Hartly couple charged in string of burglaries in Delaware Amish communities

Troopers say a Hartly couple, which includes an ex-Amish man, and a woman who was reported missing, is facing charges, after they burglarized over 20 structures within Amish communities in the area.

Delaware State Police say the thefts started around May 27, and continued through June 16, with a number of residences and out buildings throughout Hartly, Marydel, and west Dover experiencing break-ins. Police say during the incidents, the suspects took lawn and garden equipment, power tools, chainsaws, pressure washers, and cash from the buildings.

During their investigation, Detectives say they connected 26-year-old Harvey Coblentz, who is ex-Amish, as a suspect, after his burgundy colored pick-up truck being seen driving slowly around the area of the houses involved in the crimes. On Saturday around 6:30 AM, Coblentz’s truck was seen parked on the side of the road by a Trooper who was patrolling in the area of Grygo Road, in Marydel.

Investigators say the Trooper then pulled over the burgundy 2000 Chevrolet Silverado, and spoke with Coblentz, who was driving, and his girlfriend, 31-year-old Peggy Wright, who was a passenger. According to the report, both Coblentz, and Wright had capiases out of Kent County Court of Common Pleas, and that Wright was also listed as a missing person in which a Gold Alert was issued on February 28, 2016.

Both occupants were then taken to Troop 3, before being committed to the Delaware Department of Corrections on the capiases. Later, on Wednesday, Detectives charged both Coblentz and Wright with a total of 62 charges with various counts of burglary second degree, conspiracy second degree, criminal mischief, and theft. They both reportedly remain incarcerated within the state prison system, on bond.

Police say the investigation into these burglaries continue, as Detectives continue to track down the equipment stolen from the victims.