Delaware State Police investigation leads to 27 arrests, 8 more wanted

A joint investigation between the Delaware State Police and the Department of Justice has reportedly netted 27 arrests, in connection to what they are calling an “organized criminal enterprise,” that was apparently involved in murder, drug dealing, theft, and illegal weapons.

Investigators say they started planning Operation “In The House” back in February, and started executing it on March 17. In The House was aimed to proactively impact violent crime in Sussex and Kent Counties. During the operation, Officials say they learned that Steven Kellam, 34, of Dover, Rhamir D. Waples, 19 of Philadelphia, PA, Richard Robinson, 20 of Philadelphia, PA, Shamir A. Stratton, 24 of Pennsauken, NJ, Damon Bethea, 30, of Pennsauken, NJ, and Carlton Gibbs, 40, of Millsboro, had been specifically targeting victims for home invasion robberies. Those victims were all reportedly involved in illegal drug activity, including distribution, and the suspects were apparently trying to steal drugs and money from them. Police say the suspects would cover their faces, before forcing their way into the homes, while armed. During one of the robberies, back in January 2014 at a home on Harmons Hill Road in Millsboro, Police say two Millsboro men, 29-year-old Cletis Nelson and 27-year-old William Hopkins, were shot and killed. In another incident, in December 2014, at a home on Cordrey Road in Millsboro, Police say the suspects shot and wounded a 37-year-old man during an exchange of gunfire.

Kellam, Robinson, Stratton, Bethea, and Gibbs were all charged in the murder. Just Kellam, Waples, and Robinson were charged in the December incident, along with three other home invasion robberies, including a May 2014 Russell Avenue, August 2014 Chris Drive, and December 2014 Sandy Drive. The injuries of the victims in those incidents reportedly include pistol whipping, and assault. Kellam, is now behind bars on a total of 81 charges, including murder, attempted murder, home invasion, racketeering, robbery, and distribution. Waples and Robinson are still wanted on similar charges. Bathea and Gibbs are also being held, on murder, home invasion, and robbery charges, while Stratton is still wanted on similar offenses.

According to the report, the investigation also revealed that those in the criminal network, also had relationships with people heavily involved in heroin and cocaine in Sussex County. Police say they found that Jackson Vanvorst, 34, of Laurel, was operating a large heroin network in Sussex County, and was employing John E. Richardson, 30 of Georgetown,  Ray Revel, and Cornell B. Smith, 31 of Millsboro, to distribute. Angelina Levan, 46 of Harrington, and James Johnson, 45 of Harrington, were reportedly supplying Vanvorst with large amounts of heroin. Police say they also linked Vanvorst to a large shoplifting ring, where drug users would steal pre-determined items from stores, then Vanvorst would pay them in drugs, and sell the stolen goods for profit. Vanvorst was charged with 55 offenses, including tier 5 possession of heroin, tier 2 and 4 delivery of heroin, delivery of cocaine. Richardson, Revel, and Smith were all charged on heroin offenses.

State Police say they also found that Australia Mackey, 39 of Millsboro, was running a cocaine network in Sussex County, that was distributing both powder and crack cocaine to other large scale dealers in the county, including Nathan Henry, 31 of Georgetown, Aaron D. Isler, 34 of Ellendale, Myricka A. Sampson, 33 of Harbeson, Leondious Gibbs, 29 of Millsboro, Corina Lloyd, 40 of Millsboro, Thomas Deshields, 36 of Millsboro, and Jermichael Deshields, 35 of Millsboro. They have each been charged on cocaine related offenses. Samuel J. Jones, 34 of Millsboro is still wanted. Police say they also learned that Tavon Biles, 32 of Rehoboth Beach, and Zackary Bates, 31 of Smyrna, were providing Mackey with large amounts of cocaine, they have been charged accordingly.

Police say the first phase of Operation “In The House” wrapped up in the first week of May, with 25 search warrants in Kent and Sussex County, and 30 individual indictments. During the investigation, over 2 kilograms of cocaine, over 7,200 bags of heroin totaling more than 108 grams, more than 7,900 grams of marijuana, .02 grams of methamphetamine, 41 prescription narcotics, along with $135,310 in cash, 19 firearms, and 15 vehicles. Police say they are still investigating several related incidents, and are asking anyone who may have information is asked to contact Sgt. G. Windish at 302-752-3814 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.

Delaware Department of Justice – Attorney General’s Office released the following statement:
“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 released the following statement:
“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.”

Delaware State Police and the Department of Justice were assisted in this operation by 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 Marshals, Delaware Department of Corrections, Dover Police Department, Georgetown Police Department, and the Philadelphia Police Department.

Below is a full list of arrests and charges:

• 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, 49 of Laurel – 4 Charges – Tier 5 Possession of Heroin, Tier 4 Delivery of Heroin, Cospiracy 2nd, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• 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

Below is a list of those still wanted:

Rhamir D. Waples, 19 of Philadelphia, PA- 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, 20 of Philadelphia, PA– 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, 24 of Pennsauken, NJ- 22 Charges – Murder 1st Degree, Home Invasion, Robbery 1st Degree, Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, PFDCF, Conspiracy 1st Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree
Rachel R. Rentoul, 30 of Wilmington – 13 Charges – Home Invasion, PFDCF, Robbery 1st Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree
Jacquelyn Heverin 24 of Millsboro – 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