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Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty


State Police Detectives Arrest Viola Pair for Burglaries in Kent County


Date Posted: Monday, March 10th, 2025

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Delaware State Police have arrested 56-year-old Frank Johnson and 30-year-old Dennise Neill, both of Viola, Delaware, for burglary and related charges in Kent County.

Beginning in February 2025, Troop 3 Detectives began investigating a series of burglaries of homes under construction in the community of Four Seasons at Hatteras Hills in Magnolia. During the investigation, detectives learned that an unknown suspect forced entry into several homes, removed electrical and plumbing materials, then fled in a dark colored Chevrolet Silverado. Through investigative means, troopers identified Dennise Neill as a possible suspect in the burglaries.

On March 9, 2025, Neill and another suspect, identified as Frank Johnson, were seen by detectives removing items from a home under construction in the community of Sophia’s Landing in Frederica. When detectives approached, Johnson ran away but was quickly taken into custody. Neill was taken into custody without incident.

Johnson was taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and released on his own recognizance.

Frank Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Theft under $1,500

Neill was taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $20,000 secured bond.

Dennise Neill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony) – 5 counts
  • Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Theft under $1,500 – 4 counts
  • Criminal Mischief – 2 counts
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Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


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