Delaware State Police detectives have arrested two men after a lengthy investigation into the theft of appliances from newly constructed or renovated homes in Kent and Sussex counties.
The investigation was launched when a trooper on patrol observed a white van slowly driving around the development of the Ponds of Willow Grove, near Dover
The trooper was aware of some recent thefts from newly constructed or renovated homes and made a traffic stop.
The two occupants fled from the vehicle on foot toward a wooded area and retention pond. The suspects, who were later identified as Kevin L. Trotter, 27 of Dover and Nathaniel A. Gibbs, 48, both of Lincoln were apprehended a short time later with the assistance of a state police K9 and transported to Troop 3 near Camden.
As detectives were conducting interviews with the suspects, a burglary complaint was called in giving a location n the Ponds of Willow Grove. A construction company, called to report someone had broken into the house and moved appliances from the kitchen into the garage in an attempt to steal the items.
Trotter and Gibbs were subsequently charged with Burglary 2nd, two counts of Possession of Burglar Tools, Attempted Theft, Conspiracy 2nd, Criminal Mischief, and Resisting Arrest and incarcerated at Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $10,450.00 secured and $9,800.00 secured respectively.
Detectives continued to compile information on 52 other incidents surrounding the theft of appliances from houses under construction or renovation that occurred around southern and central Kent County as well as various areas throughout Sussex County.
The men were charged the two with 161 charges including Burglary, Theft, and Criminal Mischief. Kevin Trotter and Nathaniel Gibbs continue to be held at SCI on $181,500.00 secured and $321,200.00 secured respectively on the additional charges.
