DSP News Release: Smyrna Man Charged in Kent County Commercial AC Unit Thefts

Location: 

• Wolf Creek Blvd Dover, De
• S. Red Haven Lane Dover, De

DATE and TIME:  

• Between July 14^th and 18^th 2011

Victim(s):

• Jefferson Urian Doane Sterner Inc, CPA, Wolfe Creek Business Complex
• Delaware Health Information, Wolfe Creek Business Complex
• Endocrinology Consultant, Wolfe Creek Business Complex
• Kent County Public Library, Longacre Village Shopping Center
• Dynamic Physical Therapy, Longacre Village Shopping Center

Defendant(s) Charge(s) and Bond Information:  

• Jan M. Edwards-30 Smyrna, De
• 5 counts Theft $1,500 or Greater
• Selling Stolen Property Value over $1,500
• Theft Under $1,500
• 6 counts Criminal Mischief Under $1,000
• James T. Vaughn Correctional Center $8,000 secured bond

Resume:

Dover-Delaware State Police have been investigating numerous thefts of commercial air conditioning units in Central Kent County Delaware in the month of July.  During the overnight hours between July 14^th and July 15^th four commercial sized air conditioning units were stolen from businesses located in the Wolf Creek Business complex on Wolf Creek Boulevard adjacent to S. State Street Dover Delaware. 

During the overnight hours between July 15^th and July 18^th a total three commercial air conditioning units were stolen from the Kent County Public Library and Dynamic Physical Therapy.

After conducting an extensive investigation into these recent thefts, Delaware State Police detectives were able to link Jan M. Edwards-30 of Smyrna Delaware to this theft investigation. 

While committing each of these thefts, Edwards would cut the copper wiring connected to the air conditioning units causing approximately $200.00 damage each time.  Edwards then loaded the units into his vehicle and fled the area.  The approximately total value of the units stolen is $28,000. 

After appropriating the air conditioning units Edwards would dismantle them and sell the parts to area scrap dealers for cash.  (The amount earned by Edwards is still under investigation). 

Wednesday July 20, 2011 Edwards was arrested on 13 charges related to Theft, Criminal Mischief, and Selling Stolen Property.  Edwards was arraigned and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in lieu of $8,000 secured bond.