Two Bethany Beach Police Officers fired for misconduct

BETHANY BEACH, Del. – Bethany Beach Police Chief Michael Redmon and Captain Darin Cathell, have been dismissed. This comes after a preliminary assessment by the town that started in August. The two are accused of misusing federal and state funds to pay department personnel overtime.

Community members in Bethany Beach are shocked after hearing about the potential mismanagement of tax payer money. Despite this, many residents have not lost faith in local law enforcement.

“If it is true that they have misused these funds and there is proof of it, then in my opinion, they should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said longtime resident Colette Duke. “But I am also glad to hear that it was just these individuals and not the police department as a whole.”

Duke says she has had nothing but pleasant experiences with the local law enforcement. “They have always been very wonderful, and I always feel safe around them in Bethany beach for sure.”

Another community member agreed. “I’ve always felt safe. They keep everybody under control, it’s been good,” said Christine Capobiancio.

Others said that during the busy season, they feel that police are active in the community on a day to day basis.

“There is always something going on in Bethany and they do need the presence of the police for various activities that are going on,” said Jerome Capobianco.

If there is one thing most community members agree on, it is that Bethany Beach has always been recognized as a safe community.

“Individual things happen, and I hope the system corrects itself,” said Julie Choueiki. “Anything that needs to be improved will be, and there are enough people down here year round, that I think it will continue to be something that is watched and cared for.”

47 ABC WMDT reached out to the Town of Bethany Beach, and the Delaware Attorney General’s Office. Both entities declined to comment.