MILFORD — A man was found dead Wednesday afternoon after a large outdoor fire broke out behind a residence in Milford. The fire was reported shortly after 1 p.m. in the 3000 block of Big Stone Beach Road. According to the Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal, crews from the South Bowers Volunteer Fire Company, along with other assisting departments, arrived to find a fire spreading rapidly through a wooded area behind a home. READ: Delaware Education Secretary appoints key leaders ahead of major school funding overhaul While battling the blaze, firefighters discovered the body of a deceased man within the burned area. His identity and cause of death are pending an investigation by the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. Deputy fire marshals launched an investigation to determine the fire’s origin and cause, which remains undetermined as of Wednesday evening. No other injuries were reported, and damage is estimated at $250. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and the man’s death.

NEWARK – The Newark Police Department, in collaboration with the Newark Police Athletic League (PAL), is set to unveil its brand-new community policing mascot in an effort to strengthen connections between local youth and law enforcement. The unveiling event is scheduled for Friday, April 4, at Downes Elementary School in the Christina School District. The mascot, which draws inspiration from the eagle featured on the Newark Police Department’s uniform patch, is a unique addition to the department’s community outreach programs. READ: Former Indian River principal arrested on multiple charges related to falsified payments Goal for new mascot This mascot is crafted by the professional mascot company, Character Translations, who are known for creating iconic figures like “Gritty” of the Philadelphia Flyers. The department hopes the new character will play a key role in fostering positive relationships between Newark’s young people and its law enforcement officers. The project was made possible through a grant from the Delaware Criminal Justice Council, awarded to the Newark PAL. This funding underscores Delaware’s ongoing commitment to innovative strategies for youth engagement and community policing. Approximately 2,000 local elementary school students were involved in the naming process, submitting their ideas for what the mascot should be called. A committee of Newark Police officers and members of the Newark PAL Board of Directors selected the winning name, which will be revealed at the pep rally. The mascot’s name and the student who helped select it will be announced at the rally. Lieutenant Gregory D’Elia, the department’s Public Information Officer, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that the mascot represents more than just the police department – it embodies a commitment to building positive, lasting connections between officers and the community. The Newark Police Department states it’s hoping to take a step forward in its mission to enhance community bonds through innovative policing strategies.

A former Sussex Central High School principal, Judith Brittingham, has been arrested on multiple charges, including Official Misconduct, Theft, and Forgery, after an investigation revealed that she falsified payments to a staff member in the Indian River School District (IRSD). On March 19, Brittingham, 46, of Lewes, turned herself in after a warrant was issued for her arrest in connection with the fraudulent overtime and mileage compensation payments she arranged for an IRSD paraprofessional. Reason for arrest According to the investigation, Brittingham facilitated the falsification of documents to benefit the paraprofessional, with whom she later began a romantic relationship. The charges stem from an investigation that uncovered more than $15,000 in unjustified overtime payments. READ: FSE to host school board candidate forums again to better inform public ahead of elections Between April 4, 2022, and May 30, 2023, Brittingham arranged for the paraprofessional to receive overtime pay for in-home tutoring services during school hours. Brittingham submitted false paperwork claiming 159 overtime shifts, which resulted in the overpayments. The scheme was uncovered after the personnel director at Sussex Central High School alerted the district in 2024 about the romantic relationship between Brittingham and the paraprofessional. This disclosure led to an investigation, and Brittingham later admitted to the falsified payments. In addition to the fraudulent overtime, investigators also found that Brittingham had submitted falsified mileage reimbursement claims for the paraprofessional. While the paraprofessional was entitled to some reimbursement for his drive to a student’s home, the mileage claims were based on travel from his home in Laurel instead of Sussex Central High School, resulting in an overpayment of approximately $600. Authorities believe Brittingham submitted these reimbursement forms without the paraprofessional’s knowledge or consent. Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings emphasized the importance of upholding the law in public service, stating, “No one is above the law or beneath justice. Public employees who break the law are harming taxpayers, themselves, and good public servants whose work is undermined when the public trust is eroded.” Jennings expressed gratitude to the Delaware State Police and prosecutors for their efforts in the case, adding, “I am grateful to our prosecutors and the Delaware State Police for their dedication as we move forward with this case.” Brittingham faces charges of Official Misconduct, Theft, and Forgery in connection with her actions. Further developments in the case are expected as it moves through the legal process. “The Indian River School District initiated an internal investigation and notified all agencies involved when it was made aware of alleged improprieties by Dr. Brittingham,” the district said in a statement. “Additionally, we fully cooperated with the law enforcement investigation of this matter. Dr. Brittingham resigned her position in June 2024 and is no longer employed by the Indian River School District. Efforts to recoup the funds at issue are in process.”

THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED.  WILMINGTON– Police have identified the victim whose remains were discovered along Christina River earlier this month.  The woman has been identified as 32-year-old Normaris Colón Valles, who was reported missing from Philadelphia in November. Wilmington Police are still requesting public assistance in connection with her death. The WPD Criminal Investigations Division is assisting the Philadelphia Police Department in the course of its active investigation into this incident, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Police Northeast Detective Division at (215)-686-3153. Officers responded to the 1100 block of East 7th Street on March 4 at approximately 5:59 p.m. after receiving a report of a deceased person. Upon arrival, officers found the decomposed remains of an unidentified individual along the riverbank. The remains were handed over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Sciences for further examination. An autopsy determined that the victim was a white female, believed to be between 25-35 years old. Investigators suspect she may have been in the river since December. While there were no immediate signs of foul play, officials have not yet determined her cause of death. In an effort to identify the woman, police have released images of two tattoos found on her body. They are urging anyone who may recognize the tattoos or have information about the victim’s identity to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective James Rook of the Wilmington Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at (302) 576-3621 or via email at [email protected], or you can submit an anonymous tip online HERE.  Police have shared new sketches created by the Division of Forensic Sciences showing two tattoos on the victim’s body.

Michael Kealty of Magnolia, was sentenced Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware to 10 years in federal prison for his crime of coercing and enticing a minor into sexual activity. Shannon T. Hanson, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced the news, and The Honorable U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews issued the sentence. Documents show that Kealty met a 16-year-old girl online and groomed her for six months into producing sexually explicit images and videos of herself. READ: Learn more about state’s horseshoe crabs Thursday Kealty threatened to expose the girl’s images to the public if she did not continue to perform for him, and his Kealty’s online accounts also showed his attempted exploitation of additional, unidentified minor girls, including a 13-year-old. A former detective with the Smyrna Police Department, Kealty was charged in October 2023 with Distribution and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. On Oct. 15, 2024, Kealty pleaded guilty to an enhanced charge of Coercion/Enticement of a Minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison. “Mr. Kealty betrayed his oath, his badge, and his community by exploiting the most vulnerable members of our community, our children,” Hanson said. “Today’s sentence sends a message that no one is above the law. I commend the FBI for their diligent pursuit of justice in this case and for ensuring that child predators like Mr. Kealty are brought to justice.” This case was investigated by the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox prosecuted the case. “There is absolutely no tolerance for any actions that hurt a child. Kealty’s crimes are especially egregious considering he swore to protect our communities and children,” says Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. “Delaware is safer with him locked up where can no longer victimize or abuse anyone else.”