Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Arrest Milton Woman for Lewes Robbery

Date Posted: Wednesday, January 14th, 2026

The Delaware State Police have arrested 41-year-old Shelly Sortino of Milton, Delaware for a robbery that occurred last night in Lewes.

On January 13, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m. troopers responded to Dollar General, located at 1549 Savannah Road in Lewes, for a report of a robbery. When troopers arrived, they learned that a white female suspect, wearing white sweatpants, a dark colored sweatshirt, and a mask, approached two employees, implied she had a gun, and demanded money. The suspect accessed the register, stole money, and fled in a blue Ford Focus with a Delaware tag.

At approximately 8:00 p.m., troopers responded to the 14000 block of Staytonville Road in Lincoln for a report of a disabled blue Ford Focus in the roadway. When troopers arrived, they spoke to the driver, who matched the description of the robbery suspect and identified her as Shelly Sortino. A computer check showed that Sortino had an active capias warrant, and the license plate on the Focus was stolen. Through investigative means, troopers identified Sortino as the suspect in the robbery, and she was arrested without incident.

Sortino was taken to Troop 7, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $33,000 secured bond.

Robbery 1^st Degree – Uses/Threatens Use of Dangerous Instrument (Felony)
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)

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.