Delaware News

DSP, DOJ Announce Domestic Violence Charges Against Suspended Trooper

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | News | Date Posted: Friday, June 9, 2023


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A suspended Delaware State Trooper has been arrested and charged for a domestic physical assault, Attorney General Kathy Jennings and Col. Melissa Zebley announced Friday.

On March 14, officers from Delaware State Police Troop 9 responded to a residence in Townsend regarding a domestic violence incident involving the defendant, Trooper Anthony DiGati. Police learned that DiGati and the victim had an argument that became physical, with the victim sustaining bruising to her wrist, ribs, and upper leg. The victim informed officers that DiGati threatened her multiple times during the altercation.

“Any domestic violence is gravely serious, but it is particularly unsettling to see it committed by someone entrusted to protect the innocent,” said Attorney General Jennings. “The defendant’s actions endangered his family and dishonored his community. All of us are thinking of the victim today and will be working in the coming weeks and months to ensure that she can find justice, safety, and healing.

“I also want to applaud Delaware State Police for their professionalism in this case; investigating one of your own officers can be a fraught and challenging responsibility, but DSP was unflinching in immediately investigating, coordinating with the DOJ, and fully charging a Trooper based on his actions rather than on his position. The leadership they showed here is the gold standard for law enforcement.”

“As an agency committed to serving and protecting the public, the Delaware State Police understands the importance of accountability for all DSP Troopers,” said Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “We have established personnel policies in place to address cases of misconduct, and we take every complaint seriously. In light of an allegation against one of our Troopers, we initiated a criminal investigation and suspended Corporal Anthony DiGati. Delaware State Police are fully cooperating with the Delaware Department of Justice throughout the process, and we remain dedicated to upholding public trust and fulfilling our mission.”

The victim also advised DSP of a previously unreported domestic incident from November 2022, during which DiGati allegedly grabbed her hair, slammed her to the floor, and threatened her.

Following a full investigation by DSP, and review by the DOJ, DSP arrested DiGati on June 7 and charged him with two counts of Assault 3rd Degree, two counts of Terroristic Threatening, and one count of Offensive Touching, all of which are misdemeanors.

As a domestic-related arrest, DiGati’s case will be transferred to Family Court. Because his actions occurred off-duty and in his personal capacity, he will be prosecuted by the DOJ’s Criminal Division, rather than the Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust.

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DSP, DOJ Announce Domestic Violence Charges Against Suspended Trooper

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | News | Date Posted: Friday, June 9, 2023


Navy blue background featuring the Delaware state seal in the center

A suspended Delaware State Trooper has been arrested and charged for a domestic physical assault, Attorney General Kathy Jennings and Col. Melissa Zebley announced Friday.

On March 14, officers from Delaware State Police Troop 9 responded to a residence in Townsend regarding a domestic violence incident involving the defendant, Trooper Anthony DiGati. Police learned that DiGati and the victim had an argument that became physical, with the victim sustaining bruising to her wrist, ribs, and upper leg. The victim informed officers that DiGati threatened her multiple times during the altercation.

“Any domestic violence is gravely serious, but it is particularly unsettling to see it committed by someone entrusted to protect the innocent,” said Attorney General Jennings. “The defendant’s actions endangered his family and dishonored his community. All of us are thinking of the victim today and will be working in the coming weeks and months to ensure that she can find justice, safety, and healing.

“I also want to applaud Delaware State Police for their professionalism in this case; investigating one of your own officers can be a fraught and challenging responsibility, but DSP was unflinching in immediately investigating, coordinating with the DOJ, and fully charging a Trooper based on his actions rather than on his position. The leadership they showed here is the gold standard for law enforcement.”

“As an agency committed to serving and protecting the public, the Delaware State Police understands the importance of accountability for all DSP Troopers,” said Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “We have established personnel policies in place to address cases of misconduct, and we take every complaint seriously. In light of an allegation against one of our Troopers, we initiated a criminal investigation and suspended Corporal Anthony DiGati. Delaware State Police are fully cooperating with the Delaware Department of Justice throughout the process, and we remain dedicated to upholding public trust and fulfilling our mission.”

The victim also advised DSP of a previously unreported domestic incident from November 2022, during which DiGati allegedly grabbed her hair, slammed her to the floor, and threatened her.

Following a full investigation by DSP, and review by the DOJ, DSP arrested DiGati on June 7 and charged him with two counts of Assault 3rd Degree, two counts of Terroristic Threatening, and one count of Offensive Touching, all of which are misdemeanors.

As a domestic-related arrest, DiGati’s case will be transferred to Family Court. Because his actions occurred off-duty and in his personal capacity, he will be prosecuted by the DOJ’s Criminal Division, rather than the Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust.

image_printPrint


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.