Odessa, DE – On April 15, 2015, the Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) was contacted by the Delaware State Police after a trooper stopped a vehicle travelling north on SR 1 south of Odessa and a large amount of cigarettes were found in the vehicle. 

Mugahid Tahir Al Ghazali, 25, of New York, NY was travelling north on SR 1 in a rental vehicle and was stopped by a trooper for speeding.  Further investigation revealed the driver was in possession of 394 cartons of untaxed cigarettes of various brands. 
 
A DATE agent responded to the scene and verified that the 394 cartons were obtained in Virginia and were being transported to an unknown destination. Al Ghazali was charged by DATE with Possession of Untaxed Cigarettes and Attempting to Evade Delaware Excise Tax. The rental car was confiscated and returned to the rental company. He was later released after posting a $5,500 cash only bail.

Media Contact:
John Yeomans, Director
john.yeomans@delaware.gov
(302) 741-2719

Georgetown, DE – The Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) received information that the owner, Johnny Gibbs, 66, of 363 S. Railroad Avenue in Georgetown was selling alcoholic beverages from the residence without a license. An investigation was launched and DATE agents were able to secure multiple purchases of alcoholic beverages from the residence.

On Friday, April 17, 2015 DATE agents executed a search warrant at 363 S. Railroad Avenue in Georgetown. Agents seized various brands of beer and other alcoholic beverages along with $1,460.00 in cash. After DATE agents arrested Mr. Gibbs, an EBT (food stamp) card was found in his possession that did not belong to him.

Mr. Gibbs was charged with Selling Alcohol Without a License, Illegal Storage of Alcohol w/ Intent to Sell and Unauthorized Possession of EBT Card. He was later released on a $3,000 unsecured bond.

Media Contact:
John Yeomans, Director
john.yeomans@delaware.gov
(302) 741-2719

On December 19, 2014 the Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement’s Deputy Director Robert Kracyla graduated from the FBI’s 258th Session of the National Academy. Deputy Director Kracyla was part of a class of 215 law enforcement officers from 49 states, 26 international countries, 3 military organizations and 4 federal civilian organizations.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 11 weeks of advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.

A total of 47,898 graduates now represent the FBI National Academy since it began in July 1935. Of this number, approximately 16,233 are still active in law enforcement work.

Deputy Director Kracyla has over 34 years of law enforcement experience including Dover Police Department, Delaware State Police and the Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement. He is the first member of Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement to have completed this training.

October 29th, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT: Multi-Agency Underage Drinking Operation Yields 145 Arrests, Additional Charges Pending

On Saturday, October 25th, 2014, officers from the Newark Police Department, University of Delaware Police Department and Delaware Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) initiated an Underage Drinking Enforcement Operation in the City of Newark. During the operation officers observed a loud party in the unit block of Continental Avenue and, after an undercover investigation, officers determined that alcohol was being provided to minors at that location.

Officers executed a search warrant at the residence just after 3:00pm finding a large number of individuals. Officers identified 145 underage subjects (including 3 who were under the age of 18), at the home who had consumed alcohol. All were arrested and released pending future court appearances. The juvenile subjects were turned over to the custody of their parents.

Newark Police continue to investigate this incident and have identified three residents of the home that will be arrested on the following charges:

145 cts – Providing Alcohol to a Minor
2 cts – Possession of Marijuana
3 cts – Noise Violation
3 cts – Underage Consumption of Alcohol
3 cts – Failure to Obtain Event Permit for Gathering over 150 people
3 cts – Conspiracy to Provide Alcohol to Minors

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Cpl. Greg Micolucci at 302-366-7110 ext 412 or greg.micolucci@cj.state.de.us. You can send an anonymous text message tip by texting 302NPD and your message to TIP411. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com where a reward may be available.

The Newark Police Department affirms that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Media Contact: Lt. Mark A. Farrall, Public Information Officer, 302-366-7110 ext 125 or mark.farrall@cj.state.de.us.

While traveling in the area of Peachtree Run in Camden, Delaware, a Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement Agent stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. The operator of the vehicle Matthew Trently, 22, of Magnolia was found in possession of an AR-15 assault rifle with a loaded 20 round magazine, brass knuckles, and 106 grams of suspected marijuana along with additional drug paraphernalia. Agents seized the rifle and marijuana along with a small amount of cash. He was placed under a $13,300.00 unsecured bond pending future court action on the above stated charges.

SUSPECT:
Matthew Trently, 22 of Magnolia

CHARGES:
Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver with an Aggravating Factor
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Fail to Wear a Seatbelt

BAIL:
$13,300.00 – Unsecured

LOCATION:
US 13 & Peachtree Run, Camden