Delaware State Police
News Release

Sussex Pair Jailed on Robbery Charges

Released Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Lewes – The Delaware State Police have arrested two persons in connection with a recent robbery of Easy Money Group located on Coastal Highway in Lewes.

The investigation began after 911 was called on January 2, 2009 at approximately 6:00 pm reporting that a robbery just occurred at the aforementioned business. Investigators learned an unknown white male entered the Easy Money Group lending business wearing a partial mask in an attempt to conceal his identity from the clerk. Additionally, he placed his hand under his shirt to make it appear as if he had a weapon. The suspect then gave the clerk a plastic grocery bag and told her to give him all the money in the bag.

 

The mask however did not conceal his eyes, nose or mouth, thus allowing the clerk to get a good visual of his identity. The clerk informed investigators she knew the identity of the suspect as James I. Sweeten, 27 of Seaford. Detectives learned the clerk was familiar with Sweeten because their company had recently repossessed his vehicle (a Mazda 626) due to him not making payments. 

 

The investigation also revealed Sweeten has continually called their business and complained about the repossession and the fact that when they repossessed the vehicle, he is claiming that his transmission was damaged. During the robbery, Sweeten got away with approximately $2,015.00. 

 

Records on file with the business included a photograph of Sweeten of which employees used to positively identify him as the robber. As investigators continued the investigation they learned that Brandi M. Jackson, 24 of Millsboro assisted in the robbery by driving Sweeten to the robbery, waiting for him as he committed the robbery and fleeing the scene with him after he committed the crime.

As a result of the investigation, Sweeten was arrested without incident on January 11, 2009 for Robbery 1^st degree and Wearing a Disguise during the Commission of a Felony. He was remanded to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of a $40,000 cash only bail.

Jackson was arrested on January 12, 2009 and charged with Robbery 1^st degree and Conspiracy 2^nd degree. She was remanded to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Center in lieu of an $11,000.00 secured bail.

 

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