Delmar- Delaware State Police arrested 35-year-old Timothy Santee of Laurel and 37-year-old Jesse Nichols of Seaford on felony theft and related charges following an investigation of theft from construction sites.

On September 18, 2020, Delaware State Police began investigating a series of theft incidents in the Country Grove Development, Delmar. The investigation revealed the unknown suspects removed a large amount of construction material from residents under construction. Through investigative measures, troopers were able to identify Santee and Nichols as suspects. 

On September 26, 2020, troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a white Dodge pickup truck occupied by Nichols and Santee on Arvey Road, Delmar. Nichols, identified as the vehicle operator, failed to stop for troopers, and a brief vehicle pursuit ensued. Once Nichols stopped the vehicle, he fled on foot and was apprehended after a short foot pursuit by troopers. Santee was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

Santee and Nichols were transported to Troop 5, where they were charged with the following crimes:

           Timothy Santee

• Theft Greater than $1,500 (3 counts- felony)
• Conspiracy 2nd Degree (3 counts- felony)
• Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree (3 counts)

Santee was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #3 and issued a $3,003.00 unsecured bond.

              Jesse Nichols

• Theft Greater than $1,500 (3 counts- felony)
• Conspiracy 2nd Degree (3 counts- felony)
• Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree (3 counts)
• Disregarding a Police Officers Signal (felony)
• Resisting Arrest
• Driving While Suspended
• Reckless Driving
• Breach of Release
• Driving at Unreasonable Speed
• Driving While Suspended
• Operating Unregistered Motor Vehicle
• Driving on the Wrong Side of the Roadway
• Improper Tail Lights

Nichols was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court #3 and issued a$5,206.00 unsecured bond.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 092620 1758

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