Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

Detectives Investigating Bear Area Business for Fraud-Related Thefts

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

News Release text with State Police vehicle in the background

Edited July 24, 2025|2:53 p.m.

Delaware State Police are investigating several fraud-related thefts that occurred at Sartin Memorials/Absolute Granite Liquidator in Bear over the last year. Detectives are seeking assistance in identifying potential victims associated with this ongoing theft investigation.

On July 4, 2025, troopers responded to Sartin Memorials/Absolute Granite Liquidator, 4376 Kirkwood Saint Georges Road, Bear, for a report of a theft that occurred over the last year. In the ensuing investigation, troopers learned the victims signed a contract with Sartin Memorials/Absolute Granite Liquidator for a headstone that was to be installed by March 2025. As of June 2025, the headstone had been paid for, but had not been installed. The victims made several attempts to contact the business, but were unsuccessful. Troopers have reason to believe there are additional unidentified victims that have paid for headstones as early as 2023, and the orders have not been fulfilled, totaling over approximately $14,500 in stolen payments.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who has further information regarding this case, or who may be a victim to contact Detective J. Klink by calling 302-365-8435. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.