Delmar Police Officer Arrested for Stalking, Sexual Contact
DELMAR, Del. – The Delaware Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced charges filed against a Delmar police officer.
Officials say Darrell T. Powell was arrested on Wednesday, Mar. 18, on two counts of official misconduct, unlawful sexual contact, stalking and offensive touching. He was immediately relieved of all police duties and suspended pending an investigation by the Seaford Police Department (SPD) on Feb. 26. Powell is currently being held on $27,500 cash bail.
“No one, regardless of their profession, is above the law – and my office will adhere to that standard as we move forward,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “I’m grateful to our prosecutors and the Seaford Police Department for their work in investigating this case. I want to express my profound gratitude to the victims for their courage in reaching out to law enforcement – and I ask that any further victims or witnesses with information come forward.”
SPD’s investigation revealed that Powell responded to a shoplifting call at a Delmar grocery store on Jan. 7. While there, Powell allegedly inappropriately touched and made sexual comments toward a staff member. Later that evening, a family member of the victim observed a police patrol vehicle passing by the victim’s home multiple times. The indictment also describes an incident that occurred on Feb. 24, when Powell inappropriately touched a staff member at a local store while on duty. He had reportedly made inappropriate comments to the staff member in the months before this. On another occasion, he followed this victim home from work, pulling them over without giving a reason and without asking for license and registration.
“The Delmar Police Department takes these charges with the utmost seriousness,” the Town of Delmar said in a statement posted to social media. “Our community places its trust in our officers to serve with integrity, professionalism, and respect. Any conduct that violates that trust will not be tolerated.”
Anyone with additional information about this case, or potential victims of inappropriate conduct by Powell, should contact Delaware DOJ Special Investigator Timothy Argoe at 302-257-3294.
