Dover – National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year by declaring the week of April 18-24, 2021, to honor those impacted by crime and a time to remember those who have lost their lives as a result of a criminal act.

In addition to the victims who have been personally impacted by violent crime, we also want to give thanks to the individuals who provide outstanding service to the victims and their families on a daily basis.

Victims often experience many unfamiliar emotions such as shock, disbelief, anger, fear, frustration, or guilt. Victims may be immobilized by the feeling that their lives will never be the same. Although these feelings are very normal, victims in a state of emotional crisis are often unable to work through these feelings independently. They may not have the resources to seek professional assistance or know where to seek support. Victims and their families may suffer financially, physically, and emotionally. Victim Service Specialists are prepared to assist victims, witnesses, and families with these issues.

 This year’s theme is “Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.” The theme emphasizes the importance of leveraging community support to help victims of crime. In the last year, victim service professionals and others who serve victims have had to adjust their practices to determine the best ways to work with victims in these unfamiliar times.

 The Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit, comprised of civilian employees and assisted by specially trained sworn Troopers, provides 24-hour crisis intervention, information, and referrals to the Delaware State Police and over 35 municipal departments statewide. They helped over 4,600 victims last year and responded to 865 hotline calls. Their commitment and dedication are unsurpassed as they continually strive to provide the best service possible to ensure positive outcomes for the victims they serve. In addition to the specialists themselves, another integral part of this victim advocacy team is the telecommunications specialists at DSP Communications. They triage hundreds of calls to the 24-hour victim hotline (1-800-VICTIM-1).

This year the Delaware Victims’ Rights Task Force is adapting to COVID-19 in how Crime Victims’ Rights Week is honored. Traditionally the Governor signs an in-person proclamation and an Annual Tribute, but due to Covid-19, this event will be held through a virtual platform to recognize the week. The Victims’ Rights Task Force will be highlighting the week on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/delVRTF with the following activities:

On Monday, April 19th, a video was shared of Roxanne telling her own story, in her own words, about her victimization and the impact it had on her.

On Tuesday, April 20th, the VRTF Facebook page will spotlight organizations and programs across the state that serve victims. Delaware has an array of excellent services available, and we hope to recognize all that these programs do and provide information on how to best access these services.

On Wednesday, April 21st, Governor Carney’s proclamation will be released. 

On Thursday, April 22nd, the task force will be recognizing outstanding professionals in the Victim Services field. Additionally, the Delaware House of Representatives and Senate will be releasing a joint resolution, recognizing the week as Crime Victims’ Rights Week. It is part of the annual Advocacy Day effort to encourage individuals to reach out to their legislators to remind them of the impact of crime on victims and the community. Also, the services that assist victims and the need we have to expand services; and the need for victims to be ensured rights and protections in our criminal justice and civil systems.

Friday, April 23rd is “Thank An Advocate Day,” and we encourage everyone to take a minute to honor those that work diligently to serve victims and survivors.

For more information about these events, please email DelVRTF@gmail.com. You may also visit www.facebook.com/delVRTF.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released:042221 1213

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Milton- Delaware State Police are requesting the public’s assistance with locating 40-year-old Amy Abell of Lincoln, who is wanted on felony criminal charges. During the fall of 2020, Amy was hired to work for an elderly female. While employed, a large amount of cash was discovered stolen from the victim. A felony warrant is currently on file at Delaware State Police Troop 4 for Amy’s arrest. Anyone with information regarding Amy’s whereabouts should contact Detective J. O’Neil with Delaware State Police Troop 4 Property Crimes Unit by calling 302-752-3793. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com .

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 042121 1257

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Dover– At a ceremony held on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel Melissa Zebley, announced the winners of the annual Trooper of the Year and Civilian of the Year awards.

To help recognize the significance of the ceremony Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security, Nathaniel McQueen Jr., was in attendance to offer congratulatory remarks.

Trooper of the Year

Each year the Delaware State Police Executive Staff selects one Trooper for the Trooper of the Year Award. To be nominated, a Trooper must exceed performance standards and be recognized by his or her peers, as one who epitomizes the Core Values of the Division, which are Honor, Integrity, Courage, Loyalty, Attitude, Discipline and Service.

This year, twelve Troopers were nominated, and out of those worthy nominees, the Executive Staff selected Senior Corporal DiGiacomo, as the 2020 Trooper of the Year, for his outstanding efforts and contributions to the Division and the citizens of the State of Delaware. Senior Corporal DiGiacomo is assigned to the Headquarters DIAC (Delaware Information and Analysis Center).

Senior Corporal DiGiacomo’s investigative knowledge and work ethic has contributed to the successful prosecution of multiple criminal cases. He works tirelessly in an effort to make Delaware a safer state to live and travel in. He works very well with other investigative units, and other departments both at the local and federal level. When commenting on his achievements, in true form he attributed his success to his fellow Troopers.

Senior Corporal DiGiacomo was also presented with the Randall Armistead Trooper of the Year Award on behalf of the Delaware State Troopers Association. Presenting the award was President of the DSTA, Sgt. Troy Pezzuto.

Trooper of the Year Nominees

• Trooper First Class, George Justice – Troop 1
• Trooper First Class, Thomas Leonardi – Troop 2 Patrol
• Corporal Grade 1, Thomas Macauley – Troop 2 CIU
• Trooper First Class, Trevor Pendleton – Troop 3 Patrol
• Corporal Grade 1, Patrick Schlimer – Troop 3 CIU
• Master Corporal Anthony Baker – Troop 4 Patrol
• Corporal William Saylor – Troop 4 CIU
• Trooper First Class Kyle Perry – Troop 5
• Trooper First Class Benjamin Wingate – Troop 7
• Corporal Grade 1 Leonard DeMalto – Troop 7
• Senior Corporal Christopher Nicholson – Troop 9
• Senior Corporal DiGiacomo – HQ/DIAC

Civilian of the Year

Each year the Delaware State Police Executive Staff also selects one civilian employee, for the Civilian of the Year Award. Civilian employees who are nominated for this award display outstanding performance and meet the following criteria:

1. Exceptional service as identified by the employee’s performance evaluations.
2. A consistent record of such service through their years of employment.
3. Recognition by their peers for outstanding character and integrity.

This year, five Delaware State Police civilian employees were nominated for the award, and the Executive Staff of the Delaware State Police selected Human Resources Specialist; Rhonda Davis, as the 2020 Civilian of the Year.

Rhonda began her career 21 years ago as a Human Resources Specialist and became credentialed by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Her skills and abilities led the Delaware State Police (DSP) and our Human Resources Section in the successful navigation through the apex of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis in 2020. Within HR, Rhonda is Lead HR Specialist in several disciplines to include civilian employee acquisition & retention, civilian employee relations/Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC), retirement and benefit processing and a multitude of ancillary responsibilities. Rhonda’s leadership role expanded exponentially as the virus impacted all civilian and sworn work groups throughout the division. With determined dedication, she met ever-changing new and unprecedented challenges to Delaware and to the Division. Throughout the uncertainty of a global pandemic, civil unrest, staffing hurdles, labor disputes, and seemingly endless retirements, Ms. Davis remained a steadfast resource for the Division’s personnel. Her commitment to the men and women of the Division is evident in the countless hours Ms. Davis worked to ensure that our personnel were properly educated on COVID protocols, paid emergency leave, available resources, and documentation of illness, all while performing her other duties without interruption. Amid all these demands, she also processed 46 pensions and hired 57 new employees. She was pivotal in the implementation of COVID-related tracking and compensation and ensured that Divisional personnel were included in all decisions related to the Human Resources realm. Rhonda has been a model employee and consummate professional during her career with the Delaware State Police; her support and dedication to the Division is unsurpassed.

Civilian of the Year Nominees

• Rhonda Davis – Headquarters/Human Resources
• Rachel Dukes – DIAC (Delaware Information and Analysis Center)
• Susan McNatt – Headquarters/Academy
• Nicole Perregrino – Headquarters Communications
• Ashley Torbert – Headquarters/Homicide

In addition to the Trooper and Civilian of the Year, the following Troopers were also presented with the following awards:

Valor Award:

Master Corporal David Chorlton, Senior Corporal DiGiacomo, Sgt Christopher Ennis, Master Corporal Sean O’Leary, Sgt Joshua Scaramazza, Master Corporal Ricardo Torres

Superintendent’s Citation:

Trooper First Class Carrie Foskey, Corporal Ryan Kirchenbauer, Corporal Charles Morris, Trooper First Class Cody Moyer, Master Corporal John Penrod, Sgt Brian Pixley, Corporal August Zickgraf

Lifesaving Award:

Corporal Sarah Bailey, Trooper Anthony Carter, Trooper First Class Irina Celpan, Trooper Kyle Finkbeiner, Trooper Cullen Fulton, Master Corporal Justin Galloway, Corporal Coban Goertz, Captain Jennifer Griffin, Corporal Eric Gumbs, Trooper First Class Robert Harris, Trooper Robert Horton, Corporal Andrew Johnson, Trooper Luke Justice, Corporal Daniel Korenyi, Corporal Carolee Lenoir, Corporal Sean Murray, Trooper Trevor Pendleton, Mr. Joseph Pepper, Trooper First Class Kyle Perry, Corporal Chase Petrella, Sgt Steven Robertson, Corporal Grade 1 Sean Rodrigues, Corporal Jonathan Scaramazza, Senior Corporal Scott Shelton, Trooper Michael Short, Trooper First Class Matthew Skidmore, Corporal James Smith, Corporal Jordan Smith, Corporal Robert Spanier Jr., Mr. Mario Street, Trooper Emanuel Velez, Master Corporal William Walker, Trooper First Class Trevor White, Trooper Kaitlyn Zebley

Exceptional Performance:

Dover Police Detective, Robert Cunningham, Corporal Justin Decowski, Corporal Sean Devenney, Corporal Kelly Diaz, Senior Corporal DiGiacomo, Corporal Grade 1 Christopher Donaldson, Master Corporal Gary Fournier, Corporal Daniel Galini,  Trooper First Class Patrick Gaskin, Corporal Johnathon Gibbons, Master Corporal Mark Hogate, Corporal Eric Huston, Master Corporal Joseph Joannides, Corporal Kathleen Koff, Dover Police Detective, Matthew Krogh, Corporal Pierre Lawler, Corporal Michael Lilley, Corporal Heidi Lingo, Corporal Richard Link, Corporal Michael Lipp, Corporal Michael Macauley. Corporal Thomas Macauley, Corporal Matthew McHenry, Trooper Mitchell Moyer, Corporal Bartlomiej Muziol, Trooper Trevor Pendleton, Sgt Christopher Popp, Trooper First Class Jodi Salyer, Corporal Grade 1 Patrick Schlimer, Corporal Lawrence Seitz, Trooper First Class Matthew Skidmore, Corporal Christopher Solda, Sgt Patrick Stock, Sgt Jason Vernon

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 042021 1830

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Newark– Delaware State Police are investigating a carjacking that took place in the parking lot of Wawa on Sunday evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:57 p.m., April 18, 2021, in the parking lot of Wawa, located at 1750 Capitol Trail, Newark. The 22-year-old male victim parked and left his unlocked black 2018 Volkswagen Jetta unattended as he entered Wawa to make a purchase. Upon returning to his car, there was a suspect hidden in the rear seat. The suspect displayed a handgun at the victim and instructed him to drive. The victim complied and drove to the area of Route 2 and Creekside Drive where he was ordered out of the vehicle. The suspect then occupied the driver seat and fled in the stolen vehicle on E. Green Valley Circle. The victim was not injured as a result of the incident.

The stolen vehicle has not been recovered.

The suspect was described as a black female male wearing all dark clothing and a black Covid style mask.

No surveillance images are available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. McDerby of the Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-834-2620. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

The Delaware State Police would like to warn the public about a recent increase in thefts of vehicles in the New Castle County area. The Delaware State Police, Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit, has recently seen an increase of vehicle thefts occurring in the Delaware State Police jurisdiction. A majority of the thefts have been occurring at gas stations in which a vehicle was left unattended, idling, or unlocked with the keys left in the vehicle. In many cases, the most common practice is a victim leaving their car running in a parking lot while they go into a store for a quick purchase.

Some car thieves look for cars idling in parking lots. Once they see a car is left unattended, all they have to do is walk up and drive away. The thefts of vehicles can be prevented. Please make sure when you exit your vehicle, your doors are locked, you remove your keys, and you park in a conspicuous location.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Newark– Delaware State Police are investigating a carjacking that took place in the parking lot of Wawa on Sunday evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:57 p.m., April 18, 2021, in the parking lot of Wawa, located at 1750 Capitol Trail, Newark. The 22-year-old male victim parked and left his unlocked black 2018 Volkswagen Jetta unattended as he entered Wawa to make a purchase. Upon returning to his car, there was a suspect hidden in the rear seat. The suspect displayed a handgun at the victim and instructed him to drive. The victim complied and drove to the area of Route 2 and Creekside Drive where he was ordered out of the vehicle. The suspect then occupied the driver seat and fled in the stolen vehicle on E. Green Valley Circle. The victim was not injured as a result of the incident.

The stolen vehicle has not been recovered.

The suspect was described as a black female male wearing all dark clothing and a black Covid style mask.

No surveillance images are available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. McDerby of the Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-834-2620. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

The Delaware State Police would like to warn the public about a recent increase in thefts of vehicles in the New Castle County area. The Delaware State Police, Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit, has recently seen an increase of vehicle thefts occurring in the Delaware State Police jurisdiction. A majority of the thefts have been occurring at gas stations in which a vehicle was left unattended, idling, or unlocked with the keys left in the vehicle. In many cases, the most common practice is a victim leaving their car running in a parking lot while they go into a store for a quick purchase.

Some car thieves look for cars idling in parking lots. Once they see a car is left unattended, all they have to do is walk up and drive away. The thefts of vehicles can be prevented. Please make sure when you exit your vehicle, your doors are locked, you remove your keys, and you park in a conspicuous location.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Rehoboth Beach- Delaware State Police are investigating an accident involving a Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department ambulance.

On April 17, 2021, at approximately 10:05 a.m., a 1998 Ford F-150, towing a small utility trailer, operated by a 62-year-old male of Delaware, was traveling southbound on Coastal Highway (SR1) in the left southbound lane approaching the intersection of Old Landing Road with a green light. A 2014 International Horton Ambulance, operated by a 24-year-old female Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department employee, was traveling eastbound on Old Landing Road. The ambulance was approaching the intersection of Coastal Highway, with its emergency equipment and siren activated, headed to a nearby hospital with a patient on board. The light on Old Landing Road at the intersection was red. The ambulance was intending to turn left at the intersection, to travel northbound on Coastal Highway.

As the ambulance crossed over the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway, the front of the Ford F-150 struck the front left of the ambulance within the intersection.

The operator of the Ford F-150 was properly restrained and refused medical treatment on scene.

The ambulance operator was properly restrained and transported to an area hospital by ambulance for minor injuries and was released.

A 36-year-old female of Delaware, EMT employed by the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, was seated in the ambulance’s rear, treating the patient, refused medical treatment on scene.

The 78-year-old female of Delaware patient being transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries at the time of the collision was transferred to a different ambulance and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

This collision remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed at this time. Anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Det. K. Argo with the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-703-3264. 

The intersection of Coastal Highway and Old Landing Road was closed for approximately two hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 041721 1533

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Wilmington– Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred early Saturday morning.

On Saturday, April 17, 2021, at approximately 1:28 a.m., an 18-year-old female was operating a 2019 Kawasaki EX4 motorcycle on I-95 northbound in the area of Martin Luther King Boulevard when unknown suspects began shooting at her from a vehicle. The victim turned onto North Walnut Street and attempted to get away from the suspects as they continued to chase and shoot at her. As the victim attempted to make a left turn, she crashed into a parked car and fell to the ground. As she was on the ground, the suspect vehicle stopped next to her before fleeing the area.

The suspects are described as a black male operator and black front seat passenger.

The suspect vehicle at this time is unknown.

The victim was transported to an area hospital in stable condition for a gunshot wound to her lower extremity.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Delaware State Police Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit by calling 302-834-2620. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com .

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 041721 1443

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Millsboro- Delaware State Police arrested 45-year-old Christopher Fedder of Millsboro on felony criminal charges following an altercation that occurred late Thursday night.

On April 15, 2021, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Fedder and a 52-year-old male acquaintance were at a residence located in the 34000 block of Sport Drive when a verbal argument ensued. The argument escalated and Fedder retrieved a refile and shot the male acquaintance once in a lower extremity. The victim was able to drive himself from the residence to a friends house who transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment.

On April 16, 2021, Fedder was taken into custody at his residence without incident and transported to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Assault 2nd Degree (Felony)

Fedder was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released on $7,000.00 unsecured bond.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 041721 0748

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Townsend- Delaware State Police arrested 44-year-old Christoper R. Husfelt of Townsend for felony DUI after he was involved in a single vehicle collision.

On April 16, 2021, at approximately 9:11 p.m., Delaware State Police responded to a single vehicle crash located at 1148 Dexter Corner Rd. The investigation revealed a 2014 Jeep Laredo operated by Christopher Husfelt was traveling northbound on Dexter Corner Road when he exited the west edge of the roadway and collided with a utility pole, causing the utility pole to break in half. When contact was made with Husfelt, who was standing outside of the vehicle, a strong odor of alcohol was detected and a DUI investigation ensued. A computer inquiry revealed Husfelt had five prior DUI convictions in Delaware.

Husfelt was transported to an area hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and released. He was transported to Troop 9 where he was charged with the following:

• 6Th Offense After 5 Prior Offenses – Driving A Vehicle Under The Influence Of Alcohol (Felony)
• Failure to Obtain License for New Residents

Arraignment and bond is currently pending at this time.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 041721 0720

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Dover– The following subjects are not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed subjects are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at  http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.ttp://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal/3 Heather Pepper

Released: 041621 1647

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