The Delaware State Police have arrested 49-year-old William Smallwood of Laurel, Delaware for theft and other charges after he stole copper wiring and disabled a railroad line in Laurel.

On July 24, 2023, detectives from the Troop 4 Property Crimes Unit began investigating a copper wire theft that occurred earlier in July at the Carload Express railroad tracks in Laurel. Detectives discovered that an unknown suspect had cut and stolen copper wiring from a railroad safety system, causing over $10,000 worth of damage and leading to the railway being shut down for four days. Detectives learned that William Smallwood had sold the stolen copper wiring at a Seaford recycling center. Smallwood matched the description of the suspect who was seen leaving the railroad tracks after the theft.

On July 25, 2023, at approximately 1:50 p.m., troopers contacted Smallwood at his residence and took him into custody without incident. Smallwood was taken to Troop 4 and charged with the following crimes:

• Criminal Mischief Over $5,000 (Felony)
• Theft Under $1,500 – 2 counts
• Falsifying Business Records – 2 counts
• Selling Stolen Property – 2 counts
• Criminal Mischief
• Criminal Trespass Third Degree – 2 counts

Smallwood was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 released on $8,400 unsecured bond.

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