Former Bethany Police Chief and Capt. Headed to Federal Prison
BETHANY BEACH, Del. — Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly of the District of Delaware sentenced former Bethany Beach Police Chief Michael Redmon, 59, of Selbyville, and Darren Cathell, 50, of Frankford, to federal prison for their roles in a years-long overtime fraud scheme.
In August 2023, Bethany Beach officials uncovered inconsistencies in the payment of state and federal overtime grant funds within the Bethany Beach Police Department. A Town-led internal investigation revealed that, beginning around 2017 and continuing for six years, Redmon and Cathell stole nearly $300,000 in overtime funds.
Following the discovery, Town officials promptly turned their findings over to federal authorities. In January 2025, Redmon and Cathell were charged with felony wire fraud. According to federal investigators, Redmon stole more than $80,000, while Cathell stole more than $65,000. Both men pleaded guilty in February 2025.
Today, Judge Connolly sentenced Redmon to 13 months in federal prison, 3 years supervised probation upon release, $ 81,000 restitution, and a $50,000 fine. Cathell was sentenced to 2 months in federal prison, 6 months home confinement upon release from prison, 3 years supervised probation, $67,000 restitution, and $25,000 fine.
With the federal criminal proceedings concluded, the Town of Bethany Beach will now initiate civil action against Redmon and Cathell seeking approximately $140,000+ to recover federal and state grant funds not reimbursed through the sentencing process.
