Hartly- The Delaware State Police have arrested four suspects after a theft of firearms investigation led to the discovery of a burglary in progress.

The investigation began on January 27, 2019, when Troopers were dispatched to a residence in the 5100 block of Halltown Road for a theft complaint.  It was discovered that an unknown suspect had forced entry into the victim’s gun safe and removed several weapons.  Through investigative measures 35-year-old Jason Johnson of Clayton was identified as a suspect responsible for the theft and warrants were obtained for his arrest.

On March 26, 2019, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Johnson was observed driving on Rose Dale Road, Dover in a 1953 Chevrolet pick-up truck.  Johnson was taken into custody without incident.  Further investigation revealed that the truck Johnson was operating belonged to an individual who lived in the 3000 block of Halltown Road.  Troopers were aware that this residence had sustained damage from a recent fire and had been burglarized earlier this year.

Troopers responded to this residence on Halltown Road and upon arrival observed two females loading numerous items into the trunk of a vehicle that was parked on the property. It was quickly determined that a burglary was in progress. Troopers were able to immediately take the two suspects into custody, 32-year-old Tina Creed of Magnolia, who was wearing a wig, and 30-year-old Tiffany Creed of Camden Wyoming. A third suspect, 29-year-old David D. Smith of Camden Wyoming was located hiding on the floor board of the suspect’s vehicle and was taken into custody without incident. During this time frame, Tina Creed’s three children aging from 10 months to 3 years old were all present.

During the course of this investigation, approximately $42,000.00 worth of stolen property along with four firearms where recovered.

All four suspects were transported back to Troop 3.

Jason Johnson was charged with the following:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (7 counts)
• Theft of a Firearm (7 counts)
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Criminal Mischief
• Burglary Second Degree
• Theft of a Motor Vehicle

Johnson was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $110,000.00 secured bond.

Tina Creed was charged with the following:

• Burglary Second Degree
• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony
• Possession of Burglar Tools
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Theft Under $1500
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child (3 counts)

Tina Creed was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $22,000.00 secured bond.

Tiffany Creed was charged with the following:

• Burglary Second Degree
• Possession of Burglar Tools
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Theft Under $1500
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child (3 counts)

Tiffany Creed was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $17,000.00 secured bond.

David Smith was charged with the following:

• Burglary Second Degree (2 counts)
• Possession of Burglar Tools
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Theft Under $1500
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child (3 counts)
• Theft $1500 or Greater

Smith was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and released on his own recognizance.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 032719 1318

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