Three arrested when police discover drugs, stolen firearm
Members of the Delaware State Police say they arrested William Preston, 28, his brother David Preston, 29, both of Magnolia, and Keith Maye, 29, of Frederica, following the culmination of a burglary investigation led to drugs and a stolen gun.
Police say around 7:00 Thursday evening, Troopers responded to a residence on Terry Drive to conduct a search warrant for items that were alleged to have been stolen in a December 2015 burglary.
Upon their arrival, police say William Preston and Maye were standing outside of the house in the driveway. Upon seeing the detectives arrive at the house, William ran to the rear of the residence and was observed kneeling down behind the trailer.
According to State Police, Maye also attempted to flee, but both were quickly taken into custody without further incident.
Police say they searched the area where they found William, to discover 247 bags of heroin weighing 3.705 grams. Maye was reportedly found to be in possession of 60 bags of heroin weighing .9 grams.
Troopers say the original search warrant of the house revealed a television that was reported stolen in a burglary to a residence nearby, to which William was believed to be linked.
State Police say before detectives went to the Terry St. home, undercover troopers made an apparent drug deal with David Preston, who police say was standing across the street near some parked vehicles. Police say David fled the area upon seeing the detectives arriving at the house. Troopers say they ran a check of the two vehicles he was standing near while conducting the deal, which revealed they were registered to him.
State Police say upon obtaining a search warrant, a Ford Crown Victoria contained 7 bags of heroin weighing .105 grams, .33 grams of marijuana, 5 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and one assault rifle magazine (clip) were all located within the car. Troopers searched David’s Chevrolet Impala and reportedly found a Bushmaster .223 caliber assault rifle, a fully loaded Stag Arms .223 caliber assault rifle, and a Mossberg 12 gauge sawed-off shotgun that police say was confirmed stolen from a residence in Bridgeville back in 2002.
Troopers say William Preston was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin), Tampering with Physical Evidence, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Burglary 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd, Theft Under $1500, and Criminal Mischief. He was reportedly released after posting $14,600.00 secured bond.
Troopers say Maye was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Resisting Arrest, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was also reportedly released after posting $2,750.00 secured bond.
The following Monday, State Police say David Preston was at a residence on Woodville Drive, Magnolia. A Probation and Parole Officer gave chase when David ran into the house, and the troopers were able to capture him in a back room without further incident.
According to investigators, a search of the room revealed 9.13 grams of raw heroin, 1.094 grams of packaged heroin, .18 grams of powder cocaine, .75 grams of crack cocaine, and 33.84 grams of marijuana.
Troopers say David Preston was arrested and charged with six counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Possession of a Weapon with an Obliterated Serial Number, Receiving a Stolen Firearm, three counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, two counts of Possession of Heroin, two counts of Possession of Cocaine, Resisting Arrest, and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was reportedly committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $172,000.00 cash bond.
