Delmar Officer Indicted on Sexual Misconduct Charges

Delmar, DE - A suspended Delmar police officer is facing serious criminal charges after a Delaware Department of Justice investigation uncovered a pattern of misconduct involving multiple victims.

On June 8, Officer Darrell Powell, 27, was indicted in Sussex County Superior Court on charges of Stalking, Offensive Touching, four counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact, and three counts of Official Misconduct. The charges stem from multiple incidents that took place between July 2025 and February 2026.

Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings had strong words following the indictment.

"The alleged actions of this officer are beyond unacceptable," said Jennings. "Rest assured that any misdeeds will be held accountable to the full extent of the law. I continue to be grateful to our prosecutors and our partners in the Seaford Police Department for their dedication to this case, and to the Delmar Police Department for their swift action and cooperation with the investigation."

The first known incident took place on January 7, 2026, when Powell responded to a shoplifting call at a Delmar, Delaware grocery store. While on duty, he allegedly touched a staff member's breasts inappropriately and made sexual comments toward them.

A second incident is described in the indictment involving a different staff member at a local retail store. On February 24, 2026, Powell allegedly touched that employee's buttocks while on duty.

According to investigators, he had also made inappropriate comments to the same person in the months prior. He later followed that victim, pulling them over without cause and without requesting a license or registration.

When authorities received this information on February 26, 2026, Powell was immediately relieved of his duties and suspended pending investigation. The State of Delaware directed that an independent investigation be conducted by an outside agency.

A third victim was identified during the course of that investigation. On July 25, 2025, Powell was working an extra-duty assignment at the Delmar Speedway when a patron called for police assistance. While responding to that call, Powell allegedly touched the patron's breasts inappropriately.

The case involved cooperation between the Delaware Department of Justice, the Seaford Police Department, and the Delmar Police Department.