Former Bethany Beach Police Officials Sentenced for Overtime Fraud

BETHANY BEACH, DE - Two former high-ranking officials from the Bethany Beach Police Department have been sentenced to prison for stealing federal funds through fraudulent overtime claims. Their case reveals a multi-year scheme that defrauded both the town and federal grant programs.

Michael Redmon, 58, of Selbyville, formerly served as the Chief of the Bethany Beach Police Department. He received a sentence of 13 months in prison and was ordered to pay $81,890 in restitution, along with a $50,000 fine.

Darin Cathell, 50, of Frankford, held the position of Captain in the department. He was sentenced to two months in prison, followed by six months of home detention, and must pay $67,790 in restitution plus a $25,000 fine.

Court documents revealed that both men engaged in systematic fraud over several years, claiming payment for overtime shifts that they never actually worked.

Redmon falsely reported at least 174 overtime shifts, totaling approximately 760 hours, which resulted in at least $81,890 in fraudulent payments. Cathell submitted false claims for at least 185 overtime shifts, totaling around 800 hours and at least $67,970 in improper compensation.

The investigation determined that portions of the stolen funds came from federal grant money. This federal connection elevated the severity of the charges, allowing federal prosecutors to handle the case.

U.S. Attorney Julianne E. Murray emphasized the breach of public trust in her statement: "Michael Redmon and Darin Cathell were sworn to uphold the law. Instead, they broke it over and over for years, to the detriment of the Town of Bethany Beach, their fellow officers in the Bethany Beach Police Department, and indeed every citizen who puts their faith in law enforcement. These sentences reflect the seriousness of the defendants' crimes."

FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno also commented on the case: "Not only did they fail to lead by example, but Michael Redmon and Darin Cathell also betrayed the Bethany Beach community and their police colleagues. Their greed fueled a lengthy overtime fraud scheme, overtaking the oath they swore. As these sentences show, no one is above the law, and the FBI is committed to rooting out corruption on behalf of the hard-working officers who carry out their duties honestly and honorably."

The sentences were handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace prosecuted the case. The investigation involved collaboration between the FBI and the Delaware Attorney General's Office.