Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

Detectives Arrest Smyrna Man for Townsend Business Burglary

Date Posted: Monday, October 21st, 2024

News Release text with State Police vehicle in the background

Delaware State Police have arrested 31-year-old Steven Mauthe Jr of Smyrna, Delaware, following a burglary at a business in Townsend that occurred early October.

On October 9, 2024, at approximately 8:30 a.m., troopers responded to WDI Wright Designs, located at 4714 Dupont Parkway, Townsend, for a report of a burglary. The investigation revealed an unknown suspect wearing a face mask drove to the business in a side-by-side utility task vehicle (UTV). After the suspect unsuccessfully attempted to get into a storage container, a truck, and a trailer on the property, he cut the cable lock to access a shed, and stole scrap copper from inside, before damaging the chain-link fence to flee in the UTV.

Through investigative means, detectives identified Steven Mauthe Jr as the suspect in the burglary, and obtained a warrant for his arrest. On October 17, 2024, Mauthe was taken into custody near his residence by Smyrna Police Department detectives without incident.

He was transported to Smyrna Police Department where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $9,000 secured bond.

Steven Mauthe Jr mugshot photo on gray background