As the start of the 2025-2026 school year approaches, the Delaware Department of Justice is inviting families to a Back-to-School Fair designed to support students and parents with essential supplies and fun activities. The event will take place on Thursday, August 21, from noon to 3 p.m. at Helen Chambers Park, located at 709 W 6th Street in Wilmington. READ: …
The Delaware Department of Justice’s Investor Protection Unit is urging investors to proceed with caution when using financial data aggregators and third-party financial platforms. Officials warn that while these tools can offer convenience and a comprehensive view of one’s finances, they also pose significant privacy and security risks. Financial data aggregators—digital services that compile a user’s financial data from various …
A former middle school principal in Delaware has been indicted on multiple felony charges, including rape and child sexual abuse, following allegations she assaulted a minor over several years while holding a position of authority. Tasha Purnell, who was known professionally as Tasha Oliver during her time as principal at Alexis I. du Pont Middle School in Wilmington, was indicted in …
A Wilmington man is facing multiple charges after allegedly assaulting an employee during a disturbance at a North Market Street restaurant last Wednesday morning, according to Delaware State Police. Troopers responded to Lucy’s Restaurant at 3840 North Market Street around 9:37 a.m. on May 7 after receiving a report of a disorderly customer. Police say 30-year-old Auston Pratt had entered …
A New Jersey man has been sentenced to more than two decades behind bars for the fatal shooting and robbery of a Wilmington resident. On April 9, 2025, Deontay Willingham, 35, of Bridgeton, NJ, received a 26-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to charges of second-degree murder, second-degree robbery, and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission …
Delaware’s effort to implement criminal background checks for individuals in the adult-use recreational marijuana market encountered a setback, as the FBI denied the state’s reconsideration request. The request, which aimed to secure an FBI service code to conduct the necessary background checks, was rejected after the FBI concluded that the state’s authorizing statute lacked specific language outlining which individuals are …
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings is encouraging consumers who may have purchased certain generic drugs to check their eligibility for compensation as Delaware joins a multistate effort in seeking preliminary approval for a $39.1 million settlement with the generic drug manufacturer Apotex. The settlement, which is part of a broader legal action involving all 50 states and territories, addresses allegations …
Justin Smith, head of school at Middletown’s St. Anne’s Episcopal School, has been arrested and charged with 25 felony counts of Dealing in Child Pornography. “I write on behalf of the St. Anne’s Episcopal School board of trustees with shocking and deeply troubling news,” said Harry Baetjer, president, on behalf of the school’s Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees …
The Delaware Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) closed out Human Trafficking Awareness Month with the shutdown of the 25th Illicit Massage Establishment (IME) since the Unit’s inception in 2022. This announcement comes in the wake of a successful campaign targeting prostitution and patronization issues across the state. The HTU focuses on a holistic approach that emphasizes collaboration with public and nonprofit partners, raising …
Three teachers from the Smyrna School District have been arrested on charges of child abuse that includes actions like hitting students and force-feeding hot sauce and spicy snacks to a special needs student who had a known digestive disability. The Smyrna Police Department arrested 26-year-old Marrisa Johnson of Smyrna, 31-year-old Makayla Lomax of Smyrna, and 21-year-old Morgan Donahue of Clayton. …
