Greenwood – Delaware State Police have arrested a local house cleaner on multiple felony charges, after it was discovered that over over a three month time period, she had stolen multiple checks from her 72 year old client, and then forged their signature, before cashing them.

The investigation determined that in December of 2017, Jodi L Wright, 39, of Felton was hired to clean a private residence, located in the 9000 block of Blacksmith Shop Road, Greenwood. In March, 2018 the victim noticed suspicious activity on her bank account at which time multiple unauthorized transactions were discovered. Further examination of bank records identified 25 fraudulent transactions in which checks were cashed, totaling $9,200.00.

On Friday, March 29, 2018 Wright was arrested and formally charged with the following:

• Identity Theft (F)
• Theft Under $1500 (Victim 62 years of age or older) (F)
• Forgery 2nd Degree (F) 25 COUNTS
• Theft by False Pretense Over $1500 (F)

Wright was then arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #3 and released on $128,000.00 unsecured bond.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact M/Cpl. C. Arnold at Troop 5 by calling 302-232-3479.

If you have employed Wright and believe you may have been victimized contact your local police agency.

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@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 040218 0905

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Townsend – Delaware State Police have arrested two Smyrna men on weapons and drug offenses, after being stopped for a traffic violation early Saturday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:50 a.m., Saturday, March 31, 2018, when Troopers pulled over a 2014 Kia Forte, for failing to stop at a red light at the intersection of U.S. 13 northbound and DE Rt. 71, in Townsend.

Upon making contact with the occupants, who were identified as Raymond C. Robinson Jr., 23, the driver and Mark A. Lee, 20, a passenger, an odor of marijuana was detected coming from the vehicle. Robinson’s 6 month old daughter was also an occupant in the vehicle.

A subsequent search of the vehicle produced a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun, along with additional ammunition and a 9mm magazine. In addition to the firearms, Troopers also recovered .7 grams of Heroin, 16.81 grams of Marijuana and $497.00 in suspected drug money.

Upon being advised of his arrest Robinson briefly struggled with Troopers while being handcuffed but was quickly subdued, and taken into custody without further incident. Lee was compliant, and was taken into custody without incident. The daughter was turned over to the custody of family members.

Robinson and Lee were transported to Delaware State Police Troop 9 where they were each charged with the following:

• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (2 counts)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited (2 counts)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child
• Possession of Heroin
• Possession of Marijuana

Robinson was additionally charged with Resisting Arrest and Failing to Stop at a Flashing Red Light.

Robinson was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and then committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $27,252.00 cash bail.

Lee was also committed to HRYCI in lieu of $26,571.00 cash bail.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 040218 0900

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Newark (19702) – Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a Newark area Shell gas station that occurred Sunday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:56 a.m., Sunday, April 1, 2018, at the Shell gas station, located at 2410 Pulaski Highway, Newark. A male suspect approached the 68 year old employee at the sales counter and proceeded to make a purchase. As the employee opened the register to complete the transaction, the suspect demanded all the money from the register and then ordered the victim to lie down on the floor. The victim complied, at which time the suspect reached into the register and removed an undisclosed amount of cash, before proceeding behind the sales counter, where he removed an unknown quantity of lottery tickets. After obtaining the cash and lottery tickets the suspect fled the business in an unknown direction. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect is described as a black male, early to mid-20’s, wearing a light colored sweatshirt.

No surveillance images are available at this time.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Troop 2 Robbery Unit at 302-365-8566.

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@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 040218 1345

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Seaford- The Delaware State Police are investigating an incident in which several bullets were discovered to have been shot at a residence.

On Sunday, April 1, 2018, Troopers responded to a residence in the 11000 block of Hope Lane in reference to the discovery of several bullets fired at the residence.  Upon arrival, Troopers made contact with the resident who advised that sometime between March 17 and March 31, 2018, someone had fired several shots at his residence.  The resident advised that he discovered a bullet hole that had traveled through a window and lodged into a wall in the residence.  Further investigation revealed that there were three other bullet holes located  in the exterior of the siding.

The residence was unoccupied during this incident and there were no reports of any injuries.  At this time there are no suspects.

This case remains under investigation and the Delaware State Police is requesting anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Troop 5, Trooper Marvel at 302-337-1090. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 040218 1324

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Georgetown – Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington couple on felony charges after they were found to be in possession of a large quantity of stolen merchandise.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:55 a.m., Wednesday, March 28, 2018, when a Trooper stopped a silver Mercury Sable for speeding on U.S 113 northbound, in the area of Arrow Safety Road, Georgetown. Upon making contact with the occupants of the vehicle the Trooper observed a large quantity of assorted merchandise in the back seat of the vehicle, which had ant-theft devices still attached.

The driver of the vehicle Detwon Banner, 23, of Wilmington advised that he didn’t know where the merchandise came from. The passenger in the vehicle, who initially gave a bad name, and was eventually identified as Jaleesa Banner, 29, also of Wilmington, stated that she also didn’t know anything about the merchandise.

A subsequent search of the vehicle produced an assortment of electronic devices and miscellaneous merchandise which had anti-theft devices still intact, that had a total value of $5,537.47.

Through further investigation Troopers were able to determine that the merchandise had been stolen from a Wal-mart located in Berlin, Maryland, and the incident was currently being investigated by the Worcester County Sherriff’s Office. As a result of this incident and the positive identification of the Banner’s, Maryland authorities were able to link them to two prior shoplifting incidents at the same Wal-mart, in which merchandise in excess of $12,000.00 had been stolen.

Both subjects were transported to Delaware State Police Troop 4 where they were arrested and each charged with one count each of Receiving Stolen Property and Conspiracy 2^nd Degree, both felonies.

Detwon Banner, who was additionally charged with Speeding, No Valid License, No Proof of Insurance and No Proof of Registration, was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #3 before being committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $4,202.00 cash bail.

Jaleesa Banner, who was additionally charged with Criminal Impersonation, was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #3 before being committed to the Dolores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution, in lieu of $5,000.00 cash bail.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact TFC M. Gambale at Troop 4 by calling 302-856-5850.

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

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 040118 1100

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Dover– The following are not wanted.   This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification.  If you have information that any of 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.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 033118 0800

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Millsboro– The Delaware State Police have arrested a Millsboro man after he was involved in a crash and found to be under the influence of alcohol for the 7^h time.

The incident occurred on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at approximately 10:17 p.m. when Troopers were dispatched to the intersection of Avenue of Honor and Bethesda Road for a vehicle collision.  Upon arrival, Troopers discovered an unoccupied 2000 Ford Explorer on its driver’s side.  Further investigation revealed that the Explorer was traveling southbound on Bethesda Road north of  Avenue of Honor when it exited the roadway and struck a mail box. The Explorer continued southbound on Bethesda Road approaching the intersection at Avenue of Honor. The operator of the Explorer failed to stop at the stop sign and struck a 2016 Honda Odyssey.  The operator of the Odyssey remained at the scene and was not injured.

The operator of the Explorer, identified as 53-year-old William A. Bell, fled the scene on foot and a short time later was located by the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit in the woods, less then a quarter of a mile from the collision scene.  Bell was subsequently taken into custody when an odor of alcohol was detected and a DUI investigation ensued.  A computer check revealed that Bell had six previous DUI convictions, making this his seventh offense.  Bell was transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with his 7^th Offense Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of a Collision, Driving Without a Valid License, Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign, and other traffic related offenses.  He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute on $27,055.00 cash only bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 033018 1010

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Delaware– All online or verbal threats toward a school will result in serious consequences. It is important to know the Delaware State Police will dedicate resources to investigate each one regardless of the person’s intent. The responsibility for keeping our schools safe belongs to everyone in the community.

Parents, Schools and Law Enforcement play a key role to ensure schools are safe learning environments. Parents who remain vigilant with their children’s online activities and social media sites may detect unusual behaviors and prevent potential problems. Parents can help by implementing certain parameters like rules and expectations of their children and watching for any warning signs that your teen may be in trouble. Keeping the lines of communication open, staying involved and connected are some of the best ways to prevent bad teen behavior.

Schools continue to help by enhancing student-teacher relationships in hopes of noticing unusual behavior and building trust so students are more apt to share information. While our schools districts have measures in place to deal with and prevent threats and other emergency situations, it is on all of us to do our part. We have to deal with threats in the appropriate manner so children can learn in a safe environment.

Currently, more teenagers face severe charges for online and verbal threats against schools, students and staff. Usually, students who make these threats will be identified and interviewed by the police. A comprehensive investigation will be conducted for each violation of the law whether the intent was a hoax or more importantly a real threat. School Resource Officers and Detectives will respond to all online and verbal threats and will conduct a lawful search of the suspect’s person, locker, vehicle and residence for items that could be used in an actual attack like weapons, firearms, written plans or anything suspicious or incriminating. If necessary the FBI will be contacted to assist with the investigation. Even if it’s a hoax or a real threat against a school, it is vital to know serious consequences can result, as these threats can cause public panic:

• Those responsible can be charged with Terroristic Threatening, Disorderly Conduct and Cyber Threatening and can be either a class F or G felony which can result in prison time and/or probation
• Severe penalties and fines of $1000 to $2500
• Community service; 100 hours or more
• School sanctions like suspensions and expulsions
• The student can be sent to an alternative school or even change districts due to the unfortunate side effects of becoming a social outcast within that school community.
• Grades could suffer and can even result in having to repeat a grade or, worse yet, not being allowed to graduate.
• The student may not be allowed to participate in school sports.
• A mental health evaluation may be mandated by the court and required by the school before any child can return.

It’s imperative to know that any person can be guilty of terroristic threatening if it is likely to cause an evacuation of a school, building, place of assembly, or facility of public transportation. If it causes a serious inconvenience or includes the reckless disregard of the risk of causing terror or serious inconvenience at a daycare facility, nursery or preschool, kindergarten, elementary, secondary or vocational-technical school it can result in a felony arrest.

The crime of Terroristic Threatening can also bring criminal intimidation charges. The fear brought by threatening posts can cause many students and staff to stay home rather than potentially taking the risk of going to school. Many students do not understand the consequences of their actions until they are arrested, charged and put into the juvenile justice system. The consequences would help the student to understand the severity of making threats. Finally, this conviction will follow them and will have to be reported on any job or college application. If students are convicted of a felony and develop a criminal record it could prevent them from joining the military, being accepted into college or it may even interfere with getting a job.

Troopers Arrest Suspect for Threats Made to Middle School

DuPont School Social Media Threat Not Related to Delaware

Troopers Arrest Suspect for Threat Made to High School

Troopers Arrest Juvenile for Threats Made to a High School

Troopers Arrest Suspect for Threat Made to High School

Troopers Investigate Threat to School

Student Arrested after Threats Made to School

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Released: 032918 1251

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The Delaware State Police Troop 5 Administration held a community meeting on Wednesday, March, 28, 2018 at Heritage Shores located at 1 Heritage Shore Circle, Bridgeville, led by  Troop 5 Commander, Captain Alice Brumbley.  Troopers were privileged to have hosted a Town Hall Meeting where the public was provided with an overview of the great work done by the men and women of DSP Troop 5 in 2017.  Achieving a 12.5% reduction in Robberies, a 34.2% reduction in Burglaries, a 2.9% reduction in Thefts, as well as a 5.1% reduction in overall crashes simply exemplifies the exceptional work the troopers are doing.  Moreover, when you examine many of our clearance rates of crime against the national averages, we demonstrate a deep desire to solve our crime.  A Robbery clearance rate of 47.7% versus the national average of 29.3%, a Burglary clearance rate of 37.9% versus the national average of 13.1%, and a Theft clearance rate of 36.4% versus the national average of 20.4% clearly shows the dedication of our troopers to solve crime when it occurs.

Equally important to our crime fighting and traffic enforcement measures is our commitment to suppress and prevent crime through our community outreach and engagement efforts.  In 2017, Troop 5 embarked on several community based programs to build trust, open lines of communication, foster positive and open relationships that are inclusive of all citizens and the police, all aimed at crime reduction and making our communities as safe as possible. Some of the most memorable events in 2017 included:

• A sharing show-and-tell with the toddler reading program at Greenwood Library.
• Partnering with the Seaford Police Department and the Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club for Community Night Out.
• Sharing an afternoon in Coverdale for “Scoops with Troops”.
• Having a Community Café in conjunction with the Greenwood Police Department at Amity Coffee.
• Partnering with the Delmar Police Department for their first National Night Out.

These pro-active efforts not only provide the community with a better understanding of the Delaware State Police, it also enhances Troopers awareness of the various cultures that exist within the communities they serve.

Delaware State Police Troop 5 and the Seaford Police Department Invites All to the Community Night Out-Against Drugs and Crime

Click here: “Scoops with Troops”

Delaware State Police Troop 5 to Host Community Café – Greenwood

We truly appreciate and thank all those in attendance, including Senator Brian Pettyjohn and Sussex County Council President Michael Vincent for joining us to learn more about DSP T5.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 032918 1128

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Bridgeville– The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit received information on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, that the U.S. Marshals Task Force had their homicide suspect, Jared C. Mitchell, 31 of Greenwood in custody.  Mitchell was located at a residence in the 4500 block of Petit Lane, Horntown, VA.  With the assistance of the Accomack County Sherriff’s Office and the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force, a search warrant was executed on this residence in which drug evidence was recovered.

Mitchell remains in custody in Virginia on drug charges and a fugitive warrant, pending his extradition back to Delaware.

This case continues to remain under investigation.

Detectives Conducting Homicide Investigation-Bridgeville

**Update – Victim’s Name Released** Detectives Conducting Homicide Investigation-Suspect Sought-Bridgeville

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released:032918 0738

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