Wanted Laurel man located, charged in connection to several burglaries

SEAFORD/LAUREL, Del. – Delaware State Police have located a suspect wanted in connection to several February 2019 burglaries in the Seaford and Laurel areas.

The investigation began in early February, when troopers were called to respond to a reported burglary in the 23000 block of Atlanta Road in Seaford. It was reported that the residence at this location had been burglarized on three separate occasions, with the suspect forcing entry to a detached garage and stealing several items and tools. Troopers later found that several of the stolen items had been pawned at a local pawn shop by 38-year-old Curtis Downes, who claimed to be the owner.

Later in the month, troopers responded to a home in the 32000 block of Bi State Boulevard in Laurel for a reported burglary. Several items including tools and power equipment had also been stolen in this case, and pawned at the same pawn shop by Downes.

Arrest warrants were issued for Downes, who was located at a residence in the 30000 block of Seaford Road on Tuesday. He was charged with burglary second degree dwelling, three counts of burglary third degree, two counts of theft $1500 or greater, two counts of theft under $1500, two counts of theft by false pretense over $1500, three counts of selling stolen property value over $1500, three counts of falsifying business records, and criminal mischief.

Downes is currently being held at the Sussex Correctional Institution on $930 cash only bond.