Delaware State Police, on Tuesday July 27, fielded a number of thefts from vehicle reports in the Lewes, Milton and Rehoboth area. A State Trooper on routine patrol the same day observed a suspicious male walking in “The Landing” development Rehoboth. The suspicious person, Jeffery R. Dempsey, 18 of Lewes, was carrying a book bag at the time of the stop.
When the trooper inspected the contents of the book bag he discovered vodka, a woman’s watch, I-pod, sunglasses and jewelry. While on scene, the trooper was approached by a victim who identified the vodka bottle and sunglasses as stolen from his vehicle. Dempsey was immediately taken into custody and through further investigation was linked to additional vehicle break-ins in the eastern Sussex County-area.
During some of the vehicle break-ins, the vehicles were rummaged through but nothing was taken, which is why Dempsey was also charged with attempted theft. In every instance all of the vehicles were left unlocked.
In total, Dempsey was charged with seven counts theft under $1,500; three counts attempted theft; 10 counts criminal mischief third degree; five counts conspiracy third degree; two counts conspiracy second degree. He was remanded to Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $27,000 secured bail.
Delaware State Police is continuing its investigation and is attempting to identify additional suspects related to these crimes.
