation of Seymour and the distribution of illegal narcotics from the apartment.  During the search warrant, detectives discovered that Seymour discarded narcotics out of the apartment window. He was taken into custody without incident.

A search of the apartment and Seymour’s vehicle led to the discovery of the following items:

• Approximately 862.56 grams of powder cocaine
• Approximately 31.92 grams of crack cocaine
• Digital scale
• Drug paraphernalia
• $3,930 is suspected drug proceeds

Seymour was arrested and take 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 $122,400 cash bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony) – 2 counts
• Tampering with Physical Evidence (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts

The post Search Warrant in Dover Leads to Arrest for Drug Offenses appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against a Georgia-based debt collector that tricked consumers into paying more than $7.6 million in bogus debt by threatening them with jail time, harassing their family members, and other unlawful actions.

In response to a federal court complaint filed against Global Circulation, Inc. (GCI) and its owner, Kenneth Redon, III, the court agreed to temporarily halt the company’s operation and ordered it to turn its assets over to a court-appointed receiver.

“Debt collectors should know that harassing families and making empty threats of jail time is illegal,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “This action should send a clear message that illegal collection practices will come with heavy consequences.”

In its complaint, the FTC alleges that GCI and Redon contacted consumers under a number of fictitious company names, including Total Mediation Solutions, Total Consumer Solutions, and Consumer Impact Recovery. The company’s collectors call consumers out of the blue and threaten them with arrest, wage garnishment, and lawsuits if they don’t pay a supposed debt.

According to the complaint, however, the debts GCI is attempting to collect either don’t exist at all or are not debts GCI can legally collect. The company’s calls to consumers can be incessant, with some receiving calls multiple times a day, leaving voicemails saying to call about an urgent legal matter. When consumers answer, they’re told that, unless they pay the bogus debts on that phone call using a credit or debit card, they’ll face legal peril.

In other instances, according to the complaint, GCI calls consumers’ family members, making similar threats of legal action, and those calls have continued even after the company has been in contact with the consumer from whom they are seeking to collect the bogus debt.

The company’s representatives regularly fail to identify themselves as debt collectors, which is required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and often have or claim to have sensitive personal information that they use to convince consumers that the demands for money are legitimate.

According to the complaint, GCI’s deceptive statements and the urgency behind them have helped convince thousands of consumers to pay at least $7.6 million in bogus debts to the company.

The court’s temporary restraining order, issued on October 29, 2024, freezes the defendants’ assets and puts the company under the control of a court-appointed receiver while the case continues.

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 Northern District of Georgia.

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.

Image

The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $17 million in refunds to consumers harmed by online cash advance provider Brigit, which the agency says deceived consumers with false promises of “instant” cash advances and locked consumers into a monthly membership they couldn’t cancel.

The FTC first took action against Brigit in 2023, alleging that the company deceptively advertised that customers who subscribed to the company’s service would have access to “instant” cash advances of up to $250 “whenever you need it” and could cancel anytime. According to the FTC, the company then charged fees to get the cash quickly and failed to deliver the promised amounts. In many cases, consumers were not able to receive a cash advance at all. The FTC’s complaint also alleged the company used manipulative design tricks to create a confusing and misleading cancellation process that made it difficult for consumers to cancel their subscriptions.

The FTC plans to send payments to 1,818,930 Brigit members who paid for instant cash advances. Consumers who are eligible for a payment will get an email between now and November 15, 2024. The FTC will begin sending PayPal payments on November 18. Recipients should redeem their PayPal payment within 30 days.

Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc., at 833-637-5800, 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 Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal bicycle crash that occurred last night in Dagsboro that left one man dead.

On November 2, 2024, at approximately 6:14 p.m., a 2016 Ford F-150 was traveling in the left southbound lane of Dupont Boulevard, north of Molly Field Road in Dagsboro. At the same time, an Ancheer E-Bike was traveling southbound on Dupont Boulevard. For reasons under investigation, the bicyclist attempted to cross Dupont Boulevard in the area of Cricket Street, directly in the Ford’s path of travel. The Ford was unable to avoid the e-bike, and the two impacted in the left southbound lane of Dupont Boulevard.

The bicyclist, a 79-year-old man from Dagsboro, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the Ford, a 46-year-old man from Frankford, Delaware, was not injured.

The roadway 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 witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal R. Albert by calling 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].

The post State Police Investigating Fatal Bicycle Crash in Dagsboro appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

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

 

Click on the image to see the complete profile

 

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

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

 

Click on the image to see the complete profile

 

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

Delaware State Police arrested 35-year-old Brandon Bell of Middletown, Delaware, for a burglary that occurred early Wednesday morning at Sallie Mae in Newark.

On October 30, 2024, at approximately 1:10 a.m., troopers responded to Sallie Mae, located at 300 Continental Drive, Newark, for a report of a burglary. Security personnel at Sallie Mae reported that a black male suspect, who had fled from security a short time earlier while attempting to gain entry into the building, had returned and forcibly entered the building. Upon arriving, troopers conducted a search of the building, and quickly apprehended the suspect following a K9 deployment. The suspect, identified as Brandon Bell, was taken to an area hospital, where he was treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries sustained from the K9 apprehension.

Bell was then 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 $2,000 secured bond.

• Burglary 3^rd Degree (Felony)
• Criminal Mischief Over $1,000
• Resisting Arrest

The post State Police Arrest Man for Commercial Burglary in Newark appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have arrested 51-year-old Leslie Riggleman, Jr. of Seaford, Delaware, for felony DUI, gun, and drug charges Tuesday.

On October 29, 2024, at approximately 4:20 p.m., troopers responded to Woodland Ferry Road in Seaford for a report of a Mazda Protégé on the ferry with a male driver that appeared to be unconscious. When troopers arrived, the driver, later identified as Leslie Riggleman, Jr., was being evaluated by EMS and refused medical treatment. Troopers contacted Riggleman and observed multiple signs of impairment. Riggleman was subsequently taken into custody without incident. During a search of the Riggleman and the Mazda, troopers found approximately 1.17 grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, and a shotgun. A computer check showed that Riggleman had two previous DUI-related convictions.

Riggleman was taken to Troop 5, 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 $26,500 secured bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 1 (Felony)
• Driving Under the Influence, 3^rd Offense (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm while Under the Influence
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

The post Troopers Arrest Seaford Man for Felony DUI, Gun, and Drug Charges appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The following images contain the newest Megan’s Law Sex Offender Notifications for the City of Dover.  If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the Dover Police Sex Offender Enforcement Unit.

The Delaware State Police are investigating an assault that occurred on Sandhill Road in Georgetown last night.

On October 31, 2024, at approximately 1:30 a.m., detectives responded to Beebe Healthcare in Lewes for a report of an assault. The investigation revealed that on October 30, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a female victim was pulling into the driveway of her residence on the 18000 block of Sandhill Road when she saw a car parked on the side of the road. When the victim approached to check on the car, she was attacked by an unknown male. The victim was able to use a flashlight taser to defend herself and the suspect fled. The victim sustained minor injuries.

Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has relevant information to contact Detective M. Skidmore at (302) 856-5850. 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 Assault in Georgetown appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police have identified 49-year-old Damon Phares of Newark, Delaware, as the man who died in a fatal pedestrian crash on I-95 in New Castle on October 29, 2024.

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 302-660-4267. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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

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

Yesterday, Wilmington New Castle County Airport officially set a new record, marking 32 consecutive days without measurable precipitation. This new milestone surpasses the previous record of 31 dry days set in 1988, highlighting the exceptional nature of Delaware’s current drought. Notably, Georgetown is also enduring an extended dry streak, now at 33 days. Just one day shy of its own record of 34 consecutive dry days set in 2001, Georgetown might tie or break this benchmark tomorrow, depending on whether the forecasted slight chance of rain materializes.

If dry conditions persist in Wilmington and Georgetown today as expected, both areas could experience their first month on record without any measurable precipitation. For Wilmington, with a climate record dating back to 1948, this is particularly unprecedented and emphasizes the severity of the current drought. This historic dryness isn’t just a matter of broken records but signals a widespread impact on the state’s environment and resources.

According to this week’s U.S. Drought Monitor update, an astounding 98% of Delaware now falls under a severe drought designation (D2). This is the highest proportion of the state to experience such drought severity since 2002. With fall typically bringing relief as temperatures drop and plants require less water, there’s hope for some reprieve. However, experts warn that any significant recovery will be slow and depend on gradual moisture restoration over the winter. Unfortunately, the two-week forecast offers little hope for rain, suggesting the situation may worsen before any improvement.

Residents are urged to conserve water as Delaware faces this critical period. Small changes, like reducing lawn watering, postponing car washes, and shortening showers, can collectively make a meaningful difference in preserving water supplies. Taking these steps now could help prevent more stringent conservation measures down the road if dry conditions continue.

The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $2.5 million to consumers who were misled by deceptive claims from credit services company Credit Karma.

The FTC took action against Credit Karma in 2022, alleging that the company told consumers they were “pre-approved” and had “90% odds” of approval to entice them to apply for credit card offers that, in many instances, they ultimately did not qualify for. Credit Karma agreed to an FTC order that required the company to stop making these types of deceptive claims and to pay money to compensate consumers who were harmed. Today, the FTC is sending this money to consumers.

The FTC is sending checks and PayPal payments to 50,994 consumers who filed a valid claim before the March 4, 2024 deadline. Consumers should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on their check, or redeem their PayPal payments within 30 days.

Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the administrator, JND Legal Administration, at 866-848-0871 or visit the FTC’s website to view frequently asked questions about the refund process. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.

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

The Delaware State Police arrested a 15-year-old girl from Claymont, Delaware, in connection with a robbery that occurred earlier this month in the parking lot of the Food Lion in Claymont.

On October 3, 2024, at approximately 7:52 p.m., troopers responded to the Food Lion, located at 3609 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, for a report of a robbery. The investigation revealed that three unidentified suspects approached a 78-year-old woman as she returned to her vehicle. One of the suspects grabbed the victim’s purse as the victim attempted to enter her vehicle. A brief struggle ensued, which caused the contents of the purse to spill onto the ground. One of the suspects then took the victim’s car key fob from the ground, and all three fled the scene on foot.

Through investigative efforts, detectives identified a 12-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy, and a 15-year-old girl as the three suspects involved in the robbery, and obtained warrants for their arrest. The two male suspects were taken into custody without incident last week.

On October 29, 2024, the 15-year-old suspect was contacted and taken into custody without incident. She was transported to Troop 2, where she was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by New Castle County Family Court, and committed to VisionQuest Detention Center on a $20,000 secured bond.

• Robbery 1^st Degree Commits a Crime Against a Person 65 Years or Older (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)

The post *Update – Third Suspect Arrested* State Police Arrest Two Teenagers for Robbery Outside Claymont Food Lion appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Incident Number:  50-24-40512

Date/Time: Wednesday, October 30th, 2024 at 1:42 a.m.

Location: 100 Block of Holmes Street, Dover, DE

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

Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Michael Moran, 36, of Dover, following an incident that began early Wednesday morning. The investigation began at 1:42 a.m., when Dover Police received a call from a victim, advising that Moran was inside of her residence in the 100 Block of Holmes Street, and he was not supposed to be there. The victim knows Moran, however their relationship is not being disclosed in an effort to protect their identity. It was also reported that 6 children were in the residence when this was occurring.

Dover Police Officers responded and observed Moran inside of the residence. Moran came to the door and pointed a firearm at Officers and ran back into the house, securing the doors. The Dover Police Department’s Special Operations Response Team(SORT) and Crisis Negotiations Team(CNT) were activated as a result of these actions and responded to the scene. In addition to Dover Police SORT and CNT, the Dover Police Department received assistance from Tactical Units of the Delaware State Police, the Kent County Department of Public Safety, and Ambulnz. During this incident, a statewide alert was sent out to land lines and mobile devices requesting the public remain clear of the area. The Dover Police Department appreciates the public’s support and cooperation with this message, as it allowed first responders to safely and effectively resolve this incident.

At 10:58 a.m., Moran surrendered and was taken into custody without incident. All six children were located safe and turned over to a family member. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

A search warrant was obtained and executed on the residence. As a result of the search, Officers located a Ruger 9mm Handgun and a Zigana 9mm Handgun along with 9mm ammunition.

Moran was transported to Dover Police Department where he was processed and arraigned.

He was committed to SCI on $47,000 cash bail on the following charges:
-Aggravated Menacing (2x)
-Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
-Felony Resisting Arrest
-Trespassing First Degree
-Capias

Moran is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:

Dover Police Website

Facebook

X

The Delaware State Police are investigating a pedestrian fatal crash that occurred last night in New Castle that left one man dead.

On October 29, 2024, at approximately 9:03 p.m., a white Freightliner tractor trailer was traveling in the right northbound lane of I-95, north of Churchmans Road. At the same time, a pedestrian was crossing the northbound lanes of I-95 attempting to get to the east side of the roadway from his disabled vehicle on the left shoulder. The pedestrian entered the Freightliner’s path of travel as he crossed the roadway and was struck by the tractor trailer.

The pedestrian, a 49-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the Freightliner, a 52-year-old man from Milford, Delaware, was not injured.

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 302-660-4267. 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 New Castle appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police arrested 23-year-old Brandon Ash of New Castle, Delaware for felony assault and resisting arrest in New Castle yesterday morning.

On October 28, 2024, at approximately 11:39 a.m., a trooper responded to a report of a black Ford Edge possibly disabled in the roadway on South Dupont Highway at the intersection with Second Avenue in New Castle. Upon arriving, the trooper found the Ford stopped in the roadway with the engine running and the driver slumped over in his seat. The driver, later identified as Brandon Ash, regained consciousness as the trooper checked on him and complied with instructions to exit the SUV. Throughout the contact with Ash, the trooper observed multiple signs of impairment and smelled a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the SUV. Shortly after additional troopers arrived, Ash disregarded multiple verbal commands as he pushed troopers and attempted to re-enter the SUV. Ash continued to resist arrest as he fought troopers and attempted to take a trooper’s Taser after it was deployed. Ash was ultimately taken into custody, and transported by ambulance to an area hospital for evaluation. Two troopers were treated at an area hospital for minor injuries sustained during the struggle.

A computer inquiry of Ash was conducted, which revealed Ash’s driver’s license was suspended. Troopers conducted a search of the Ford, and discovered approximately 1.63 grams of marijuana.

Once discharged from the hospital, Ash was transported 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 $46,500 cash bond.

• Assault 2^nd Degree Injure a Law Enforcement Officer – 2 counts (Felony)
• Removing or Attempting to Remove Deadly Weapon from Possession of Law Enforcement Officer (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest with Force or Violence (Felony)
• Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Drug
• Disorderly Conduct
• Driving While Suspended
• Additional Traffic Violations

The post State Police Arrest Man for Felony Assault and Resisting Arrest in New Castle appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $1 million in refunds to consumers who were allegedly harmed by Rhinelander Auto Center’s junk fees and discriminatory practices.

The FTC and State of Wisconsin took action against Rhinelander Auto and its general manager in 2023, alleging that they regularly charged many customers junk fees for “add-on” products or services without the customer’s consent. The defendants also discriminated against American Indian customers in the cost of financing by adding more “markup” to their interest rates, according to the complaint.

The FTC is sending checks to 7,531 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, Analytics, at 866-648-7161, 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 arrested 51-year-old Elvis Cruz of Newark, Delaware, for multiple felony charges stemming from a stolen vehicle investigation that occurred at Christiana Hospital in Newark on Sunday afternoon, and a robbery investigation that occurred earlier this month at a Newark area Walgreens.

On October 15, 2024, at approximately 9:20 a.m., troopers responded to Walgreens, located at 4114 Ogletown-Stanton Road in Newark, for a late report of a robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed that on October 9, 2024, at approximately 3:32 p.m., an unknown white male suspect entered the business, broke the glass on a display case, and removed merchandise. As the suspect was fleeing from the store, he threatened to shoot a Walgreens employee who was attempting to make contact with him. No weapon was displayed, and no one was hurt.

Through investigative means, troopers identified Elvis Cruz as the suspect involved in the robbery and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On October 27, 2024, at approximately 3:32 p.m., troopers responded to Christiana Hospital, located at 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, for a report of a stolen vehicle. Upon arriving, troopers learned that the suspect stole an unoccupied silver Toyota Corolla that was idling in front of the hospital’s Women and Children’s Health Center while the Toyota’s driver was delivering food. While reviewing the video surveillance, the hospital’s constables recognized the suspect as Elvis Cruz from a previous vehicle theft investigation at the hospital. A subsequent computer inquiry positively identified Cruz as the suspect, and revealed he had multiple warrants for his arrest, as well as, an active No Contact Order with the hospital’s property.

Troopers responded to Cruz’s residence, and found the stolen Toyota parked on a neighboring street. Troopers then made contact with Cruz at his residence, and took him into custody without incident.

Cruz was transported 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 $32,600 cash bond.

• Robbery 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
• Noncompliance with Conditions of Recognizance Bond or Conditions (Felony)
• Criminal Mischief Under $1,000

The post State Police Arrest Man for Robbery and Stolen Vehicle Charges Stemming from Multiple Investigations appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police Superintendent, Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, is pleased to announce the appointment of Major William D. Crotty as the 27th Colonel of the Delaware State Police, effective November 1, 2024. Major Crotty’s promotion to the rank of Colonel marks the culmination of a distinguished career of over 27 years of dedicated service.

Major Crotty began his career with the Delaware State Police in January 1997 as a member of the 66th Delaware State Police Academy class. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Troop 1 in Penny Hill, where he excelled within the uniformed patrol division. Over the years, he has held a wide range of operational and leadership positions, preparing him to lead the agency.

His dedication and leadership quickly led to several high-profile assignments, including serving on the Governor’s Task Force, as a Sussex County Drug Unit member, and the Sussex County Criminal Investigative Unit. His rise through the ranks continued with promotions to Sergeant in 2007 and Lieutenant in 2009. By 2010, he was assigned to the Delaware Information and Analysis Center as Deputy Director.

In addition to his operational leadership, Major Crotty has been a long-time advocate for diversity and inclusion within the DSP, having served as Chair of the DSP Diversity Council for several years. His commitment to fostering an inclusive environment within the agency and the wider community has had a lasting impact.

Promoted to the rank of Captain in 2016, he commanded the Criminal Intelligence Section, a position that has given him critical insight into the state’s security needs. His role in implementing innovative programs like the State Police Enhanced Analytical Response (S.P.E.A.R.) demonstrates his commitment to using data-driven strategies to combat crime effectively. Major Crotty later became the Troop Commander for Troop 4 in Georgetown, where he led both patrol and investigative operations.

Most recently, he has served as the South Operations Major, managing criminal investigative and patrol operations for Kent and Sussex counties. His leadership in managing crime trends and coordinating proactive crime reduction initiatives has undoubtedly contributed to the safety and security of Delaware’s communities.

Major Crotty has also been a driving force in the statewide communications operations, overseeing four communication centers that dispatch 911 services for the DSP and municipal police agencies across the state.

His leadership has extended beyond his operational roles. He is an active member of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Standing Law Enforcement Committee, where he has worked to foster collaboration between law enforcement and motor vehicle agencies to improve highway and public safety, as well as fraud prevention efforts. His contributions to AAMVA highlight his commitment to innovative solutions that enhance public safety on and off the roadways.

Additionally, he has been recognized nationally for his contributions to community policing, serving on the International Association of Chiefs of Police Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC). His focus on building sustainable community engagement programs highlights his dedication to the principles of 21st-century policing.

Major Crotty holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Delaware and has completed numerous prestigious training programs, including the FBI National Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School’s Fusion Center Leaders Program.

“Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working side by side with the finest women and men who encompass the professional and sworn complement of the Delaware State Police,” said Major Crotty.  “I marvel at their compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serve. Every day, they enrich the lives of Delaware’s residents and visitors, and I am humbled to serve as their 27th Superintendent. I remain dedicated to upholding our high standards through community engagement and evidence-based policing strategies. I am grateful to Governor Carney and Secretary McQueen for their trust and for the opportunity to lead this remarkable agency.”

Colonel Zebley praised his promotion, stating, “Major Crotty’s diverse experiences, unwavering leadership, and dedication to the Delaware State Police and the communities we serve make him the ideal choice to lead our agency into the future. His focus on innovation, community engagement, and character driven decision making align with our mission to provide the highest level of public safety to the people of Delaware.”

Major Crotty will assume command following Colonel Melissa Zebley’s retirement. The Delaware State Police congratulates Major Crotty on his appointment and looks forward to his continued leadership in his new role as Superintendent.

 

The post State Police Announce Appointment of Major William D. Crotty as the 27th Superintendent appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

**UPDATE** The Dover Police Department is cancelling the Gold Alert for Timothy Jaudon. He has been located and is safe.

*ORIGINAL RELEASE*

Incident/Complaint#:  50-24-40194

Date:  Sunday, October 27th, 2024 at 7:07 p.m.

Location: Unit Block of Konschak Ave, Dover, DE

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Timothy Jaudon, 38, of Dover, DE. Jaudon has not been seen or heard from since 3 p.m. Sunday, and there is a concern for his safety. Attempts to locate him have been unsuccessful. Jaudon is described as a white male, 5’05”, 165 pounds, with a black beard. Jaudon was last seen leaving a residence in the unit block of Konschak Ave. At the time, he was wearing a tan jacket, white shirt, tan pants and white shoes. He was last seen operating a white Honda Civic with Delaware Registration 558642.

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

As a result of a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit, a federal court has temporarily shut down the operations of a business opportunity scam that has taken more than $12 million from consumers with false promises of big returns selling goods through Amazon and Walmart.

According to a complaint filed by the FTC, since at least 2022, the scheme operated under the names Lunar Capital Ventures, Ecom Genie and Profitable Automation, and before that as the now-dissolved company Valiant Consultants Inc. Under each of these names, the scheme has made enticing but bogus claims that consumers could earn lavish profits by paying tens of thousands of dollars to start online e-commerce businesses. The promised earnings rarely, if ever, materialize, and most consumers lose substantial amounts of money.

“At a time when consumers are increasingly looking online for opportunities to supplement their income, this scheme made grand promises of guaranteed passive income,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Instead, the scheme’s operators took millions of dollars, lined their own pockets, and left consumers with debt and stress. Through its actions, the FTC is holding them accountable for the significant injury they have caused.”

The FTC’s complaint alleges that the scheme’s operators used social media ads, websites, and marketing emails to tout the supposed success of their clients, claiming they make tens of thousands of dollars a month selling products through online stores on ecommerce platforms. In online marketing and in claims made directly to consumers going back as far as 2019, the scheme’s operators have claimed consumers can generate sales of “$100K+ per month” and that their businesses could become “million-dollar” operations.

Consumers were charged tens of thousands of dollars to open their online stores, at times cashing in savings and retirement accounts, only to find that they made no money at all and lost all of their initial investment, according to the complaint. The complaint notes that in 2020, when the scheme was operating under the name Valiant, the company and its owner, Steven Mayer, faced numerous complaints and lawsuits from consumers who had lost thousands of dollars to the fraudulent business opportunity. In 2022, with Valiant labeled a scam by many consumers and in litigation, the company reorganized as Lunar. Although the public face of Lunar was a man known as Boba Milic, Mayer effectively ran the company, as he later described, “behind the scenes.” Lunar sold virtually the same business opportunity previously offered by Valiant.

Lunar continued making similarly inflated income claims. Lunar’s sales representative Wessam Baiz, also named as a defendant in the complaint, told at least one prospect that he could expect to earn $60,000 to $70,000 in the first year, “it’ll start doubling up from there,” and “the sky’s the limit.” The complaint alleges, however, that consumers still frequently reported a gap between what the company promised and what it delivered. After paying between $30,000 and $35,000 for their stores, consumers faced lag times of months for stores to be opened and inventory that they paid additional thousands for never appeared in their stores.

In the face of yet another round of consumer complaints and lawsuits, in 2023 Lunar disappeared and Mayer turned to pitching another ecommerce scheme under the name Ecom Genie, which featured similar claims as Valiant and Lunar. In one promotional video, the company claimed that one of its supposed clients—who in reality was an Ecom Genie employee—“has done over [$]1.2 million in sales so far in the last five months and growing monthly. My profits are now around [$]22,000 per month.”

According to the FTC complaint, in addition to Ecom Genie, the scheme also appears to operate under the name Profitable Automation. That company makes nearly identical pitches to Ecom Genie’s pitches and funnels the vast majority of its income into Ecom Genie’s bank accounts.

The FTC’s complaint charges that in every iteration of the scheme, Mayer and the companies he controls have deceived consumers and also failed to provide them with the disclosures required by the FTC’s Business Opportunity Rule – disclosures that would have made clear the nature of Mayer’s previous iterations of the scheme and provided transparency to the prospective purchasers about the viability of the scheme’s earnings claims.

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 Southern District of Florida.

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 Sara Tonnesen and Molly Rucki of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-24-40194

Date:  Sunday, October 27th, 2024 at 7:07 p.m.

Location: Unit Block of Konschak Ave, Dover, DE

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Timothy Jaudon, 38, of Dover, DE. Jaudon has not been seen or heard from since 3 p.m. Sunday, and there is a concern for his safety. Attempts to locate him have been unsuccessful. Jaudon is described as a white male, 5’05”, 165 pounds, with a black beard. Jaudon was last seen leaving a residence in the unit block of Konschak Ave. At the time, he was wearing a tan jacket, white shirt, tan pants and white shoes. He was last seen operating a white Honda Civic with Delaware Registration 558642.

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

The Newark Halloween Parade is today, Sunday October 27. From 1430 – 1700 hours, the parade route will close the entire length of East Main Street from Library Avenue to South College Avenue.  Local traffic will be permitted between Library Avenue and Tyre Avenue….

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

 

Click on the image to see the complete profile

 

 

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

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

 

Click on the image to see the complete profile

 

 

 

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

Delaware State Police arrested a 12-year-old boy from New Castle and a 14-year-old boy from Wilmington in connection with a robbery that occurred earlier this month in the parking lot of Food Lion in Claymont.

On October 3, 2024, at approximately 7:52 p.m., troopers responded to Food Lion for a reported robbery. The investigation revealed that three unidentified male suspects approached a 78-year-old woman as she returned to her vehicle. The suspects were standing near the cart return area next to her car.

As the victim attempted to enter her vehicle, one of the suspects grabbed her purse. A brief struggle ensued, causing the contents of the purse to spill onto the ground. One of the suspects then took her car key fob from the ground, and all three fled the scene on foot. Fortunately, she was not injured.

The suspects were described as black juvenile males. Two were wearing dark-colored clothing, while the third wore a light-colored hoodie.

Through investigative efforts, detectives identified the 12-year-old and 14-year-old as two of the suspects involved in the robbery.

On October 23, 2024, the 12-year-old suspect was contacted and taken into custody. He was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Family Court, released on a $20,500 unsecured, and turned over to his guardian.

• Robbery First Degree Commits a Crime Against a Person 65 Years or Older (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

---

On October 24, 2024, the 14-year-old was also taken into custody. He was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Family Court, and remanded to the Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families on a $20,500 secured bond.

• Robbery First Degree Commits a Crime Against a Person 65 Years or Older (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit is continuing to investigate the incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective D. Armstrong by calling (302) 365-8440. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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

 

 

The post State Police Arrest Two Teenagers for Robbery Outside Claymont Food Lion appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The FTC is taking action against rideshare operator Lyft for making deceptive earnings claims about how much money drivers could expect to make per hour and how much they could earn in special incentives.

Lyft has agreed to a proposed settlement that would require its claims about drivers’ pay to be based on typical earnings. In addition, Lyft has agreed to back up with evidence any claims it makes about drivers’ pay, clearly notify drivers about the terms of its “earnings guarantee” offers, and pay a $2.1 million civil penalty.

The U.S. Department of Justice filed the lawsuit and proposed settlement upon notification and referral from the FTC.

“It is illegal to lure workers with misleading claims about how much they will earn on the job,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “The FTC will keep using all its tools to hold businesses accountable when they violate the law and exploit American workers.”

The complaint against Lyft alleges that as demand for rideshare services increased in 2021 and 2022, Lyft made numerous false and misleading claims in its advertising and marketing about how much money consumers could make if they chose to drive for Lyft.

Ads for Lyft advertised that drivers around the country could make specific hourly amounts. For example, potential drivers in Atlanta were offered up to $33 an hour, potential drivers in Portland were offered $41 an hour and potential drivers in Los Angeles were offered up to $43 an hour. Lyft failed to disclose that these amounts did not represent the income an average driver could expect to earn, but instead were based on the earnings of the top one-fifth of drivers. The complaint notes that these figures overinflated the actual earnings achieved by most drivers by as much as 30%.

In addition, the complaint notes that the hourly earnings claims Lyft made in its ads included tips paid by passengers, even though many drivers would assume any tips they received would be in addition to an hourly pay figure.

In its advertisements, Lyft also tried to entice drivers by touting “earnings guarantees,” which supposedly guaranteed that drivers would be paid a set amount if they completed a specific number of rides in a certain time. For example, one guarantee promised drivers they would make $975 if they completed 45 rides in a weekend. But these guarantees did not clearly disclose that drivers were only paid the difference between what they actually earned, and Lyft’s advertised guaranteed amount. Drivers complained to the company in large numbers that they believed the amount Lyft guaranteed would be paid as a bonus on top of whatever pay they received for completing the assigned number of rides.

One driver complained to the FTC that: “…This [is] unacceptable and not fair. . . . [Lyft] is misleading their drivers. [Lyft] should pay their driver[s] as stated, it shows I completed the task. As the driver, I expected to be paid for the service I rendered.”

The court complaint notes that Lyft continued to make these deceptive earnings claims even after receiving the FTC’s Notice of Penalty Offenses that put the company on notice that deceptive earnings claims were unlawful.

In addition to requiring the company to pay a $2.1 million civil penalty, the proposed settlement also will prohibit Lyft from making any earnings claim unless they have meaningful evidence to back that claim up. In addition, Lyft will be prohibited from making any claims about hourly earnings that include tips as part of the stated hourly amount. The settlement will also require Lyft to clearly disclose to drivers that, under its earnings guarantees, drivers will receive only the difference between their regular earnings and the guaranteed amount. The settlement also requires Lyft to provide notice to its drivers about the settlement.

Today’s action is part of the FTC’s ongoing efforts to protect workers in the gig economy. In 2021, the FTC reached a settlement with Amazon returning more than $60 million to Amazon Flex drivers whose tips were illegally withheld. In 2022, the FTC took action against HomeAdvisor for misleading service providers, and the following year obtained an order barring false claims and providing millions in redress. This year, the FTC challenged deceptive earnings claims and other unlawful practices by Arise and Care.com, securing conduct relief and more than $15 million for affected workers. The FTC has detailed how its authorities apply in the gig economy in its Policy Statement on Enforcement Related to Gig Work.  

The Commission vote to authorize the staff to refer the complaint to the DOJ and to approve the proposed consent decree was 3-2, with Commissioners Melissa Holyoak and Andrew Ferguson dissenting. Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement joined by Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro M. Bedoya. Commissioner Holyoak issued a statement. Commissioner Andrew N. Ferguson issued a statement. The DOJ filed the complaint and proposed consent decree upon notification and referral from the Commission in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

NOTE: The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Consent decrees have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.

The staff attorneys on this matter were Evan Rose and Abdiel T. Lewis of the FTC’s Western Region San Francisco.

Delaware State Police have arrested 53-year-old James Thorpe of Elkton, Maryland for 9th offense felony DUI yesterday.

On October 22, 2024, at approximately 4:14 p.m., a trooper on patrol saw a red Dodge Ram pickup speeding southbound on Dupont Parkway near Marl Pit Road. The trooper pulled the Dodge over and spoke to the driver, identified as James Thorpe, who showed signs of impairment. The trooper administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. After failing to complete the tests, Thorpe was arrested for driving under the influence. A computer check showed that he had eight prior DUI-related convictions.

Thorpe was taken to Troop 9, 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 $6,000 secured bond.

• Driving Under the Influence (Felony)
• Driving While Suspended or Revoked
• Speeding

The post Troopers Arrest Elkton, Maryland Man for 9th DUI Offense appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

On Saturday October 26th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Newark Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will provide the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted…

Delaware State Police have identified 40-year-old Adam Roberts of New Castle, Delaware, as the man who died in a fatal hit-and-run bicycle crash on October 21, 2024, near Newark.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has dashcam footage to contact Corporal Grade One D. McKenna at (302) 365-8486. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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

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

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest
On October 8, 2024 at approximately 1:12 p.m., Milford Police Department’s Drug Unit conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of NW Front St., Milford, DE.  Investigators made contact with the operator of the vehicle, identified as James Eley, 22 of Bridgeville, DE.  Eley was taken into custody without incident on two active warrants.  A narcotics K9 from the Delaware State Police responded to the traffic stop and conducted a scan of the vehicle.  The narcotics K9 had a positive alert on the vehicle indicating that the vehicle had illegal narcotics.  During a subsequent search of the vehicle, investigators located approximately 29.09 grams of crack cocaine (Tier 3 quantity).  Eley was transported back to Milford PD for processing. 

Eley was charged with Manufacture/Deliver/Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony); Possession of Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Eley had a presentment through the Justice of the Peace Court 2, where he was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $40,500.00 secured bail on the charges from 10/8/2024, $22,000 unsecured bail on the two outstanding warrants and $9000.00 cash bail on a violation of probation.  He was ordered to appear in the Kent County Court of Common Pleas at a later date for a preliminary hearing.

Released by Public Information Officer, Sgt. Timothy Maloney

Released: 10/15/2024

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a bicyclist that occurred yesterday evening near Newark.

On October 21, 2024, at approximately 5:21 p.m., a 40-year-old New Castle man was riding his bicycle westbound on the right shoulder of Pulaski Highway (Route 40), just east of Wellington Drive. At the same time, an unknown vehicle was traveling westbound on the right shoulder of Pulaski Highway and struck the bicyclist, ejecting him. The vehicle then fled the scene.

Patrol troopers and the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit searched the area for the vehicle but could not locate it. Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as a black SUV, but the exact make and model remain unknown at this time.

The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. His identity is being withheld until his family is notified.

The westbound lanes of Pulaski Highway, just east of Wellington Drive, were closed for approximately four and a half hours while the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the crash and cleared the roadway.

 

 

The investigation is ongoing, and troopers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has dashcam footage to contact Corporal Grade One D. McKenna at (302) 365-8486. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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

The post State Police Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run Bicycle Crash near Newark appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

After more than 32 years of dedicated and faithful service, Colonel Melissa A. Zebley will officially retire on November 1, 2024. Throughout her distinguished career, her commitment to the citizens and visitors of Delaware, coupled with her exceptional leadership, has significantly shaped and enriched the agency.

Her calling to public service began as a participant in the State Police Explorer Program, an experience that inspired her lifelong devotion to law enforcement. Col. Zebley joined the DSP on July 16, 1992, completing the 61st Delaware State Police Academy Recruit Class. Following graduation, she began her career as a trooper at Troop 6.

Col. Zebley’s early years showcased her determination and versatility. In September 1997, she served as a drill instructor officer at the DSP Training Academy, where she shaped the future of law enforcement by mentoring recruits from numerous law enforcement agencies. This role set the stage for her to build the foundation of safety and integrity that has defined her career. Promoted to Sergeant in 2002, she served as a shift commander at Troop 1 and became a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team, supporting the wellbeing of her colleagues.

Her professional journey was characterized by her passion for personal and organizational growth. She earned a Master of Science from Wilmington University in 2003, and in 2005, she took on the responsibility of Public Information Officer, eventually becoming the unit’s Director. After being promoted to Lieutenant in December 2006, she was assigned to Headquarters as staff support. During that time, she graduated from the prestigious 235th Session of the FBI National Academy, raising the bar for professional standards.

Col. Zebley continued to excel through multiple leadership roles, demonstrating her remarkable ability to adapt and lead in different areas of the agency. In August 2009, she was promoted to Captain and assigned to Troop 1.  While serving as Troop 1’s Commander, she was selected as Officer in Charge of the DSP Honor Guard. Her promotion to Major in 2010 brought new challenges, where she oversaw the DSP budget, training academy, and human resources.

In 2012, she was appointed New Castle County Operations Major, where she led critical sections of the DSP, such as the statewide Traffic Section, Criminal Investigations, and Patrol, ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of county operations. By August 2019, she had ascended to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, overseeing Internal Affairs, Information Technology, and the Office of Strategic Development. In July 2020, she made history as the agency’s 26th Superintendent—the first woman to hold the position in DSP’s 101-year history.

Col. Zebley’s tenure as Superintendent has been marked by innovation and progress. She co-led the Delaware State Police Leadership Development Program, one of the state’s premier leadership initiatives, which has benefited over 600 participants to date. Under her leadership, the DSP’s first Highway Safety Unit was established, a major step in enhancing safety on Delaware’s roads through strategic enforcement and public education.

Her dedication to public safety and advocacy for traffic safety were recognized when she received the AAMVA Lifetime Achievement in Roadway Safety in Law Enforcement Award. Additionally, she was inducted into the 2024 Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame for her broader contributions to Delaware’s communities.

Prioritizing the well-being of the DSP family, she was instrumental in the creation of the agency’s first-ever Wellness Unit, which includes a confidential peer support team. She also introduced a wellness app to support the mental health and overall well-being of DSP employees, their families, and retirees. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement officers drove these groundbreaking initiatives.

During her tenure as Superintendent in the Centennial year, Col. Zebley honored the legacy of those who served throughout the agency’s rich history. She paid tribute to the generations of public servants who built and expanded the DSP’s legacy, ensuring it continues to thrive and inspire those who follow.

Under her leadership, the DSP brand underwent a significant transformation, including modernizing the agency’s public image, as showcased during the 100th anniversary celebration. DSP’s social media platforms were also expanded to be more engaging under Col. Zebley’s leadership, thereby strengthening the connection with the communities served by the Delaware State Police.

Governor John Carney highlighted her impact, stating, “Throughout her more than 32-year career with the Delaware State Police, Col. Zebley has made a profound impact on our state. She’s a trailblazer who worked to not only protect our residents, but also her fellow officers—always striving to make the Delaware State Police stronger while supporting officer well-being. I want to thank her for taking on the challenge four years ago of leading our largest police agency and serving this state with distinction. I wish her all the best in retirement.”

Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Nathaniel McQueen Jr. echoed these sentiments, adding, “Colonel Zebley has excelled at every rank and exemplifies what it means to be a Delaware State Trooper. Her countless impactful contributions and accomplishments are sure to leave an indelible mark on the enduring history of the Delaware State Police. She leaves a legacy illustrated by her commitment to leadership, her strength of character, and her empathy and compassion for others. It has been a privilege to serve with Colonel Zebley throughout her career, and I wish her and her family all the best as she enters the next chapter of her life.”

Additionally, she led the celebration of Camp Barnes’ 75th anniversary, recognizing its long-standing role in shaping young lives and fostering leadership, friendship, and confidence for generations of Delaware’s youth.

Colonel Melissa Zebley’s retirement is not only the conclusion of a career defined by extraordinary achievement but also the closing of a chapter for an agency profoundly impacted by her leadership. The Delaware State Police will greatly miss her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication, and we wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement.

 

The post Delaware State Police Announce the Retirement of Colonel Melissa A. Zebley appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have arrested 31-year-old Steven Mauthe Jr of Smyrna, Delaware, following a burglary at a business in Townsend that occurred early October.

On October 9, 2024, at approximately 8:30 a.m., troopers responded to WDI Wright Designs, located at 4714 Dupont Parkway, Townsend, for a report of a burglary. The investigation revealed an unknown suspect wearing a face mask drove to the business in a side-by-side utility task vehicle (UTV). After the suspect unsuccessfully attempted to get into a storage container, a truck, and a trailer on the property, he cut the cable lock to access a shed, and stole scrap copper from inside, before damaging the chain-link fence to flee in the UTV.

Through investigative means, detectives identified Steven Mauthe Jr as the suspect in the burglary, and obtained a warrant for his arrest. On October 17, 2024, Mauthe was taken into custody near his residence by Smyrna Police Department detectives without incident.

He was transported to Smyrna Police Department 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 $9,000 secured bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Burglary Third Degree (Felony)
• Possession of Burglary Tools (Felony)
• Theft Over $1,500 (Felony)
• Criminal Mischief Over $1000

The post Detectives Arrest Smyrna Man for Townsend Business Burglary appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have arrested 46-year-old Christopher Russell of Milton, Delaware for home improvement fraud following multiple investigations.

Beginning in March of 2024, Troop 3 and Troop 4 Financial Crimes Detectives began investigating Christopher Russell of Great Outdoors Sunrooms and Shade Solutions for home improvement fraud. During the investigations, detectives learned that Russell had signed contracts with five victims, in Kent and Sussex Counties, to do construction work and received over $118,000 in payments. In all cases, Russell either never began or never completed these projects.

Detectives obtained warrants for his arrest and on October 18, 2024, Russell turned himself in at Troop 7. He was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $23,000 unsecured bond.

• Home Improvement Fraud Value is $50,000-$100,000 (Felony)
• Home Improvement Fraud $1,500 or More (Felony)
• Home Improvement Fraud by False Pretense $1,500 or More (Felony)
• Home Improvement Fraud by False Pretense $1,500 or More, Victim is over 62 (Felony) – 2 counts
• Theft over $1,500, Victim is over 62 (Felony) – 2 counts
• Theft over $1,500 (Felony) – 2 counts
• Theft by False Pretense over $1,500 (Felony)

Detectives are asking anyone who may have been defrauded by Russell in a similar manner to please contact Troop 3 Financial Crimes Unit for Kent County by calling (302)-697-4454 or Troop 4 Financial Crimes Unit for Sussex County by calling (302)-856-5850. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

The post State Police Detectives Arrest Milton Man for Home Improvement Fraud appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have arrested 39-year-old Byard Widdoes of Lewes, Delaware for felony drug charges Thursday morning.

On October 17, 2024, at approximately 7:21 a.m., troopers responded to Wawa, located at 17663 Dartmouth Drive in Lewes, for a report of an unconscious man in a maroon Nissan Rogue in the parking lot. When troopers arrived, they saw the man, later identified as Byard Widdoes, slumped over the steering wheel. Troopers contacted the Widdoes, and when he awoke, he appeared confused but did not require medical attention. When Widdoes exited the Rogue, he continuously put his hands in his pockets after being told not to. Troopers detained him, and during a search of his person they found drugs and drug paraphernalia. A computer inquiry revealed that Widdoes also had capias warrants for his arrest.

During a search of Widdoes and the Rogue, troopers discovered the following items:

• Approximately 9.52 grams of powder cocaine
• Approximately 1.31 grams of crystal methamphetamine
• Approximately 124.08 ml of liquid methamphetamine
• Approximately 32.20 ml of liquid testosterone
• Approximately 1.89 grams of heroin
• 1 Viagra pill
• 2 Oxycontin pills
• 2 Amphetamine pills
• 4 Acetaminophen/ Oxycodone pills
• Multiple pieces of drug paraphernalia

Widdoes was arrested and taken to Troop 7, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in an $83,500 cash bond.

• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 1 (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 7 counts
• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Counterfeit Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 8 counts

The post Troopers Arrest Lewes Man for Felony Drug Charges appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have identified 82-year-old Frank Wolf of Newark, Delaware, as the man who died in the two-vehicle fatal crash on October 17, 2024, in Newark.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash or might have more information to contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki by calling (302) 660-4267. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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

 

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

Incident Number:  50-24-39005

Date/Time: Friday, October 18th, 2024 at 8:59 p.m.

Location: Dover High School, 1 Dover High Drive, Dover, DE

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

Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Kameron Scott, 27, and Tony Benson Jr, 20, both of Dover, following a large fight/shots fired incident Friday evening. The investigation began at 8:59 p.m., following the Dover High School football game. Officers were on scene assisting with security at the game, when a large fight broke out at the entrance to the football stadium. While responding to break up the fight, Officers observed Scott fire a handgun into the air. Officers attempted to take Scott into custody, however he ran to a nearby apartment complex and was taken into custody after a foot chase. Benson Jr, who was involved in the fight, also ran toward the apartment complex and was taken into custody after a foot chase. Patrol Officers located a Taurus .38 special handgun in the area where Scott ran from Officers.

Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of this shooting incident.

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

Scott was committed to SCI on $55,000 cash bail on the following charges:
-Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
-Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
-Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone
-Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
-Riot
-Conspiracy Second Degree
-Resisting Arrest

Benson Jr. was released on his own recognizance on the following charges:
-Riot
-Conspiracy Second Degree
-Resisting Arrest

Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:

Dover Police Website

Facebook

X

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.

Delaware State Police have arrested 37-year-old Deshon Worrell of Wilmington, Delaware, in connection with an attempted armed robbery at New Castle area Bowlerma in May.

On May 13, 2024, at approximately 5:20 p.m., troopers responded to a report of an attempted armed robbery in the parking lot of the Bowlerama located at 3031 New Castle Avenue in New Castle. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown suspect approached a Bowlerama employee who was walking through the parking lot toward the entrance of the business with a bag containing business property. The suspect demanded the employee give him the bag while pointing a handgun at him. The employee complied, however, the suspect dropped the bag as he fled. The suspect then returned to the passenger seat of the unknown sedan he arrived in and fled toward New Castle Avenue.

Through investigative leads, detectives identified Deshon Worrell as one of the suspects involved in the incident and obtained a warrant for his arrest. On October 17, 2024, Worrell was apprehended by the Wilmington Police Department during a separate investigation.

Worrell was taken to the Wilmington Police Department where he was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $126,000 cash bond.

• Robbery First Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Reckless Endanger First Degree (Felony)

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective J. Dempsey by calling (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 have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post *Update – One Suspect Arrested* Detectives Investigating Attempted Armed Robbery at New Castle Area Bowlerama appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred in Newark last night that left one man dead.

On October 17, 2024, at approximately 7:11 p.m., a Toyota Avalon was traveling southbound, in the left turn lane, on Paper Mill Road approaching the intersection of Polly Drummond Hill Road. At the same time, a Nissan Rogue was traveling northbound on Paper Mill Road approaching Polly Drummond Hill Road. For reasons still under investigation, while the Toyota began making a left turn for Polly Drummond Hill Road, the Nissan also entered the intersection. As a result, the front of the Nissan struck the front of the Toyota. After the collision, the Nissan struck a curb causing it to overturn and hit a traffic signal pole.

The driver of the Toyota, an 82-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital where he died. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Nissan, a 25-year-old woman from Newark, Delaware, and a 3-year-old child were taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately six 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 crash or might have more information to contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki by calling (302) 660-4267. 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 Two-Vehicle Crash in Newark appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Incident Number:  50-24-38819

Date/Time: Thursday, October 17th, 2024 between 2:00 p.m. and 2:50 p.m.

Location: Unit Block of Pewter Court, Dover, DE

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

Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred Thursday afternoon. The investigation began when Officers responded to a residence in the unit block of Pewter Court for the report of a burglary. Upon arrival, Officers made contact with the victim. The ensuing investigation revealed that while the victim was not home, an unknown suspect entered the house, removed property belonging to the victim, and left.

There are no leads to release 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:

Dover Police Website

Facebook

X

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is asking for the public’s help in identifying suspects in a homicide that occurred in Laurel last year.

On October 29, 2023, at approximately 2:47 p.m., Laurel Police Department and Delaware State Troopers responded to a reported shooting on the 500 block of West 7th Street in the town limits of Laurel. When officers arrived, they located 18-year-old Kylee Robinson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the porch of a residence. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Two additional victims, a 15-year-old male and a 13-year-old male, were located on the porch, suffering from gunshot wounds to the lower extremities and taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Due to the nature of the investigation, the Laurel Police Department requested that the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assume the investigation. The investigation revealed two unknown black male suspects approached the victims on foot and started shooting. After numerous rounds were fired, the suspects fled on foot in a western direction.

 

 

The Homicide Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about the identity of the suspects to contact Detective M. Csapo by calling 302-741-2729. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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 *Attempt to Identify* Delaware State Police Detectives Investigating a Homicide in Laurel appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have arrested 24-year-old Luis Lucas-Mendez of Georgetown, Delaware for vehicular homicide, DUI, and related charges following a fatal crash that left two people dead.

On October 6, 2024, at approximately 01:34 a.m., a 2016 Nissan Rogue was traveling southbound on Sussex Highway in the left lane, south of Cannon Road. At the same time, a 2005 Honda Pilot was traveling northbound, also in the left southbound lane on Sussex Highway, into the Rogue’s path of travel. As a result, the front of the Rogue struck the front of the Pilot in the left southbound lane of Sussex Highway.

The driver of the Rogue, a 22-year-old man from Washington, D.C. and a back seat passenger, an 18-year-old woman from Bethesda, Maryland, were taken to an area hospital for critical injuries. Two other passengers, 22-year-old Eric Staley of Fayetteville, North Carolina and 18-year-old Makayla Belton of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Pilot, Luis Lucas-Mendez, was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. A passenger, a 40-year-old man from Georgetown, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital with critical injuries. The investigation revealed that Lucas-Mendez was driving under the influence at the time of the crash.

On October 9, 2024, after being released from the hospital, Lucas-Mendez was arrested and taken to Troop 2. He was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $30,201 cash bond.

• Vehicular Homicide 2^nd Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
• Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Vehicular Assault 2^nd Degree – 3 counts
• Driving Under the Influence
• Driving without a Valid License
• Failure to have Insurance Identification in Possession
• Failure to Drive in Proper Lane and Direction

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 *Update – Suspect Arrested* State Police Investigating Two-Vehicle Fatal Crash in Seaford appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police arrested 44-year-old Nick Oliveras of Cambridge, Maryland, and 42-year-old George Brown of Wilmington, Delaware, for receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance on Wednesday evening.

On October 16, 2024, at approximately 7:40 p.m., members of the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force patrolling the area of New Castle Avenue and Rogers Road, located a Honda Accord that had been reported stolen out of Cambridge, Maryland, following a registration computer check. Detectives stopped the Honda in the area of New Castle Avenue and Claymont Street. The driver, identified as Nick Oliveras, and the passenger, identified as George Brown, were contacted and taken into custody without incident. A computer inquiry revealed that Oliveras had active arrest warrants issued by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 and the Attleboro Police Department, New Jersey. A computer inquiry revealed that Brown had an active arrest warrant issued by the Delaware State Police Troop 2. Detectives also discovered Brown was in possession of approximately 8.05 grams of crack cocaine in the jacket’s pocket during the search incident to arrest.

Oliveras was charged with the crime listed below at Troop 2, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $2,000 unsecured bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Receiving Stolen Property Value Over $1500 (Felony)

---

Brown was charged with the crime listed below at Troop 2, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $2,000 unsecured bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)

The post New Castle County Governor’s Task Force Arrest Pair in Stolen Vehicle appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have identified 28-year-old Joshua Reynoso-Velasquez of Seaford, Delaware, as the man who died in the single-vehicle fatal crash on October 16, 2024, in Greenwood.

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 R. Albert by calling (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].

 

 

The post *Update – Victim Identified* State Police Investigating Single-Vehicle Fatal Collision in Greenwood appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police arrested 37-year-old Matthew Daniels of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 32-year-old Eric Flowers of Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, for their role in a robbery that took place at the Red Roof Inn and Suites in New Castle this past July.

On July 2, 2024, at approximately 3:18 a.m., troopers responded to an armed robbery at Red Roof Inn and Suites, located at 1612 North Dupont Highway. The investigation revealed two suspects, later identified as Dametris Graham and Alexis Smith, entered the hotel and demanded money from the desk clerk. During the robbery, Graham jumped over the counter and threatened the clerk with a knife. The clerk complied, and both suspects fled the scene. No one was injured during the incident.

Through investigative leads, detectives identified two additional suspects involved in the robbery: Matthew Daniels and Eric Flowers. Arrest warrants were issued for all suspects. Graham was taken into custody on August 19, 2024. [Link to news release for further details].

On September 27, 2024, Eric Flowers was arrested at his residence in Brookhaven and transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with the following offenses, arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $62,000 cash bond:

 

• Robbery First Degree (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

---

On October 14, 2024, Matthew Daniels was extradited from Philadelphia to Troop 2. He was charged with the following offenses, arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $20,500 cash bond:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Robbery First Degree (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

---

Wanted Suspect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The third suspect, Alexis Smith, remains at large and is wanted for Robbery First Degree and Conspiracy Second Degree. The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of Alexis Smith to contact Detective D. Armstrong at (302) 365-8440 or by calling 9-1-1. 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 Two Additional Arrests Made; Detectives Seek Public’s Help to Locate Final Suspect in New Castle Motel Robbery appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery that occurred at a Walgreen’s in Newark.

On October 15, 2024, at approximately 9:20 a.m., troopers responded to Walgreen’s, located at 4114 Ogletown-Stanton Road in Newark, for a late report of a robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed that on October 9, 2024, at approximately 3:32 p.m., an unknown white male suspect entered the business, broke the glass on a display case, and removed merchandise. When an employee attempted to contact the suspect as he was fleeing the store, he threatened to shoot the employee. No weapon was displayed, and no one was hurt.

The suspect is described as an unknown white male, last seen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, a black knit hat, gray sweatpants, and black and white sneakers.

The Delaware State Police Troop 6 continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has relevant information to contact Senior Corporal A. Wingate at (302) 633-5000. 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 Troopers Investigating Robbery in Newark appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have identified 37-year-old Terry Milbourne of Newark, Delaware, as the man who died in a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run crash on October 11, 2024, in Newark.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash or might have more information to contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki by calling (302) 365-8488. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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

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

Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred early this morning in Greenwood.

On October 16, 2024, at approximately 4:51 a.m., a Kia Sorento was travelling eastbound on Shawnee Road west of Memory Road. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Kia failed to negotiate a curve, left the north side of the road, striking a telephone box and a gas line. The Kia re-entered Shawnee Road then left the south side of the road and struck a tree.

The driver, a 28-year-old man from Seaford, Delaware, was not properly restrained and was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

Shawnee Road was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated the and cleared.

 

 

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 R. Albert by calling (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].

The post State Police Investigating Single-Vehicle Fatal Collision in Greenwood appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Federal Trade Commission today announced a final “click-to-cancel” rule that will require sellers to make it as easy for consumers to cancel their enrollment as it was to sign up. Most of the final rule’s provisions will go into effect 180 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

“Too often, businesses make people jump through endless hoops just to cancel a subscription,” said Commission Chair Lina M. Khan. “The FTC’s rule will end these tricks and traps, saving Americans time and money. Nobody should be stuck paying for a service they no longer want.”

Image

The Commission’s updated rule will apply to almost all negative option programs in any media. The rule also will prohibit sellers from misrepresenting any material facts while using negative option marketing; require sellers to provide important information before obtaining consumers’ billing information and charging them; and require sellers to get consumers’ informed consent to the negative option features before charging them.

The final rule announced today is part of the FTC’s ongoing review of its 1973 Negative Option Rule, which the agency is modernizing to combat unfair or deceptive practices related to subscriptions, memberships, and other recurring-payment programs in an increasingly digital economy where it’s easier than ever for businesses to sign up consumers for their products and services.

Commission approval and publication follows the March 2023 announcement of a notice of proposed rulemaking which resulted in more than 16,000 comments from consumers and federal and state government agencies, consumer groups, and trade associations.

While negative option marketing programs can be convenient for sellers and consumers, the FTC receives thousands of complaints about negative option and recurring subscription practices each year. The number of complaints has been steadily increasing over the past five years and in 2024 the Commission received nearly 70 consumer complaints per day on average, up from 42 per day in 2021.

The final rule will provide a consistent legal framework by prohibiting sellers from:

• misrepresenting any material fact made while marketing goods or services with a negative option feature;
• failing to clearly and conspicuously disclose material terms prior to obtaining a consumer’s billing information in connection with a negative option feature;
• failing to obtain a consumer’s express informed consent to the negative option feature before charging the consumer; and
• failing to provide a simple mechanism to cancel the negative option feature and immediately halt charges.

Following an evaluation of public comments, the Commission has voted to adopt a final rule with certain changes, most notably dropping a requirement that sellers provide annual reminders to consumers of the negative option feature of their subscription, and dropping a prohibition on sellers telling consumers seeking to cancel their subscription about plan modifications or reasons to keep to their existing agreement without first asking if they want to hear about them.

The Commission vote approving publication of the final rule in the Federal Register was 3-2, with Commissioners Melissa Holyoak and Andrew N. Ferguson voting no. Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter issued a separate statement and Commissioner Holyoak issued a separate dissenting statement.

FTC staff has developed a fact sheet summarizing the changes to the rule. The primary staffer on this matter is Katherine Johnson in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Delaware State Police have arrested 39-year-old Kevin Graves of Fort Washington, Maryland following a crash that occurred Sunday night in Rehoboth Beach.

On October 13, 2024, at approximately 6:37 p.m., a trooper on patrol saw a white Ford Flex speeding southbound on Coastal Highway near Sylvan Acres Road with no headlights on. The trooper pulled the car over and spoke to the driver, identified as Kevin Graves. When the trooper returned to his vehicle, the Flex sped away from the traffic stop and a pursuit ensued. The trooper quickly lost sight of the Flex and terminated the pursuit for the safety of other motorists. The Flex was later seen travelling southbound on Coastal Highway driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed, with no headlights on, when it crashed into four vehicles that were stopped for the red light at Coastal Highway and Miller Road. After the crash, Graves fled the scene on foot, troopers searched the area but were unable to locate him. Later in the evening, troopers found Graves near the crash scene, and he was ultimately taken into custody after resisting arrest.

An occupant in one of the vehicles hit by Graves, an 18-year-old woman from Georgetown, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. No one else was injured as a result of the crash.

Graves was taken to Troop 7, 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 $4,700 secured bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest with Violence (Felony)
• Vehicular Assault 3^rd Degree
• Leaving the Scene of an Injury Crash
• Reckless Driving
• Several Traffic Violations

The post Troopers Arrest Maryland Man for Multiple Offenses Following Crash in Rehoboth Beach appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have arrested 32-year-old Brandon Thompson of Frederica, Delaware, for multiple felony offenses following a pursuit last night near Frederica.

On October 14, 2024, at approximately 8:00 p.m. members of the Kent County Governor’s Task Force were on patrol when they saw an Audi A6 fail to signal when turning into a driveway on Old Beach Road near Frederica. Detectives attempted to pull the Audi over, but it sped away southbound. During the pursuit, detectives saw the driver, later identified as Brandon Thompson, throw objects out of the car while driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed. The Audi eventually came to a stop on Old Beach Road near Bowers Beach Road after detectives successfully deployed stop sticks. Thompson was taken into custody without incident and during a search of the Audi, detectives located drug paraphernalia. Detectives also found two bags that were thrown from the Audi that contained approximately 15.06 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 14.10 grams of powder cocaine.

Thompson was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and was released after posting a $13,204 secured bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony) – 2 counts
• Tampering with Physical Evidence (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Multiple Traffic Violations

The post Kent County Governor’s Task Force Arrest Frederica Man Following Pursuit appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run crash that occurred Friday night in Newark that left one man dead.

On October 11, 2024, at approximately 7:26 p.m., an unknown vehicle was travelling eastbound on East Chestnut Hill Road east of Marrows Road. At the same time, a pedestrian was walking southbound across the eastbound lanes of East Chestnut Hill Road. The investigation revealed that the unknown vehicle struck the pedestrian and fled the scene eastbound on East Chestnut Hill Road.

The victim, a 37-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital with critical injuries. On October 14, 2024, he died as a result of his injuries. His name is being withheld until his family has been notified.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash or might have more information to contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki by calling (302) 365-8488. 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 Hit and Run Crash in Newark appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have identified 20-year-old John Cardona-Esquea of Georgetown, Delaware, as the man who died in a fatal two-vehicle crash on October 10, 2024, near Georgetown.

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 R. Albert by calling (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].

 

The post *Update – Victim Identified* State Police Investigating Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash Near Georgetown appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have identified 66-year-old Sherman Jackson as the man who died in a single-vehicle fatal crash in Milton on October 13, 2024.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact Senior Corporal J. Smith at (302) 703-3267. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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

The post *Update—Victim Identified* State Police Investigating Single-Vehicle Fatal Collision in Milton appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred in Capitol Park yesterday evening.

On October 12, 2024, at approximately 7:25 p.m., troopers responded to a reported shooting at a residence in the 100 block of S. Governors Boulevard.  A preliminary investigation revealed that a 17-year-old male and an acquaintance were standing outside the home when an unknown suspect approached, looking for the victim. The suspect then shot the victim in the leg before fleeing the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was described as a black male, with no additional description. There is no surveillance footage at this time.

 

 

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.  Troopers are asking anyone who has information or witnesses the incident to contact Detective B. Yencer at (302) 698-8429. 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 Capitol Park Shooting appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police arrested 36-year-old Terence Savage in connection with an armed robbery and vehicle theft that occurred last month in Millsboro.

On September 29, 2024, at approximately 5:15 a.m., troopers responded to a reported armed robbery near the intersection of Hollyville Road and Mount Joy Road. The investigation revealed that two victims, a male and a female, had driven to the location together to meet an acquaintance. When the female victim exited their vehicle to enter another car with the suspect, she was robbed at gunpoint, and the suspect stole an undisclosed amount of cash. Meanwhile, a second unidentified suspect forced the male victim out of the vehicle, which was then stolen. The vehicle was later recovered by detectives.

On September 30, 2024, Terence Savage was apprehended following a pursuit involving the stolen vehicle. He was arrested and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution (SCI) on a $43,100 cash bond.

Further investigative efforts have now identified Savage as the second suspect involved in the September 29th armed robbery. On October 11, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued, charging him with the offenses listed below. Savage remains in custody at SCI, where he is being held on an additional $7000 cash bond for the new charges.

• Robbery 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

The post *Update—Second Suspect Arrested* State Police Investigating Armed Robbery and Vehicle Theft in Millsboro appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have identified 29-year-old Keith Turner-Simmons as the man who died in the three-vehicle fatal crash in New Castle on October 12, 2024.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact Sergeant J. Jefferson at (302) 365-8484. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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

The post *Update—Victim Identified* State Police Investigating Three-Vehicle Fatal Crash in New Castle appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred early this morning in Milton.

On October 13, 2024, at approximately 12:13 a.m., a 66-year-old Lewes man was driving eastbound on Stockley Road, west of Beaver Dam Road, in a Toyota Corolla. A preliminary investigation suggests the vehicle was traveling at a high speed when, for unknown reasons, it veered off the south side of the road. The vehicle struck a mailbox in the 29000 block of Stockley Road, continued through the front yard of a residence, and ultimately crashed into a tree.

The driver, who was not properly seat-belted, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is being withheld until his family is notified.

Stockley Road was closed for approximately two and a half hours while the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the crash and cleared the roadway.

The investigation is ongoing, and troopers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash 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 Single-Vehicle Fatal Collision in Milton appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving three vehicles that occurred early this morning in New Castle.

On October 12, 2024, at approximately 4:18 a.m., a 45-year-old man from Bear, Delaware, was driving a Hyundai Tucson southbound on I-95 in the right center lane near Churchmans Marsh. At the same time, a 29-year-old man from New Castle, Delaware, was driving a Kia Forte alongside the Hyundai in the right lane. A 61-year-old man from Mineral Point, Wisconsin, had pulled his Freightliner bucket truck onto the right shoulder of I-95 to check his vehicle.

For reasons still under investigation, the Kia entered the right shoulder and collided with the stationary bucket truck, which was still occupied by its driver. The force of the crash caused the Kia to rebound into the center lane, where it struck the Hyundai. The driver of the Kia, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle.

The driver of the Hyundai was uninjured. The driver of the bucket truck was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Kia was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is being withheld until his family is notified.

The southbound lanes of I-95 were closed for approximately three hours while the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the crash and cleared the roadway.

 

 

The investigation is ongoing, and troopers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact Sergeant J. Jefferson at (302) 365-8484. 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 Three-Vehicle Fatal Crash in New Castle appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred early yesterday morning in Smyrna.

On October 11, 2024, at approximately 5:48 a.m., a 65-year-old Dover, Delaware, man was driving a Kenworth dump truck northbound on South Dupont Boulevard, just north of Spring Meadow Drive. A 20-year-old Dover, Delaware, woman was following behind the dump truck in a Ford Ranger. At the time, a 31-year-old pedestrian from Wilmington, Delaware, was standing in the grass median of South Dupont Boulevard, north of Spring Meadow Drive. She entered the roadway directly in front of the dump truck, resulting in a collision. She eventually fell onto the roadway and was run over by the Ford Ranger.

Neither driver was injured in the crash. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. She was later identified as Charisma Whaley.

The northbound lanes of South Dupont Boulevard were closed for approximately three and a half hours while the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the crash and cleared the roadway.

The investigation remains ongoing. Troopers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact Master Corporal W. Booth at (302) 698-8451. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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 Smyrna appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

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

 

Click on the image to see the complete profile

 

 

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

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

 

Click on the image to see the complete profile

 

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

Delaware State Police have arrested 62-year-old John Rickards of Dagsboro, Delaware, for multiple felony drug charges and receiving stolen property following a search warrant at a Dagsboro residence.

On October 10, 2024, members of the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force and the Sussex County Drug Unit, executed a search warrant at a house on the 32000 block of Dupont Boulevard in Dagsboro. The search warrant was obtained following a three-month investigation of Rickards for a criminal nuisance property as well as the manufacturing and distribution of illegal narcotics. During the search warrant, detectives detained nine individuals that were located on the property, including Rickards.

A search of the property led to the discovery of the following items:

• Approximately 197.02 grams marijuana
• Approximately 2.03 grams cocaine
• Approximately 2.85 grams of methamphetamines
• Approximately 0.12 grams of crack cocaine
• Drug paraphernalia and digital scales
• $641 in suspected drug proceeds
• Stolen John Deere Gator UTV
• Several stolen power tools

After a search of the property, four of the nine individuals detained were arrested for misdemeanor offenses and capias warrants. The others were released without incident.

Rickards 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 $59,000 cash bond.

• Operating a Clandestine Laboratory (Felony)
• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 3 counts
• Maintaining a Drug Property (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 1 (Felony)
• Receiving Stolen Property over $1,500 (Felony)
• Receiving Stolen Property under $1,500 – 3 counts
• Resisting Arrest
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 3 counts
• Criminal Nuisance – Maintaining a Place for Unlawful Conduct

The post Search Warrant in Dagsboro Leads to Arrest for Drug Offenses and Stolen Property appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred near Georgetown yesterday that left one man dead.

On October 10, 2024, at approximately 2:33 p.m., a Peterbilt 567 roll-off container truck was traveling westbound on Hardscrabble Road approaching Landfill Lane. At the same time, a Nissan Sentra was travelling eastbound on Hardscrabble Road approaching Landfill Lane. The preliminary investigation revealed, the Peterbilt initiated a left turn for Landfill Lane, into the Sentra’s path of travel. As a result, the Sentra attempted to swerve to the right, however the front of the Sentra hit the front left side of the Peterbilt.

The driver of the Sentra, a 20-year-old man from Georgetown, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital where he died. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Peterbilt, a 30-year-old man from Seaford, Delaware, was not injured.

The Hardscrabble 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 witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal R. Albert by calling (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].

The post State Police Investigating Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash Near Georgetown appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The following images contain the newest Megan’s Law Sex Offender Notifications for the City of Dover.  If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the Dover Police Sex Offender Enforcement Unit.

Delaware State Police have arrested 29-year-old Takeya Benson, 24-year-old Samuel Horton, and 33-year-old Clarence Sullivan, all of Magnolia, Delaware, for felony drug charges following a search warrant at a Magnolia residence.

On October 8, 2024, members of the Kent County Governor’s Task Force and Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team, executed a search warrant at a house on Nascar Lane in Magnolia. The search warrant was obtained following an investigation of Benson and Horton and the distribution of illegal narcotics from the property.  During the search warrant, detectives detained six individuals that were located on the property, including Benson, Horton, and Sullivan and saw Sullivan attempting to discard narcotics out of a window.

A search of the property and vehicles led to the discovery of the following items:

• Approximately 182.46 grams crack cocaine
• Approximately 72.04 grams cocaine
• Approximately 88.65 grams heroin
• Approximately 75.76 grams psilocybin mushrooms
• 3 Oxycodone pills
• $1,182 USC in suspected drug dealing proceeds
• Drug paraphernalia and digital scales

After a search of the property, two of the six individuals detained were arrested for misdemeanor offenses and capias warrants. One was released without incident. Benson, Horton, and Sullivan were all taken to Troop 3 where they were charged with multiple crimes.

Benson was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $148,400 cash bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony)
• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Maintaining a Drug Property (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

---

Horton was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $422,400 cash bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony) – 3 counts
• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 3 counts
• Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

---

Sullivan was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $10,000 cash bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 1 (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony)
• Tampering with Physical Evidence (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

The post Search Warrant in Magnolia Leads to Arrests for Drug Offenses appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Update – The Dover Police Department is cancelling the Gold Alert for Judah Sanford. He has been located and is safe.

**ORIGINAL POST**

Incident/Complaint#:  50-24-37747

Date:  Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 at 7:03 p.m.

Location: 100 Block of Lexington Place, Dover, DE

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Judah Sanford, 17, of Dover, DE. Sanford has not been seen or heard from since 7:11 p.m. on October 9th and there is a concern for his safety. Attempts to locate him have been unsuccessful. Sanford is described as a black male, 5’10”, 170 pounds, with dreadlocked hair. Sanford was last seen leaving a residence in the 100 block of Lexington Place at 7:11 p.m. At the time, he was wearing a black Northface jacket and black sweatpants.

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

The Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF)

The interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) plays a huge rule in how the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere. In this article we will learn what the interplanetary magnetic field is and how it affects auroral activity here on Earth.

*** LIVE VIEW OF THE SOLAR WIND AND IMF CONDITIONS ***

The Sun’s magnetic field

During solar minimum, the magnetic field of the Sun looks similar to Earth’s magnetic field. It looks a bit like an ordinary bar magnet with closed lines close to the equator and open field lines near the poles. Scientist call those areas a dipole. The dipole field of the Sun is about as strong as a magnet on a refrigerator (around 50 gauss). The magnetic field of the Earth is about 100 times weaker.

Around solar maximum, when the Sun reaches her maximum activity, many sunspots are visible on the visible solar disk. These sunspots are filled with magnetism and large magnetic field lines which run material along them. These field lines are often hundreds of times stronger than the surrounding dipole. This causes the magnetic field around the Sun to be a very complex magnetic field with many disturbed field lines.

The magnetic field of our Sun doesn’t stay around the Sun itself. The solar wind carries it through the Solar System until it reaches the heliopause. The heliopause is the place where the solar wind comes to a stop and where it collides with the interstellar medium. Because the Sun turns around her axis (once in about 25 days) the interplanetary magnetic field has a spiral shape which is called the Parker Spiral.

B_t value

The Bt value of the interplanetary magnetic field indicates the total strength of the interplanetary magnetic field. It is a combined measure of the magnetic field strength in the north-south, east-west, and towards-Sun vs. away-from-Sun directions. The higher this value, the better it is for enhanced geomagnetic conditions. We speak of a moderately strong total interplanetary magnetic field when the Bt exceeds 10nT. Strong values start at 20nT and we speak of a very strong total interplanetary magnetic field when values exceed 30nT. The units are in nano-Tesla (nT) — named after Nikola Tesla, the famous physicist, engineer and inventor.

B_x, B_y and B_z

The interplanetary magnetic field is a vector quantity with a three axis component, two of which (Bx and By) are orientated parallel to the ecliptic. The Bx and By components are not important for auroral activity and are therefor not featured on our website. The third component, the Bz value is perpendicular to the ecliptic and is created by waves and other disturbances in the solar wind.

Interaction with Earth’s magnetosphere

The north-south direction of the interplanetary magnetic field (Bz) is the most important ingredient for auroral activity. When the north-south direction (Bz) of the the interplanetary magnetic field is orientated southward, it will connect with Earth’s magnetosphere which points northward. Think of the ordinary bar magnets that you have at home. Two opposite poles attract each other! A (strong) southward Bz can create havoc with Earth’s magnetic field, disrupting the magnetosphere and allowing particles to rain down into our atmosphere along Earth’s magnetic field lines. When these particles collide with the oxygen and nitrogen atoms that make up our atmosphere, it causes them to glow and emit light which we see as aurora.

For a geomagnetic storm to develop it is vital that the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field (Bz) turns southward. Continues values of -10nT and lower are good indicators that a geomagnetic storm could develop but the lower this value goes the better it is for auroral activity. Only during extreme events with high solar wind speeds it is possible for a geomagnetic storm (Kp5 or higher) to develop with a northward Bz.

It is important to note that we still cannot predict (accurately and consistently) the Bz(t) i.e. the strength, orientation and duration of the north-south interplanetary magnetic field component Bz of an incoming solar wind structure. We do not know what the solar wind and magnetic field characteristics are until it arrives at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (fixed point in space between the Earth and the Sun about 1.5 million kilometers away from the Earth) where satellites measure the properties of the incoming solar wind. We are going to learn more about this in the next paragraph.

Measuring the interplanetary magnetic field

The real-time solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field data that you can find on this website come from the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite which is stationed in an orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1. This is a point in space which is always located between the Sun and Earth where the gravity of the Sun and Earth have an equal pull on satellites meaning they can remain in a stable orbit around this point. This point is ideal for solar missions like DSCOVR, as this gives DSCOVR the opportunity to measure the parameters of the solar wind and the interplanetary magnetic field before it arrives at Earth. This gives us a 15 to 60 minute warning time (depending on the solar wind speed) as to what kind of solar wind structures are on their way to Earth.

The Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) mission is now the primary source for real-time solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field data but there is one more satellite at the Sun-Earth L1 point that measures the incoming solar wind and and that is the Advanced Composition Explorer. This satellite used to be the primary real-time space weather data source up until July 2016 when DSCOVR become fully operational. The Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) satellite is still collecting data and now operates mostly as a backup to DSCOVR.

The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $449,000 in refunds to consumers who were harmed by American Vehicle Protection Corp., which engaged in a telemarketing scam that involved calling hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide to pitch expensive “extended automobile warranties” using deceptive telemarketing tactics.

The FTC took action against American Vehicle Protection in 2022, charging that the operation made illegal sales calls in which it pretended to represent car dealers and manufacturers, and  made false claims that its products offered “bumper to bumper” protection. To settle the charges, the defendants agreed to a lifetime ban from any outbound telemarketing business and from any involvement with extended automobile warranty sales and paid a monetary judgement.

As a result of the settlement, the FTC is sending checks to 18,255 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, Analytics, at 833-889-7400, 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.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-24-37747

Date:  Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 at 7:03 p.m.

Location: 100 Block of Lexington Place, Dover, DE

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Judah Sanford, 17, of Dover, DE. Sanford has not been seen or heard from since 7:11 p.m. on October 9th and there is a concern for his safety. Attempts to locate him have been unsuccessful. Sanford is described as a black male, 5’10”, 170 pounds, with dreadlocked hair. Sanford was last seen leaving a residence in the 100 block of Lexington Place at 7:11 p.m. At the time, he was wearing a black Northface jacket and black sweatpants.

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

The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a road rage incident that resulted in a shooting in Middletown on October 6, 2024.

At approximately 6:12 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a shooting involving two men in the 100 block of Knights Bridge Road. The preliminary investigation indicates that the incident involved a 41-year-old male from New Castle, Delaware, and a 50-year-old male from Middletown, Delaware.

The interaction between the two individuals escalated, resulting in the 41-year-old man being shot in the chest. He was transported to a local hospital and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. No other individuals were harmed during the incident.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. No charges have been filed at this time, and troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has relevant information to contact Detective H. Carroll at (302) 365-8467. 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 Road Rage Shooting in Middletown appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have arrested 80-year-old Priscilla Schoolfield of Frankford, Delaware for child abuse after an incident with a student on a school bus.

On September 23, 2024, Delaware State Police were notified by Indian River School District of an incident that occurred between a school bus aide and a student. During the investigation, detectives learned that on September 16, 2024, a bus contracted for the Indian River School District Early Learning Center, picked up a 4-year-old student at a bus stop near their residence. As the student got on the bus, the bus aide, identified as Priscilla Schoolfield, pushed the student to the rear of the bus, forcefully shoved the student into a seat, then struck the student.

On October 8, 2024, Schoolfield was arrested and taken to Troop 4, where she was charged with the crime listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on her own recognizance.

• Child Abuse 3^rd Degree (Felony)

The post School Bus Aide Arrested for Child Abuse appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Delaware State Police have arrested 24-year-old Michael Smith of Claymont, Delaware, in connection with an armed robbery at Papa John’s last week.

On October 1, 2024, at approximately 3:00 a.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Papa John’s. The investigation revealed that an unidentified male suspect entered the store and confronted two store employees. The suspect brandished a gun and demanded money. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect fled the store.

Through investigative leads, Michael Smith was identified as the suspect involved in the robbery. On October 8, 2024, detectives located Smith near a bus stop at the intersection of Carvel Avenue and New Jersey Avenue in New Castle. At the time, Smith was accompanied by a child, who is a relative. Upon making contact, Smith fled the area, leaving the child behind. After a brief foot pursuit, troopers apprehended him without further incident.

Smith was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $52,000 cash bond.

• Robbery First Degree- 2 counts (Felony)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child
• Resisting Arrest

The post *Update— Suspect Arrested* State Police Investigating Armed Robbery at Papa John’s appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

On October 8, 2024, at approximately 4:14 P.M. the Newark Police Department was notified by staff at Newark Charter School and by New Castle County Police that they had received reports that a school bus driver had made students leave the bus and get…