Others face prison time for rape, gun, and drug charges

A 30-year-old Magnolia man was sentenced to prison in connection with a July 2015 killing in the Simon Circle neighborhood in Dover. Deputy Attorney General Stephen Welch secured the sentence for Erick Morton, after Morton pled guilty to Manslaughter. Morton was identified by surveillance video from municipal cameras that captured him shooting 35-year-old Jamal Weeks of Dover, in the 900 block of North Street. Morton was sentenced by Judge William Witham to 20 years in prison, suspended after 5 years for 6 months of Level IV work release, followed by 1 year of Level III probation and 1 year of Level II probation.

Deputy Attorney General Periann Doko secured a prison sentence for Charles Johnson, 34, of Wilmington. In February 2014, Johnson was arrested after being involved in a heroin deal. Johnson fled from police as they tried to stop his car, throwing money out of the window as he drove. Johnson pled guilty in May 2016 to Drug Dealing (Tier 2 quantity of heroin) and Disregarding a Police Signal. He was sentenced as a habitual offender due to previous violent drug and assault convictions to five years in prison, followed by probation.

Deputy Attorneys General Caterina Gatto and Christina Kontis secured a five-year prison sentence for Malik Moss, 31, of Bear after convicting him at trial in February for Drug Dealing (Tier 4 quantity of heroin), Aggravated Possession of Heroin, Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal, Possession of Marijuana and Reckless Driving. In April 2014, Moss fled from police during a traffic stop. The car was found abandoned on the front lawn of a nearby residence. A large amount of heroin, some marijuana, and a cell phone were left behind. The vehicle and drugs were linked back to Moss through fingerprint and cellphone analysis.

Deputy Attorney General Sonia Augusthy secured an eight-year prison sentence for 19-year-old Al-Ghaniyy Price of Wilmington. Price pled guilty in April to Maintaining a Drug Property, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited, and Drug Dealing (Tier 4 quantity of heroin). Price was arrested in May 2015 as part of an investigation into drug activity in the Sparrow Run neighborhood. When police entered his bedroom in his mother’s home, they found more than 150 grams of heroin, a 9-mm handgun, and ammunition. Price was sentenced by Judge John A. Parkins, Jr. to a total of eight years in prison, followed by six months at Level IV, then two years of Level III probation. DAG Augusthy also secured a prison sentence Mik’trell Spriggs, 22, of Sparrow Run, as a result of his conviction in the same drug investigation. Spriggs was charged with selling crack cocaine while on probation for a previous drug dealing conviction. Spriggs was sentenced to a total of eight-and-a-half years at Level V for three counts of Drug Dealing, as well as his Violation of Probation. His prison term will be followed by 6 months at Level IV, and 18 months of Level III probation.

Deputy Attorney General Jan van Amerongen secured a prison sentence for Paul Brunhammer, 34, of Salem, New Jersey. Brunhammer pled guilty in May to Rape Third Degree in a case from 2010. Brunhammer raped the daughter of his ex-girlfriend while he was visiting the mother’s home in Newark. When the victim reported the assault, Brunhammer was incarcerated in New Jersey for an unrelated sexual assault. Brunhammer was returned to Delaware earlier this year to face the new charge after completing his New Jersey sentence for Aggravated Sexual Assault. Judge William C. Carpenter, Jr. sentenced Brunhammer to 25 years in prison, suspended after 10 years for two years of Level III probation, and ordered him to register as a Tier III sex offender.

DHSS Receives First Reports of Community Members Using Naloxone to Revive Loved Ones Who Overdosed

NEW CASTLE – The Department of Health and Social Services has received the first reports of people in Delaware overdosing on opiates and being revived by community members who administered the overdose-reversing medication naloxone themselves.

Individuals who participate in the state’s Syringe Exchange Program in Wilmington, coordinated by Brandywine Counseling, are receiving auto-injector naloxone units through a donation by kaléo, the Richmond, Va., company that manufactures the medication called Evzio. Participants are trained by Brandywine Counseling staff on how to use the naloxone.

“Heroin and the misuse of prescription painkillers are so dangerous that in order to connect people to treatment for their addiction, sometimes we must save their lives first,” DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf said. “The new community naloxone bill, which Governor Markell signed into law last summer, is giving people in Delaware the opportunity to save their loved ones’ lives. Our hope is that people in the throes of addiction will now embrace treatment for their disease and the opportunity for a lasting recovery.”

In June 2014, Gov. Markell signed into law a bill expanding the use of naloxone by members of the community who take a training class in how to administer it. Almost 300 people, including Secretary Landgraf, have been trained to use an intranasal spray version of naloxone and carry the medication with them to save the life of a loved one or friend in the event of an overdose.

Domenica Personti, Brandywine Counseling’s director of adolescent services and prevention, said in the first case happened on Aug. 30, when a Syringe Exchange Program client saved a friend’s life who had overdosed. The client was “so grateful to have been offered the training and medication in order to save her friend’s life,” Personti said. Brandywine Counseling refilled her naloxone prescription.

On Sept. 7, Personti said a second client of the Syringe Exchange Program used the auto-injector naloxone unit to revive her girlfriend after she overdosed. Both women were expected to come into Brandywine Counseling to be assessed for treatment services, Personti said.

“By expanding naloxone access, we have equipped individuals with a life-saving tool in response to the terrible outcome often associated with opiate use,” Personti said. “Because of this, two individuals were able to go home to their loved ones.”

In the wake of a growing number of overdose deaths, DHSS and atTAcK addiction, a grassroots advocacy group in Delaware, helped to facilitate the donation earlier this year of 2,000 naloxone units from kaléo. The donation went to addiction treatment centers like Brandywine Counseling, participating police departments and school nurses in Delaware’s high schools.

“atTAcK addiction is extremely grateful that our partnership with DHSS is saving lives,” said David Humes, one of the group’s founding members. “The Kristen L. Jackson and John M. Perkins Jr. 911 Good Samaritan Law and complementary expanded naloxone laws do save lives. We will continue to advocate for effective policy changes that will increase and expand treatment options for those suffering with substance use disorder. Where there is life, there is hope of recovery from the disease of addiction.”

Brandywine Counseling’s next community naloxone training class is at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Stubbs Elementary School, 110 N. Pine St., Wilmington. Subsequent sessions are at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at New Castle County Police Department Headquarters, 3601 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle; and at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Ocean View Police Department, 201 Central Ave., Ocean View.

In 2014, a total of 185 people died from suspected overdoses in Delaware, or about one person every other day. Many of those overdoses were the result of heroin or prescription painkillers, which can be reversed by administering naloxone. In addition to expanded use among police officers, community members and school nurses, Delaware paramedics also administer naloxone in overdose situations. In 2014, they administered it 1,244 times, reviving 668 people, according to the Division of Public Health. The antidote also is used in emergency rooms.

For more information, contact Jill Fredel, Director of Communications, (302) 255-9047 (office) or (302) 357-7498 (cell).

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Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

GEORGETOWN, DE – In February 2015, the Delaware State Police and the Delaware Department of Justice began planning an operation designed to proactively impact violent crime in Sussex and Kent Counties. This operation targeted subjects participating in an organized criminal enterprise. Members of this network were active participants in the crimes of racketeering, murder, home invasion robbery, illegal weapons possession, and the distribution of illegal narcotics.

Operation “In The House” was initiated on March 17, 2015. Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit, Delaware State Police Homicide Unit, Sussex County Drug Unit, and the Delaware Department of Justice organized and conducted this operation with the assistance of the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, Kent County Drug Unit, Kent County Governor’s Task Force, the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT), Drug Enforcement Administration – Dover Field Office (DEA), U.S Marshalls, Delaware Department of Corrections, Dover Police Department, Georgetown Police Department, and the Philadelphia Police Department. During this Operation, investigators used numerous investigative techniques to identify members involved in violent crime and the distribution of large amounts of Cocaine and Heroin in Kent and Sussex Counties.

Through the investigation, detectives were able to establish that Steven Kellam, Rhamir Waples, Richard Robinson, Shamir Stratton, Damon Bethea, and Carlton Gibbs operated in a criminal network that targeted specific victims for home invasion robberies. The victims targeted by the organization were believed to be involved in the distribution of illegal narcotics. The defendants planned and committed numerous home invasion robberies with the goal of obtaining illegal narcotics and United States Currency from the victims. The investigation revealed that the suspects would conceal their identity by donning clothing items over their faces and then make forced entry into the home of the victims and utilize firearms to commit robbery. During one of the home invasion robberies, two victims were shot and killed and during another, one victim was wounded during an exchange of gunfire.

The below subjects were linked and charged with the following crimes:

• On January 14, 2014, Victims Cletis Nelson and William Hopkins were shot and killed during a home invasion robbery within a residence located on Harmon’s Hill Road, Millsboro, DE. Steven Kellam, Richard Robinson, Rhamir Waples, Shamir Stratton, Damon Bethea, Carlton Gibbs were all charged with the home invasion and murder of the victims. Rachel Rentoul and Jackie Heverin were charged with robbery related offenses for assisting in the planning of the crime.
• Steven Kellam, Richard Robinson, and Rhamir Waples were charged with a home invasion robbery that occurred on the 28000 block of Russell Avenue in the Oak Orchard area of Millsboro on May 18, 2014. During this robbery, the suspects pistol whipped a 24 year old male.
• Steven Kellam, Richard Robinson, and Rhamir Waples were charged with an attempted home invasion that occurred on August 22, 2014. During this incident, the suspects kicked in the door of a residence on the 27000 block of Chris Drive in Millsboro but fled as the residents blocked the door and called police.
• Steven Kellam, Richard Robinson, and Rhamir Waples were charged with a December 11, 2014 home invasion robbery that occurred on the 27000 block of Sandy Drive in Millsboro. During this incident the suspects pistol whipped a 46 year old male, and assaulted a 56 year old female.
• Steven Kellam, Richard Robinson, and Rhamir Waples were charged with a December 14, 2014 home invasion robbery that occurred on the 29000 block of Cordrey Road, Millsboro. During this incident the suspects shot and wounded a 37 year old male victim.

This investigation also showed that the above subjects had relationships with several individuals heavily involved in the trade of heroin and cocaine in Sussex County. Investigators were able to determine that Jackson Vanvorst of Laurel operated a large distribution network in Sussex County and employed John Richardson, Ray Revel, and Cornell Smith in the allocation of the heroin. Investigators were also able to determine that Angelina Levan and James Johnson of Harrington were supplying Vanvorst with large amounts of heroin. Vanvorst also orchestrated a large shoplifting ring in which he would send drug users to steal pre-determined items from numerous department, hardware, and groceries stores. Vanvorst would “pay” these individuals with drugs, and he would in turn sell these items for profit in the community.

Investigators were also able to identify several large scale cocaine dealers through relationships with the individuals involved in the home invasion robberies. Australia Mackey of Millsboro was identified as operating a cocaine network in Sussex County and was distributing powder and “crack” cocaine to numerous other large scale drug dealers in Sussex. These individuals were identified as Nathan Henry, Aaron Isler, Myricka Sampson, Leondious Gibbs, Corina Lloyd, Samuel Jones, Jermichael Deshields, and Thomas Deshields. The investigation determined that Tavon Biles of Rehoboth Beach and Zachery Bates of Smyrna were supplying Mackey with large amounts of cocaine. All of the named suspects were charged with numerous drug related charges.

The first phase of Operation “In the House” ended during the first week of May 2015. The operation ended with the execution of 25 search warrants at various locations throughout Kent and Sussex County. At that time 30 individuals were indicted by a Sussex County Grand Jury. As a result of the investigation the following items were seized: 2,321.7 grams (over 2 kilograms) of Cocaine, 108.03 grams (over 7,200 bags) of Heroin, 7,921.65 grams of Marijuana, .02 grams of Methamphetamine, and 41 prescription narcotic pills. Investigators also recovered and seized $135,310.00 in United States Currency, 19 firearms and 15 vehicles. Indictments were obtained for the defendants involved in the Murders and Home Invasions on June 22, 2015. Investigations on several related incidents are still on-going.

The below individuals were arrested for the listed offenses in conjunction with their roles in the above detailed crimes. Not all listed individuals remain incarcerated with Delaware Department of Correction except for the subjects charged with Murder 1st who are held without bail:

• Steven Kellam, 34 of Dover (Photo Labeled with name at the Bottom) – 81 Charges – Murder 1st Degree, Attempted Murder 1st Degree, Racketeering, Home Invasion, Robbery 1st Degree, Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, PFDCF, PFBPP, Conspiracy 1st Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Reckless Endangering 1st Degree, Tier 4 Delivery of Narcotics, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony. Held without bail.

• Damon Bethea, 30 of Pennsauken, NJ (Photo Labeled with name at the Bottom) – 22 Charges – Murder 1st Degree, Home Invasion, Robbery 1st Degree, Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, PFDCF, Conspiracy 1st Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree. Held without bail.

• Carlton Gibbs, 40 of Millsboro (Photo Labeled with name at the Bottom) –23 Charges – Murder 1st Degree, Home Invasion, Robbery 1st Degree, Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, PFDCF, PFBPP, Conspiracy 1st Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree. Held without bail.

• Jackson Vanvorst, 34 of Laurel– 55 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Heroin, Tier 2 Delivery of Heroin, Tier 4 Delivery of Heroin, Tier 4 PWITD Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd, Delivery of Cocaine, PFBPP, Delivery of Heroin, Possession of Heroin.

• Australia Mackey, 39 of Millsboro – 62 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Cocaine, Tier 4 Delivery of Cocaine, Tier 4 PWITD Cocaine, Criminal Solicitation 2nd.

• Tavon Biles, 32 of Rehoboth Beach – 14 charges – Tier 5 Possession of Cocaine, Tier 4 Delivery of Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd

• Zackary Bates, 31 of Smyrna – 3 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Cocaine, Tier 4 Delivery of Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd

• Angelina Levan, 46 of Harrington – 15 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Heroin, Tier 4 Delivery of Heroin, Conspiracy 2nd.

• James Johnson, 45 of Harrington – 6 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Heroin, Tier 4 Delivery of Heroin, Conspiracy 2nd

• John E. Richardson, 30 of Georgetown – 7 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Heroin, Tier 4 Delivery of Heroin, Tier 3 Possession of Heroin, Tier 2 Delivery of Heroin, Conspiracy 2nd, Maintaining a Drug Property
• Ray Revel WMN

• Cornell B. Smith, 31 of Millsboro – 5 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Heroin, Tier 4 Delivery of Heroin, Delivery of Heroin, Conspiracy 2nd,

• Thomas Deshields, 36 of Millsboro – 10 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Cocaine, Tier 4 PWITD of Cocaine, Delivery of Cocaine, PWITD Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd, Criminal Solicitation 2nd Degree

• Jermichael Deshields, 35 of Millsboro – 11 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Cocaine, Tier 4 PWITD Cocaine, Tier 4 Delivery of Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd, Criminal Solicitation 2nd

• Nathan Henry, 31 of Georgetown – 12 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Cocaine, Tier 4 Delivery of Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd , Criminal Solicitation 2nd

• Leondious Gibbs, 29 of Millsboro – 6 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Cocaine, Tier 4 PWITD of Cocaine, Tier 4 Delivery of Cocaine, PFBPP, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

• Aaron D. Isler, 34 of Ellendale – 8 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Cocaine, Tier 4 Delivery of Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd , Criminal Solicitation 2nd

• Anthony Hopkins, 53 of Milton – 12 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Cocaine, Tier 4 Delivery of Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd , Criminal Solicitation 2nd

• Corina Lloyd, 40 of Millsboro – 8 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Cocaine, Tier 4 Delivery of Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd , Criminal Solicitation 2nd

• Myricka A. Sampson, 33 of Harbeson – 12 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Cocaine, Tier 4 Delivery of Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd , Criminal Solicitation 2nd

• Desirae A. Hammel, 24 of Lewes – 2 Charges – Tier 4 Delivery of Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd
• Perry Butler, 51 of Greenwood – 6 Charges – Tier 4 Possession of Oxycodone, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd , Possession of Oxycodone

• Kevin Worrell, 35 of Lewes – 4 Charges – PFBPP, Possession of Cocaine, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd

• Daniel Godwin, 28 of Georgetown – 3 Charges – Possession of Heroin, Conspiracy 2nd, Criminal Solicitation 2nd

• Angela Brown, 43 of Dover – 2 Charges – Delivery of Oxycodone, Conspiracy 2nd

• Sheri Chalfant, 52 of Laurel – 2 Charges – Delivery of Heroin, Conspiracy 2nd

• Domonique Johnson, 20 of Ellendale – 3 Charges – Possession of Heroin, Conspiracy 2nd, Criminal Solicitation 2nd

Arrest warrants have been obtained for the following individuals in connection with this investigation who have NOT been located

Rhamir D. Waples BMN 03-21-1996 – 81 Charges – Murder 1st Degree, Attempted Murder 1st Degree, Racketeering, Home Invasion, Robbery 1st Degree, Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, PFDCF, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Reckless Endangering 1st Degree, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony

Richard Robinson BMN 08-13-1994– 81 Charges – Murder 1st Degree, Attempted Murder 1st Degree, Racketeering, Home Invasion, Robbery 1st Degree, Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, PFDCF, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Reckless Endangering 1st Degree, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony

Shamir A. Stratton BMN 08-01-1990 – 22 Charges – Murder 1st Degree, Home Invasion, Robbery 1st Degree, Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, PFDCF, Conspiracy 1st Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree

Rachel R. Rentoul WFN 01-22-1985 – 13 Charges – Home Invasion, PFDCF, Robbery 1st Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree

Jacquelyn Heverin WFN 12-19-1990 – 13 Charges – Home Invasion, PFDCF, Robbery 1st Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree

Dean R. Zerden, 47 of Millsboro – 3 Charges – Possession of Cocaine, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd

Samuel J. Jones, 34 of Millsboro – 12 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Cocaine, Tier 4 Delivery of Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd , Criminal Solicitation 2nd

Thomas Tallent, 29 of Georgetown – 3 Charges – Possession of Heroin, Conspiracy 2nd, Criminal Solicitation 2nd

If anyone has any information in reference to the location of the listed wanted subjects, they are asked to contact Sgt. G. Windish at 302-752-3814. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Below is a list of statements provided by agencies involved in the operation:

Delaware Department of Justice – Attorney General’s Office:

“This operation, and these arrests, are just more examples of the remarkable interagency cooperation in and around Delaware that helps protect the public,” said Attorney General Matt Denn. “This is another example of law enforcement agencies working together to take criminals off the street, this time in a major operation in Sussex County. Late last year, a similar effort broke up a major drug ring in New Castle County, and in January, the law enforcement community came together and netted more than a dozen arrests in taking down a Kent County drug operation. My sincere thanks goes out to the Delaware State Police, along with the Dover, Georgetown, and Philadelphia Police Departments, the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S Marshalls, Department of Correction Probation and Parole, and the Sussex Correctional Institution. I also want to recognize Deputy Attorneys General Martin Cosgrove, Chris Hutchison, and Peggy Marshall for leading the DOJ efforts in this dogged investigation, and securing the indictment.”

Delaware State Police:

“This investigation targeted violent criminals and drug traffickers that were part of an organized criminal enterprise operating in Kent and Sussex County. This criminal enterprise was responsible for several serious violent crimes and the importation and distribution of heroin and cocaine throughout the State of Delaware,” said Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr., Superintendent of Delaware State Police. “The arrest of these suspects will have a significant impact and will go a long way to improve the quality of life in the affected communities. An investigation of this magnitude requires significant cooperation, communication, coordination and resources for all of those involved. This investigation continues to emphasize the impact and the benefit to our communities when all of our agencies are working together. Thank you to all of the Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies and The Department of Justice for their excellent teamwork and collaboration on this investigation. All of our agencies remain committed to working with our communities to reduce violent crime and drug trafficking throughout the State of Delaware.”

PERMANENT ANONYMOUS MEDICINE DROP BOXES AVAILABLE IN EVERY COUNTY

DOVER – Medicines play an important role in treating health conditions and diseases, but they are open to abuse and improper disposal, which can harm the environment. The Division of Public Health (DPH) commends the eight local police departments who offer safe and secure medicine drug disposal at their offices. Offering secure, permanent drop boxes was a key recommendation of the Delaware Prescription Drug Task Force, a partnership between the state, Medical Society of Delaware, and community partners.

“Thank you to these eight police departments who have taken the lead on permanent, safe prescription drug disposal,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay, co-chair of the PDAC task force. “Prescription drug abuse and misuse can lead to addiction, illegal substance use, and even an overdose. We must offer safe and anonymous avenues for medicine disposal.”

Additionally, it’s estimated that more than two-thirds of people who misuse prescription drugs get them from friends and family, who may be unaware that their unused medications have gone missing. And, drugs that are flushed down the toilet or otherwise improperly disposed of can contaminate groundwater. Medicine collection sites provide an opportunity for the public to drop off expired, unwanted, or unused prescription drugs and other medications to law enforcement for safe destruction.

Bring expired, unused, or unwanted medications to any of the locations listed below to ensure that they are disposed of properly. Drugs must be in a container such as a pill bottle, box, blister pack, or zip lock bag. Leave liquid medications in their original containers. No needles, aerosols, or biohazard materials may be deposited. Do not put medical equipment, batteries, syringes, or other biohazard waste into the drop-off boxes. The program is anonymous – no questions or requests for identification will be made by law enforcement personnel present.

“Being the first police department in Delaware to have permanent medicine collection drop-off boxes in the lobby of our police department ties into our commitment of being receptive to the needs of the communities that we serve and then doing something about it,” said Capt. Quinton Watson, New Castle County Police Department. “Having medicine drop-off boxes in different police departments around the state is a benefit for our citizens in order for them to safely dispose of their unwanted, expired, or unused prescription medication conveniently seven days a week, 24 hours a day. I would encourage more police departments to strongly consider placing a medicine collection box at their police departments to be a part of a great community effort to dispose of unwanted, expired, or unused prescription medication.”

Businesses such as medical clinics or pharmacies wishing to dispose of unwanted stock are not permitted to use these drop boxes. These DEA registrants must follow Federal Regulation 21CFR1307.21 for disposal of unwanted stock.

Permanent medication collection boxes are available at the locations listed below. Contact each site directly for collection hours, rules, and regulations.

New Castle County

Newark Police Department
220 S. Main St.
Newark, DE 19711
Phone: 302-366-7111

New Castle County Police Department
3601 N. DuPont Hwy
New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: 302-573-2800

Kent County

Camden Police Department
1783 Friends Way
Camden, DE 19934
302-697-2299

Dover Police Department
400 S. Queen St.
Dover, DE 19904
302-736-7111

Smyrna Police Department
325 W. Glenwood Ave.
Smyrna, DE 19977
Phone: 302-653-9217

Harrington Police Department
20 Mechanic St.
Harrington, DE 19952
Phone: 302-398-4493

Sussex County

Selbyville Police Department
68 W. Church St.
Selbyville, DE 19975
Phone: 302-436-5085.

Greenwood Police Department
100 W. Market St.
Greenwood, DE 19950
Phone: 302-349-4822

PDAC, chaired by Dr. Rattay and Dr. Randeep Kahlon, past president, Medical Society of Delaware, also called for the support of the PMP, increasing physician and pharmacist training, and an aggressive public outreach effort to reduce prescription drug abuse. The PDAC report is online at www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/pdacfinalreport2013.pdf
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

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Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social Services – Division of Public Health

WILMINGTON, DE – The Department of Justice’s continuing efforts to target serious juvenile gun offenses has led to the decision to hear the gun-related cases of three local teenagers in Superior Court. The Attorney General recently began personally reviewing each new juvenile gun offense, and has directed that some offenses which would previously have been handled as delinquency cases in Family Court be treated instead as adult cases due to their severity and/or the defendant’s history with the criminal justice system.

After prevailing in a Family Court hearing, the illegal gun possession case of 17-year-old John Brisco was transferred to New Castle County Superior Court. Brisco, on probation for a previous person prohibited for felony ammunition charge, was arrested in February, after a picture on one of his social media sites allegedly showed him with a gun. A probation officer found a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun in the bedroom of his Wilmington home. Deputy Attorney General Mark Denney successfully argued in Family Court for the case to be transferred to Superior Court and tried as an adult case.

The cases of two other juveniles will also be heard in Superior Court. Based on the nature of their charges, a 16-year-old and 15-year-old will both be tried as adults. The two were allegedly involved in the armed robberies of a convenience store and a donut shop in New Castle in April of this year. The Department of Justice is not releasing the identities of the juveniles pending indictment until the Superior Court agrees to try them as adults.

Trial success:

Deputy Attorneys General Periann Doko and Julie Finocchiaro secured a conviction against Curtis Finney, 21, of New Castle, in a jury trial. During a traffic stop in August 2013, police found two loaded handguns, and 378 bags of heroin in a car driven by Finney. Finney was convicted of multiple counts of drug dealing, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a person prohibited. As a result, Finney will receive a minimum mandatory of 22 years in prison when sentenced later this year. Finney also received an 8-year prison sentence on his violation of probation in this case when prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Mark Denney.

Deputy Attorney General John Taylor secured a conviction against 21-year-old Balisha White of New Castle in a jury trial, being found guilty of theft and resisting arrest. In August 2014, White broke into a home in the 2500 block of North Broom Street in Wilmington, stole items from the home, and then ran from police. White was immediately sentenced to a year in prison, suspended for a year’s probation on each count.

Deputy Attorney General Zachary Rosen secured a conviction against Howard Walsh, 50, of Wilmington. Walsh was found guilty on three counts of possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, one count of possession of ammunition by a person prohibited, one count of carrying a concealed dangerous instrument, and one count of criminal impersonation. In October 2014, police responded to Miller’s Gun Center in New Castle after receiving reports of a person with a gun wearing body armor. A woman purchased a gun and then gave it to Walsh, who then falsely told police he was a detective.

Deputy Attorney General Caroline Brittingham secured a conviction against Leroy Mitchell, 29, of Wilmington, for drug dealing and disregarding a police officer’s signal, related to a chase with the Laurel Police Department. Mitchell drove away from police during a traffic stop, then after crashing through a fence, fled on foot. When fleeing, he threw multiple logs of heroin that had been in a bag in his car.

Deputy Attorney General Kevin Gardner secured a guilty verdict against 56-year-old Stephen Shaw of Brookhaven, PA, for his third DUI offense. In March 2014, police found Shaw slumped over the steering wheel of his car in a parking lot in the 1200 block of Savannah Road in Lewes. Police noticed the smell of alcohol, and Shaw was unable to maintain his balance once getting out of the car. A subsequent blood draw showed his blood alcohol level to be .24.

Sentencing success:

Deputy Attorney General Lindsay Taylor secured a 7-year prison sentence for 27-year-old Stephen Hoffrage of Dover, for third degree rape. Hoffrage met his 15-year-old victim on a social messaging app, and raped her at her home in Smyrna. As a result of his conviction, Hoffrage is now registered as a Tier III sex offender.

Deputy Attorney General John Taylor secured a plea form Barry White, 39, of Wilmington, for possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, and two violations of probation: one for drug dealing, the other for first degree assault. During a traffic stop in November 2014, officers noticed the smell of marijuana, and White admitted to having marijuana with him. Police also found White had a gun. The court sentenced White to 15 years suspended after 10 on the gun charge, 6 years suspended after 3 years on the assault, and re-imposed probation for the drug dealing.

Deputy Attorney General Jamie McCloskey secured a plea from 29-year-old Ralph Nock for home invasion and first degree robbery. In September 2014, Nock robbed two people at knife-point inside a home in the 100 block of Cross Avenue in New Castle. Nock was immediately sentenced to nine years in prison.

Deputy Attorney General Jamie McCloskey secured a plea from Scott Newcomer, 28, of New Castle, for second degree burglary and felony theft. In November 2014, Newcomer climbed through the window of a house in the unit block of Scottie Lane in New Castle, ransacked the house, and stole several items. Upon entering his plea, Newcomer was immediately to three years in prison.

Deputy Attorney General Timothy Maguire secured a plea from David Griffin, for a fourth DUI. Griffin was sentenced to 5 years in prison, suspended after nine months for one year supervised probation, as well as a $3,000 fine, the Statutory DUI Course/loss of license and Transdermal Alcohol Monitoring. In December 2014, Griffin was involved in a hit and run accident. He was also ordered to pay restitution.

Resolution success:

Deputy Attorney General Eric Zubrow secured guilty pleas for two counts of second degree conspiracy, and one count of criminal solicitation from Richard Ray, 27, of Wilmington. While in prison, Ray convinced his brother to commit a robbery in hopes of getting enough money for bail. He was also rearrested during his brother’s trial for witness intimidation, resulting in the second conspiracy charge.

Deputy Attorney General John Taylor secured a guilty pleas from Jamaal Dearry, 29, of Bear, for drug dealing, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. While executing a search warrant in November 2014, the Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T.) found drugs in an apartment on Brookside Boulevard in Newark, where Dearry was with three other people. He is facing fifteen years minimum mandatory prison time.