Delaware News

DOJ indicts suspended Delmar officer on multiple counts of Official Misconduct, Unlawful Sexual Contact

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | Newsroom | Date Posted: Monday, June 8, 2026


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On June 8, Officer Darrell Powell, 27, was indicted on charges of Stalking, Offensive Touching, four counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact and three counts of Official Misconduct in Sussex County Superior Court. The indictment follows an investigation into multiple instances of inappropriate conduct between July 2025 and February 2026.
“The alleged actions of this officer are beyond unacceptable” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Rest assured that any misdeeds will be held accountable to the full extent of the law. I continue to be grateful to our prosecutors and our partners in the Seaford Police Department for their dedication to this case, and to the Delmar Police Department for their swift action and cooperation with the investigation.”
On January 7, 2026, Powell responded to a shoplifting call at a Delmar, Delaware Grocery store. While there, Powell inappropriately touched the breasts of staff member and made sexual comments toward them.
The indictment also describes an incident that occurred on February 24, 2026, when Powell inappropriately touched the butt of a staff member at a local retail store while on duty; he had made inappropriate comments to the staff member in the months before this. On another occasion, he followed this victim, pulling them over without giving a reason and without asking for license and registration.
Upon receiving this information on February 26, 2026, Officer Powell was immediately relieved of all police duties and suspended pending investigation, and the State of Delaware immediately directed that an independent investigation be conducted by an outside agency.
During the course of the investigation that followed, a third victim was identified. On July 25, 2025, while working on an extra-duty assignment at the Delmar Speedway, Powell responded to a patron’s call for police assistance. While responding the patron, Powell inappropriately touched the victim’s breasts.
The DOJ reminds the public that charges are allegations and that all defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence until they have been proven guilty.
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DOJ indicts suspended Delmar officer on multiple counts of Official Misconduct, Unlawful Sexual Contact

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | Newsroom | Date Posted: Monday, June 8, 2026


Navy blue background featuring the Delaware state seal in the center
On June 8, Officer Darrell Powell, 27, was indicted on charges of Stalking, Offensive Touching, four counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact and three counts of Official Misconduct in Sussex County Superior Court. The indictment follows an investigation into multiple instances of inappropriate conduct between July 2025 and February 2026.
“The alleged actions of this officer are beyond unacceptable” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Rest assured that any misdeeds will be held accountable to the full extent of the law. I continue to be grateful to our prosecutors and our partners in the Seaford Police Department for their dedication to this case, and to the Delmar Police Department for their swift action and cooperation with the investigation.”
On January 7, 2026, Powell responded to a shoplifting call at a Delmar, Delaware Grocery store. While there, Powell inappropriately touched the breasts of staff member and made sexual comments toward them.
The indictment also describes an incident that occurred on February 24, 2026, when Powell inappropriately touched the butt of a staff member at a local retail store while on duty; he had made inappropriate comments to the staff member in the months before this. On another occasion, he followed this victim, pulling them over without giving a reason and without asking for license and registration.
Upon receiving this information on February 26, 2026, Officer Powell was immediately relieved of all police duties and suspended pending investigation, and the State of Delaware immediately directed that an independent investigation be conducted by an outside agency.
During the course of the investigation that followed, a third victim was identified. On July 25, 2025, while working on an extra-duty assignment at the Delmar Speedway, Powell responded to a patron’s call for police assistance. While responding the patron, Powell inappropriately touched the victim’s breasts.
The DOJ reminds the public that charges are allegations and that all defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence until they have been proven guilty.
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.