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 …
Former Red Clay principal indicted on child rape and abuse charges
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 …
Wilmington man charged after violent attack on Lucy’s pizza shop employee
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 …
Effort to implement criminal background checks for marijuana market hits roadblock
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 …
Former Indian River principal arrested on multiple charges related to falsified payments
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 …
Del. joins $39.1M price inflation settlement with drug co.; consumers urged to check payout eligibility
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 …
Head of St. Anne’s Episcopal arrested on 25 counts of child porn
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 …