Delaware State Police have arrested 50-year-old Hope Wheatley of Laurel, DE and 30-year-old Amanda Adkins of Bridgeville, DE for hindering prosecution after an incident that occurred in the Lewes area earlier this month.

On June 9, 2022, at approximately 7:36 p.m., Hope Wheatley and Amanda Adkins entered the Tokyo Steakhouse restaurant located at 17906 Coastal Highway while accompanied by Danny Adkins, 52, of Laurel, DE. Danny Adkins is a registered sex offender who is being actively sought by police for two felony warrants. All three subjects departed from the restaurant before troopers were able to respond. Both Hope and Amanda were uncooperative with troopers when they were asked about their involvement with Danny Adkins.

On June 29, 2022, Hope Wheatley was taken into custody at her residence without incident. She was transported to Troop 4 and charged with Hindering Prosecution (Felony). Hope was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and released on her own recognizance.

On June 29, 2022, Amanda Adkins responded to Troop 4 on her own volition, where she was charged with Hindering Prosecution (Felony). Amanda was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and released on her own recognizance.

Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance with locating Danny Adkins. He currently has two active felony warrants and his whereabouts are unknown. Adkins is described as a white male, approximately 5’09” tall, weighing approximately 170 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Attempts to locate Adkins have been unsuccessful. Troopers are asking anyone who has information regarding his whereabouts to contact Detective C. Simpson of the Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit at 302-752-3855, or by calling 9-1-1. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 0623022  1233

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The Delaware State Police are providing a scam advisory surrounding the fraudulent use of cryptocurrency.

The Delaware State Police are warning the public of an increase in scams involving the use of cryptocurrency (or “crypto”) ATM machines and quick response (or “QR”) codes.  The Delaware State Police have recently seen an increase in scams where the victim is directed to local crypto ATMs and/or stores that authorize QR crypto payments.  Criminal perpetrators will leverage victims to send money in these forms during schemes that include government impersonation (DEA, ATF, Sheriff’s office, police agencies), computer spyware (computer takeovers, fraudulent security alerts), and romance scams (creating a false sense of intimacy).  Scammers may maintain lengthy contact with the victim through online or telephone communication methods.

Given the nature of cryptocurrency, the successful recovery of lost funds can be extremely challenging.  Unlike traditional wire or bank transfers, crypto transfers are instantaneous, and once the suspect receives the funds they are typically moved immediately to other accounts that are often based outside of the country.

Follow these tips to prevent yourself from falling victim to such scams:

• Never send crypto payment to someone you have never met.
• Remember that no legitimate business or agency will ever request a crypto payment.
• Do not engage unknown callers who claim that you are in trouble or threaten you or a family member with arrest, exposure, or embarrassment if a crypto payment is not made immediately.

We encourage victims to report these instances and any related fraudulent or suspicious activities to the FBI at www.ic3.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 063022  1007

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Delaware State Police have arrested 34-year-old Misty Gleason of Camden, DE for burglary and other related charges following an investigation that began in the Hartly area on Tuesday morning.

On June 28, 2022, at approximately 6:21 a.m., troopers responded to the 1800 block of Slaughter Station Road regarding a theft complaint. The ensuing investigation revealed that a female subject had trespassed onto the property and stolen items from a vehicle parked in the driveway. Troopers also discovered that the same female had trespassed onto additional nearby properties, stolen other articles from parked vehicles, and burglarized a residential garage. Troopers canvassed the surrounding area and located Misty Gleason outside of a residence on Slaughter Station Road. Through investigative measures it was determined that Gleason was the suspect involved in the thefts, and she was taken into custody at the scene without incident. A search of Gleason led to the discovery of approximately 274 prescription-only pills that did not belong to her.

Gleason was transported to Troop 3 and charged with the following crimes:

• Burglary Second Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Non-Controlled Prescription Drug – 2 counts
• Theft Under $1,500 – 4 counts
• Criminal Mischief
• Criminal Trespass Second Degree – 3 counts
• Criminal Trespass Third Degree

Gleason was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $5,110 secured bond.

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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 062922  1239

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The Delaware State Police held the Trooper Youth Week Graduation Ceremony on Friday afternoon, June 24, 2022, at the Delaware State Police Training Academy Headquarters Complex in Dover, Delaware.

Twenty men and women representing high schools from across the state of Delaware participated in a weeklong training program that paralleled the experience of a Delaware State Trooper while attending our challenging Training Academy. In addition to daily inspections and the physical fitness regimen, the cadets attended classes that included: motor vehicle stops, crime scene investigation, drug investigations, drill and ceremony, defensive tactics and ethical decision making. Special Unit presentations included those by the Motorcycle Unit, Public Information Office, Special Operations Response Team, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, SCUBA, Aviation, Tactical Control, and the K-9 Units.

During the entire week, the cadets took up residence at the Academy to gain a better understanding about the profession of law enforcement and what it takes to become a trooper. The experience here was like no other for this graduating class.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 062822 1239

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Delaware State Police have arrested 21-year-old Taleem Thompson-Morris of Salem, New Jersey for firearm and drug charges following a traffic stop that occurred in the New Castle area on Tuesday morning.

On June 28, 2022, at approximately 5:20 a.m., a trooper on patrol observed a silver 2008 Chevrolet Suburban commit two turn signal violations as it traveled northbound on North Dupont Highway in the area of East Franklin Avenue. The trooper conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and contacted the operator and sole occupant, identified as Taleem Thompson-Morris. While interacting with Thompson-Morris, the trooper detected the strong odor of marijuana emitting from the Suburban’s interior. Thompson-Morris was subsequently taken into custody at the scene without incident. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 25.14 grams of marijuana and a loaded Glock handgun.

Thompson-Morris was transported to Troop 6, where he was charged with the following offenses:

• Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Possession of Marijuana
• Improper Lane Change

Thompson-Morris was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 11 and released on $12,200 unsecured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 062822  1030

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Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Bear area on Monday afternoon.

On June 27, 2022, at approximately 2:55 p.m., a 2007 Lexus GS350 was stopped at a red light on westbound Route 40 (Pulaski Highway) at its intersection with Route 72 within the left lane of two westbound through-lanes of travel.  A 2018 Jeep Wrangler was stopped behind the Lexus,  a 2014 Honda Civic was stopped behind the Jeep, and a 2022 Honda Accord was stopped at a red light within the outside left turn lane of westbound Route 40 (to the left of the Lexus), waiting to turn left onto southbound Route 72. At this time, a 2002 Infiniti G35 was traveling westbound Route 40 at an apparent high rate of speed within the left through-lane of travel, approaching the above-mentioned vehicles.

The operator of Infiniti failed to come to a stop and its right front struck the left rear of the 2014 Honda Accord for the first impact.  This impact caused the Infiniti to rotate clockwise in a southwesterly direction until its rear driver’s side struck the driver’s side of the 2022 Honda Accord.  The Infiniti came to rest facing in a northerly direction in the grass median east of the intersection.  Also, during this time, the 2014 Honda rotated clockwise and struck the right rear of the Jeep.  This impact then pushed the Jeep into the rear of the Lexus.

All 5 operators were wearing their seatbelts.  The operator of the Lexus, a 54-year-old male of Newark, DE, the operator of the 2014 Honda, a 25-year-old female of Magnolia, DE, and the operator of the 2022 Honda, a 27-year-old female of Brooklyn, NY, were all transported by ambulance to Christiana Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and later released.

The operator of the Infiniti, a 43-year-old male of Bear, DE, was also transported by ambulance to Christiana Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.  Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next-of-kin.

The operator of the Jeep did not sustain any injuries from the collision.

All lanes of westbound Route 40 between the entrance to the Fox Run Shopping Center and its intersection with Route 72 were closed for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal Breen by calling 302-365-8486. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 062822 1002

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Delaware State Police are on the scene of a serious motor vehicle collision that occurred today, June 27, 2022, at approximately 3:56 p.m., on westbound Pulaski Highway (Route 40) in the area of Route 72.

As a result of the crash, all lanes of westbound Route 40 will be closed for emergency response vehicles at the scene. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes of travel. The road closure is anticipated to be lengthy, with no estimated time for a re-opening.

The investigation is in the early stages with further details being released as they become available.

For updated road closure information and traffic conditions, log on to:

http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 062722 1645

Delaware State Police have identified the victim who died at Sussex Correctional Institution on June 25, 2022 as Terry Spence, 52, of Lewes, DE. The investigation into this incident remains active and ongoing with further details to be released as they become available.

Delaware State Police Conducting Death Investigation at Sussex Correctional Institution

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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 062722  1439

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Delaware State Police have arrested 36-year-old Michael Bauer of Dover, DE for firearm and other charges following a traffic stop that occurred in the Smyrna area on Sunday morning.

On June 26, 2022 at approximately 1:48 a.m., a trooper on patrol observed a black motorcycle traveling northbound on South Dupont Boulevard south of Carter Road at a high rate of speed. The trooper conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on South Carter Road and made contact with the operator, identified as Michael Bauer. During the ensuing interaction with Bauer troopers learned that he was in possession of a firearm. Bauer was subsequently taken into custody at the scene without incident. A search of Bauer led to the discovery of a loaded 9-millimeter untraceable handgun and approximately 10.42 grams of marijuana. A computer check of Bauer revealed that he was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Bauer was transported to Troop 9 and charged with the following crimes:

• Possession of an Untraceable Firearm (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Possession of Marijuana
• Numerous traffic offenses

Bauer was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $40,007 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 062722  1258

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Delaware State Police have arrested 31-year-old Amber Kellner of Lewes, DE and 30-year-old James Fisher of Georgetown, DE on drug, theft, and other charges following a trespassing investigation that began in the Lewes area on Sunday morning.

On June 26, 2022 at approximately 11:28 a.m., troopers responded to a residence on the 33000 block of Lotus Lane regarding a report of subjects living inside of the home without the homeowner’s permission. Upon their arrival, troopers made contact with Amber Kellner, James Fisher, and three juveniles, an 11-year-old male, a 10-year-old male, and a 7-year old male. Troopers also observed narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and stolen goods inside of the residence. Kellner and Fisher were subsequently taken into custody at the scene without incident. A search of the property led to the recovery of approximately 3.69 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, approximately 0.623 grams of suspected heroin, approximately 1.84 grams of marijuana, approximately 43.65 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 79 prescription pills, various articles of drug paraphernalia, a stolen Wolf scooter, and other stolen items.

The three juveniles were turned over to their legal guardian without incident. Kellner and Fisher were transported to Troop 7, where they were each charged with the following crimes:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 2 counts
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 3 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts

Kellner was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $89,600 cash bond.

Fisher was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $89,600 cash bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 062722  1126

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