DSP News Release:  State Police Arrest Trooper in Stalking Investigation

Released Friday April 8, 2011 @ 10:00 a.m.

Ocean View-The Delaware State Police are announcing the arrest of Ryan J. Mitchell, 36 of Frankford, Delaware in connection with a Stalking complaint lodged on April 5, 2011. 

Ryan J. Mitchell has been employed as a Delaware State Trooper for 15 years and is assigned to Delaware State Police Troop 4 Georgetown Delaware, as the Sergeant/supervisor of the Major Crimes Division.  Mitchell was responsible for overseeing detectives investigating Robberies, Serious Assaults and additional crimes against persons. 

Delaware State Police on April 4, 2011 were notified of the harassment / stalking case involving Mitchell.  As a result of the complaint filed, State Police investigators immediately launched a criminal investigation into the allegations made against Mitchell. 

Investigators reviewed a significant amount of emails, letters, and phone messages sent from Mitchell to a 38 year old Sussex County woman.  The emails were dated February 27, 2011 through April 5, 2011.  Many of the emails were sent to the victim’s place of employment. 

The emails and letters contained descriptive unwanted and unsolicited statements concerning the victim’s physical appearance.  The emails additionally expressed Mitchell’s feelings for the victim, which caused her significant emotional distress. 

After having interviewed the victim concerning the specifics of the allegations Delaware State Police made contact with Mitchell and immediately placed him on suspension during the ongoing investigation.  Mitchell additionally was advised to not have any further contact with the victim. 

While continuing the investigation into Mitchell’s misconduct, Delaware State Police received additional information indicating that Mitchell was continuing to have inappropriate contact with the victim.  This contact was in the form of additional emails. 

State Police took Mitchell into custody on Thursday evening April 7, 2011 and formally charged him with 1 count of Stalking (Felony).  Mitchell was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on $500.00 unsecured bond.