The Delaware State Police arrested 47-year-old Robert Potts of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, on burglary and related charges in connection with several burglaries that occurred in August and September last year at the now-closed Emily Bissell Hospital in Wilmington.

Beginning in August 2024, troopers investigated multiple reports of trespassing and theft from the vacant former site of Emily Bissell Hospital, located at 3000 Newport Gap Pike. The investigations revealed two white male suspects stole what appeared to be copper into the bed of a black Ford truck. Through investigative means, troopers identified Francis Rickards and Robert Potts as the suspects responsible for the thefts and property damage, and obtained warrants for their arrest.

On February 17, 2025, Potts was extradited from Pennsylvania, and taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by New Castle County Superior Court, and released after posting on a $5,000 secured bond.

• Burglary 3^rd Degree (Felony) – 4 counts
• Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony) – 3 counts
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony) – 3 counts
• Theft Under $1,500 – 3 counts
• Attempted to Commit Theft Under $1,500

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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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