Mid-Atlantic Region- A multi-agency investigation into the theft of mail from church mailboxes has concluded with the arrest of seven individuals and two with active warrants.

The Delaware State Police Sussex County Financial Crimes Unit in conjunction with the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted a three month investigation into an organization of individuals involved in the theft of mail from church mailboxes throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. The suspects in this investigation targeted churches and removed mail from the church mailboxes, including donation checks. Once the suspects obtained the checks intended for the church, they would deposit the checks into their various bank accounts.

On Wednesday, November 29, 2017, three search warrants were executed in the Seaford area with assistance from the Sussex County Drug Unit, Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, Sussex County Property Crimes Unit, Sussex County Major Crimes Unit, Sussex County Evidence Detection Unit, Seaford Police Department, Laurel Police Department, Salisbury Police Department, Homeland Security, Division of Family Services and the Department of Corrections.  As a result of the search warrants, banking documents and an undisclosed amount of cash was seized. This case is ongoing and remains under investigation by Delaware State Police, Troop 4 Sussex County Financial Crimes Unit.

Florea Ciupangel, 33 of Seaford was charged with three counts of  Theft and three counts of Receiving Stolen Property.  He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $6,000.00 cash bond.

Florin Roman, 24 of Seaford was charged with three counts of Felony Theft, three counts of Theft, and four counts of Receiving Stolen Property.  He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $11000.00 cash bond.

Denis Tanasie, 24 of Seaford was charged with Theft and Receiving Stolen Property.  He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $2,000.00 cash bond.

Carmen Stoican, 22 of Seaford was charged with four counts of Felony Theft, five counts of Theft, Conspiracy Second, and nine counts of Receiving Stolen Property.  He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $24,000.00 cash bond.

Madalina Gheorghe, 22 of Seaford was charged with four counts of Felony Theft, five counts of Theft, Conspiracy Second, and nine counts of Receiving Stolen Property.  She was committed to Baylor Woman’s Correctional Institution on $24000.00 cash bond.

Ardeleanu Stoican, 51 of Seaford was charged with Felony Identity Theft and committed to Sussex Correctional Institute on $8,000.00 cash bond.

Fausta Stoican, 48 of Seaford was charged with Felony Identity Theft and committed to Baylor Woman’s Correctional Institution on $8,000.00 cash bond.

Active warrants have been obtained for the following two individuals for Felony Identity Theft; Agenol Stoican , 29 of Seaford, 5’06” tall, 160 lbs., with black hair, and Mariana Catrina, 26 of Seaford, 5’03” tall, 142 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes.  No photographs available.

If anyone has any information in reference to the location of Agenol Stoican or Mariana Catrina , they are asked to please contact Delaware State Police Troop 4, Sussex County Financial Crimes unit at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 120117 1917

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Wilmington (19808) – Delaware State Police detectives are investigating an armed robbery which occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m., Sunday, November 26, 2017, at the Walgreens drug store, located at 1710 Faulkland Road, Wilmington.

The investigation has determined that a subject who had been observed browsing in the store, approached the sales counter to make a purchase. As the 17 year old, male employee opened the cash drawer to complete the transaction, the subject displayed a black, unknown, make and model handgun and demanded money. The employee complied, and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash from the register. The subject then fled in an unknown direction.

The employee was uninjured as a result of this incident.

The subject was described as a black male, in his 20’s, 5’8”-5’10”, with an average build. He was wearing a dark colored sweatshirt and dark pants. The subject was also wearing a mask, as well as having  the hood of the sweatshirt pulled tight around his face.

If anyone has information regarding this incident they are asked to contact Detective D. Dukes, of 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: 120117 1410

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Middletown– The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in early November 2017 on DuPont Parkway (US RT 13) north of Pole Bridge Road.

The incident occurred at approximately  9:54 a.m. Thursday, November 2, 2017, as a 43-year-old Middletown man was operating a 2017 Honda CRV traveling northbound on US RT 13 in the left lane of travel. A 2005 Ford Escape driven by an 85-year-old Middletown man was also traveling northbound on US RT 13, directly behind the Honda. A third vehicle, a 2003 Ford F450 driven by a 28-year-old Middletown man was also traveling northbound on US RT 13, directly behind the Escape. The operator of the F450 failed to come to a stop and struck the rear of the Escape. The Escape was pushed forward, causing it to strike the rear of the Honda.

The 85-year-old operator of the Escape was identified as Robert L. Stevens. Stevens was removed from the scene and transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted with serious injuries. Stevens later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on Thursday, November 30, 2017.

The operator of the Honda CRV did not sustain any injuries as a result of this crash and was wearing his seatbelt. The operator of the F450 also did not sustain any injuries as a result of this crash and was wearing his seatbelt. He has initially been charged with following too closely. Impairment is not suspected as being a contributing factor in this crash.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.

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.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 120117 1348

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New Castle – Delaware State Police are investigating a crash, in which a vehicle struck the front wall of a local business.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:51 a.m., Friday, December 1, 2017, at the Walgreens drug store located at 1500 Beaverbrook Plaza, New Castle. Joyce Ann Jones, 65, of New Castle, was operating a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and was pulling into a parking space at the front of the store, when for an unknown reason, she failed to brake and continued forward, striking the front wall of the building.

Jones, who was properly restrained, was transported to the Christiana Hospital for undetermined minor injuries. Alcohol is not being considered as a factor on her behalf.

A 66 year old New Castle man, who was a properly restrained, front seat passenger in the Jeep, was also transported to the Christiana Hospital with a minor hand injury.

No pedestrians, customers or employees were injured as a result of the collision.

New Castle County Code Enforcement officers responded to the Walgreens and deemed the structure unsafe, at which time it was evacuated and closed for business, pending repairs.

Jones was cited for Careless Driving.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 120117 1259

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Wilmington (19802) –  Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a serious motor vehicle crash involving four vehicles, that occurred at approximately 11:58 a.m., Friday December, 1, 2017, on I-495 northbound in the area of 12th Street, Wilmington. I-495 northbound is completely shut down at the I-95 split.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

For traffic conditions and road closure information please click on: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 120117 1225

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Hartly- The Delaware State Police are investigating a crash involving a school bus that occurred this morning at approximately 6:42 a.m. on Pearsons Corner Road near Forrest Avenue.

No injuries have been reported and there are no road closures as a result of the crash. However please use caution in the area as some emergency vehicles are still on scene.

The investigation is ongoing and further details will be released as they become available.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 120117 0722

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Henry “Hank” Wojnisz Jr.

Dover, DE- The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offender after he absconded from probation.

Henry “Hank” Wojnisz Jr., 33 of Milton who is 5’8″ tall and 165 lbs., is currently wanted for Violation of Probation and Failure to Re-Register as a Sex Offender.  His last whereabouts were reported in Sussex County and he is also known to have ties in New Castle County.

If anyone knows the location of this subject, they are asked to please call Det. M. Bailey at 302-741-8082.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 113017 1810

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Wilmington – Delaware State Police detectives have arrested a Wilmington man for his involvement in the armed robbery of a North Wilmington 7-11, which occurred in May.

The original incident occurred at approximately 11:14 p.m., Friday, May 12, 2017, at the 7-11, located at 4865 Governor Printz Blvd., Wilmington, when two subjects, one of which was armed with a silver handgun, confronted two male employees at the sales counter and demanded money. The victims, aged 28 and 29 respectively, complied with the request and turned over an undisclosed amount of money from two separate cash registers. In addition to the money, the subjects also made off with one victim’s cell-phone, as well as multiple packs of cigars and other miscellaneous merchandise. The subjects were last seen running northbound through the parking lot.

The subject who brandished the handgun was described as a black male, 20-25 years of age, 5’6”-5’10” tall, weighing 165-180 lbs., wearing all dark clothing with a black mask covering the lower portion of his face.

The second subject was described as a black male 20-25 years of age, 5’6”-5’10” tall, weighing 175-190 lbs., wearing a light colored sweatshirt and dark pants.

Responding Troopers were immediately able to develop a blue Honda Accord with New Jersey tags as a possible suspect vehicle, and while canvassing the area, located it at the intersection of 40^th and Pine Streets, in the City of Wilmington.

As Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle it fled, and a short pursuit ensued. The vehicle eventually stopped in the area of 25^th and Jefferson Streets, at which time two subjects fled on foot and successfully evaded apprehension.

A subsequent search of the Honda produced multiple items, determined to be of evidentiary value, however detectives at this time, could not positively identify the suspects responsible for the robbery.

As the investigation continued, detectives received information that a subject identified as Darnell M. Scarborough, 25, of Wilmington, who had been arrested by the Wilmington Police Department on charges unrelated to the robbery, was able to be positively linked to the evidence recovered from the Honda. Detectives were able to confirm this information and positively identified Scarborough as the subject who was wearing the light colored sweatshirt during the robbery.

On Monday, November 20, 2017 Scarborough was taken into custody and transported to Troop 2 where he was arrested and formally charged with two counts of Robbery 1^st Degree and one count of Conspiracy 2^nd Degree. Scarborough was arraigned at Justice of the Peace court #2 and then committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $102,000.00 secured bond.

If anyone has information regarding this incident they are asked to contact Detective C. Hevelow, of 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

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 112917 1433

Kent County– A multi-agency operation conducted on Monday, November 27, 2017 at locations in Kent County has resulted in the arrest of twenty-two individuals on criminal charges.

The operation took place in identified communities including; Alder Park, Pine Grove, Rodney Village, Meadowbrook Acres, Paris Villa and London Village in regards to ongoing criminal activity. Officers also joined efforts in apprehending fugitives throughout Kent County.

During this enforcement blitz, police arrested 22 individuals resulting in the clearance of 48 capiases, 42 misdemeanor arrest, and 13 felony arrests. The operation seized $2,407 in suspected drug sale proceeds and 3.86 grams of crack cocaine.  As a result, 11 individuals were committed to jail.  In addition to the criminal charges, police also issued 23 traffic citations.

Upon completion of the operation, the Mounted Patrol and Community Outreach Unit returned to the identified communities to engage the residents and inform them of the positive and proactive measures that were taken in an effort to combat crime. The goal of this outreach effort was to demonstrate the commitment that the police have in making their communities safer while building trustworthy relationships.

This initiative, which was a collaborative effort between the Delaware State Police, Dover Police Department, Milford Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, Capital Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the U.S. Marshall’s Task Force and Probation and Parole, highlights how the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies can effectively combat crime, which in turn increases the quality of life for the communities we serve.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 112917 1350

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New Castle (19720) – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a motor vehicle crash, which has a left a New Castle man hospitalized in serious condition.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 28, 2017, on U.S. Route 13 northbound, at the intersection with E. Franklin Avenue, New Castle. A 2013 Honda dirt bike, which had been reported stolen out of Pennsylvania, on November 6, 2017, was being operated by a 21 year old New Castle man. The dirt bike, which was not equipped with any lights, was travelling U.S. 13 northbound, at an apparent high rate of speed, and was cutting in and out of traffic, as it approached the intersection with E. Franklin Avenue.

A 2016 Subaru Forester, driven by a 35 year old New Castle man, was travelling U.S. 13 southbound, and had entered into the left turn lane, for E. Franklin Avenue. After coming to a complete stop, the Subaru proceeded across the U.S. 13 northbound lanes in an attempt to continue onto E. Franklin Avenue, at which time it was struck on the front, right corner by the dirt bike. After impact, the operator of the dirt bike was ejected over top of the Subaru coming to rest in the northeast corner of the intersection.

The dirt bike operator who was not wearing a helmet, was transported to the Christiana Hospital for serious, life-threatening injuries. Impairment on his part is unknown at this time.

The operator of the Subaru who was properly restrained at the time of the collision, was uninjured. Neither improper driving nor impairment, are being considered as factors on his behalf.

Traffic on U.S. 13 northbound, was restricted to the left lane, for approximately two hours while the crash was being investigated.

The investigation is ongoing, with further details being released as they become available.

If anyone has information regarding this incident they are asked to contact Detective J. Breen of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-365-8486.

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: 112917 1130

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