In April 2026, Detectives assigned to the New Castle County Division of Police Drug and Human Trafficking Investigations Team initiated an investigation into 45-year-old William Comer, who was suspected of distributing fentanyl throughout New Castle County. As the investigation continued, Detectives developed information indicating that Comer was residing in Elkton, Maryland. Detectives subsequently coordinated with the Cecil County Drug Task Force to further the investigation, as it extended into out-of-state jurisdictions.

On May 21, 2026, Detectives conducted a traffic stop involving Comer and 45-year-old Richard Harrigan of Wilmington, Delaware, who was also in the vehicle. During the stop, Detectives recovered more than 28 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 2.5 grams of raw fentanyl, and 11 bags containing suspected fentanyl.

William Comer and Richard Harrigan were each charged with the following offenses:

• One felony count of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance – Tier 3
• One felony count of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance – Tier 2
• One felony count of Conspiracy Second Degree
• One misdemeanor count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Both Harrigan and Comer were arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $82,200 cash bail.

William Comer – 45

Richard Harrigan – 45