(New Castle, DE 19720) Recently, officers from the New Castle County Division of Police have been made aware of a phone scam in which the caller pretended to be Lieutenant Faulkner from the New Castle County Sheriff’s Office.  In this case, the victim was told that she owed money on citations received for missing a court date she was subpoenaed for. The subject(s) told her if she did not pay, she would be arrested.

Please note, that the New Castle County Sheriff’s office is not a law enforcement agency; they do not have military ranks such as sergeants or lieutenants, only deputies. More importantly, their deputies do not make arrests.

However, deputies from the New Castle County Sheriff’s Office from time to time do in fact contact members of the community, but not in this instance.  A good way to verify that the person you are talking to is in fact from the Sheriff’s office is to simply, end the call.  Then contact the Sheriff’s office at (302) 395-8450.

 Here are some additional points to remember:

Neither Deputies nor officers from the New Castle County Division of Police will ever request or take funds over the phone, any payments owed must be made in person to the respective court.

They will never contact the members of the community about missed jury duty or a missed court date.

The only way to alleviate a warrant is to appear at the issuing agency, or at the court. Also, when posting bail, even for a family member, you have to be present in order to post the bail.

Additionally,  if you receive a call from the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number, it is also a scam. The system we use is not able to call back on that line nor will it enable anyone else to call out.  The (302) 573-2800 number is fully functional for incoming calls only.

If you think you have been the victim of a scam or fraud please do not be embarrassed or ashamed.  These scammers can be very convincing, and you are not alone.  Contact the New Castle County Police non-emergency line (302)-573-2800 or (302) 395-8171 to report a scam.

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(St. Georges, DE 19733) On Saturday, June 18, 2022, at approximately 9:50 a.m., officers from the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to the 900 block of Melissa Court, in the community of Highpointe at St. Georges for a report of Home Improvement Fraud.

The 57-year-old  victim stated that she had paid contractor money and that renovations on her residence had been started but had not been completed.

The victim provided the officers with a copy of a signed contract with 44-year-old, Gary Slagle of  TriPoint Restorations, dated and signed June 22, 2021. This contract stated an outline of the work to be completed, monetary values to be paid for said agreed-upon work, and the timeline and expectations of payment and completion. The contract total was over $50,000 and the project was due to start August 2021 and end by October 2021.

The victim also provided the officers with copies of the three checks that she had provided to Slagle for payment totaling over $40,000.

The victim also showed a text message from the contractor, 44-year-old Gary Slagle dated January 19^th, 2022, that stated the project would be done in 30 days. The last correspondence was in May when the victim asked for an updated schedule-and no response was given.

The officers signed warrants for Slagle’s arrest, and he came to police headquarters on June 23^rd, 2022. He was charged with one count of felony Home Improvement Fraud $1500 or Greater. He was arranged by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance.

Based on this investigation,  the officers determined that Slagle has done business in Maryland and Pennsylvania as well. The Division is concerned that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. We are asking anyone with any information pertaining to this investigation to contact S/Cpl. L. Lucas via email at leigh.lucas@newcastlede.gov or by calling the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.

Citizens can text a tip anonymously simply by texting the number 847411 keyword: NCCDE. You can also submit a tip via our website at http://www.nccpd.com. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visit us on Facebook (IM) at New Castle County Division of Police.

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(New Castle, De 19720) Last week members of the New Castle County Division of Police celebrated the retirement of three police canines.

K9 Ace, born on 10/23/11, is a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois imported from the Netherlands. K9 Ace served as a dual purpose K9, certified in both patrol operations as well as narcotics detection. K9 Ace has been with the NCCPD since June of 2014. During his career K9 Ace was awarded an Animal Hero Award from the Delaware Medical Association and recognized in Resolution (No. 18-106) from New Castle County Council. He has served the citizens of New Castle County for 8 years with his handler M/Cpl. Tanyer.

K9 Figo, born on 09/06/12, 9-year-old Belgian Malinois imported from the Netherlands. K9 Figo served as a dual purpose K9, certified in both patrol operations as well as narcotics detection. During his career, K9 Figo has been awarded for several notable accomplishments for locating missing persons in need of police assistance. K9 Figo has been with the NCCPD since June of 2014. He has served the citizens of New Castle County for 8 years with his handler S/Cpl. DiGati. 

K9 Champ, born on 10/9/13, is an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois imported from Belgium. K9 Champ served as a dual purpose K9, certified in both patrol operations as well as narcotics detection. K9 Champ has been with the NCCPD since September of 2015. During his career he has assisted in many felony arrests and narcotic seizures. He has served the citizens of New Castle County for 7 years with his handler M/Cpl. Lutes.

Their contributions will be greatly missed. The entire Department of Public Safety wishes all of these officers the best in their retirement.