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

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.

At approximately 2:15am on Sunday, August 3rd, agents with the Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement were investigating a late party at Mi Cosina Mexican Restaurant located at 165 S. DuPont Highway in New Castle. When agents arrived they discovered the sale and consumption of alcohol occurring at the business during a time which it is prohibited by law. The patrons were directed to leave the establishment while the agents were conducting their investigation.

Shortly thereafter a large fight broke out outside and several individuals with belts in hand were swinging the buckles around at each other. Agents exited the establishment and ordered them to stop. Several individuals stopped and fled on foot however two male subjects continued fighting on the ground with one on top of the other. One subject identified as Humberto Lopez-Gonzalez, 36, of Warwick, MD, was on top of another subject, David Reyes, 28, of Wilmington, striking him with a closed fist. Both refused orders of the agents to stop fighting at which time a Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement agent deployed his Taser and fired it at Lopez-Gonzalez in an attempt to stop the assault. The fight then ended and both subjects were subsequently taken into custody without further incident.

Lopez-Gonzalez was transported to Christiana Hospital due to injuries sustained in the fight. He was charged with Offensive Touching and Disorderly Conduct and released at the hospital. Reyes was charged with Disorderly Conduct and was released.

Administrative sanctions will also be taken against the liquor license of Mi Cosina for allowing the after-hours event to occur in violation of state law.

Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement agents working in the Rehoboth Beach area responded with Delaware State Police to 110 Cornwall Road in Rehoboth Beach Yacht & Country Club in Rehoboth Beach for a report of a loud party. Upon police arrival several juveniles fled on foot in several directions. Contact was made with the responsible adult/host at the party, Diana Hamer, 37, of Rehoboth Beach. Hamer was house-sitting for a relative and was present while a large group of juveniles were having a party and consuming alcoholic beverages on the premises.

DATE agents arrested three juveniles, ages 14, 16, and 17 for underage consumption of alcohol. In addition Hamer was arrested by agents for Providing Alcohol to a Minor and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and released on a criminal summons. The juveniles that were arrested were released to the custody of parents or guardians.

Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement Agents working in the Rehoboth Beach area responded with Delaware State Police to 70 Canal Landing Court in Rehoboth Beach for a report of a loud party with underage drinking. Upon arrival several groups of juveniles were seen walking away from the area, some of which were carrying alcoholic beverages. Contact was made with the host of the party, Brian Bowersock, 20, of Wilmington. Bowersock was the host of the party where apparently a number of underage subjects were in attendance, many of which were under 18 years of age, and alcohol was being consumed on the premises.

DATE agents arrested Bowersock and issued him a criminal summons for Providing Alcohol to a Minor and Underage Consumption of Alcohol. Agents also made 12 additional arrests for underage consumption of alcohol for subjects ranging from 15 to 19 years of age. The juveniles that were arrested were released to the custody of parents or guardians.