UPDATED: Former Bethany Beach Police Officers Report to Federal Prison
UPDATED – 10/26/25 – Last week, two former Bethany Beach Police Officers reported to federal prison. Former Chief, 58 year old Michael Redmon of Selbyville reported to Federal Correction Institute Beckley in Beaver, West Virginia to begin serving a 13-month prison sentence for felony wire fraud.
Former Captain, 50 year old Darin Cathell of Frankford reported to Federal Correctional Institute Devens in Harvard, Massachusetts to begin serving a 2-month prison sentence for felony wire fraud.
===========================================================
UPDATED – 09/5/25 – Two former Bethany Beach police officers have been sentenced to federal prison. Former Chief of Police Michael Redmon of Selbyville and former Captain Darin Cathell of Frankford were sentenced by Chief US District Judge Colm Connolly of the District of Delaware Monday for a years-long overtime fraud scheme. Redmon has been sentenced to 13 months in federal prison, 3 years supervised probation upon release, $81,890 restitution and a $50,000 fine. Cathell was sentenced to 2 months in federal prison, 6 months of home confinement upon release from prison, 3 years supervised probation, $67,970 restitution and a $25,000 fine. Bethany Beach officials say the Town of Bethany Beach will now initiate civil action against both men – seeking approximately $140,000 to recover federal and state grant fund not reimbursed through the sentencing process.
Officials from USADE tell the Talk of Delmarva that both men will self-surrender on October 20th to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Additional information from the Town of Bethany Beach:
In August 2023, Bethany Beach officials uncovered inconsistencies in the payment of state and federal overtime grant funds within the Bethany Beach Police Department. A Town-led internal investigation revealed that, beginning around 2017 and continuing for six years, Redmon and Cathell stole nearly $300,000 in overtime funds.
Following the discovery, Town officials promptly turned their findings over to federal authorities. In January 2025, Redmon and Cathell were charged with felony wire fraud. According to federal investigators, Redmon stole more than $80,000, while Cathell stole more than $65,000. Both men pleaded guilty in February 2025.
===========================================================
UPDATED – 08/19/25 – Sentencing for both former Bethany Beach Police Chief Michael Redmon and former Captain Darin Cathell has been reset for Friday, August 22. Redmon’s sentencing is at 12:30pm and Cathell’s sentencing is at 3pm. Both will appear before Chief Judge Colm F. Connolly in US District Court for the District of Delaware – in Wilmington.
===========================================================
UPDATED – 01/25/25 – Both former Bethany Beach Police Chief Michael Redmon and former Captain Darin Cathell have been charged with stealing funds for overtime that was never worked. According to the US Attorney for the District of Delaware, both have been ordered to forfeit any property constituting or derived from proceeds traceable to the offense. Redmon was charged on January 13th with stealing over $82,000 and Cathell was charged on January 3rd with stealing over $67,000.
Both men were terminated from the Bethany Beach Police Department following an internal investigation by the Town of Bethany Beach a year ago.
Click here for the Court record for Michael Redmon
Click here for the Court record for Darin Cathell
===========================================================
UPDATED – 01/27/24 – An internal investigation by the Town of Bethany Beach has resulted in the termination of Police Chief Michael Redmon and his immediate subordinate Captain Darin Cathell. The Town became aware of the possible misuse of federal and state grant funds for the payment of overtime by police department personnel. A preliminary assessment by the Town of this misuse indicated possible criminal conduct and the matter was referred to federal and state law enforcement for review – which is ongoing. The Town’s investigation clearly determined that NO other Police Department personnel were involved in the misuse of overtime funds. The Town of Bethany Beach is not commenting further on details of the investigation and any disciplinary actions.
===================================================
Our Police Department:
A Message from the Bethany Beach Town Council
January 27, 2024
We were all surprised and saddened by the misconduct that has led to the dismissal of both the Town’s Chief of Police and the second in command. However, none were more shocked and saddened than the other officers of our Police Department, none of whom were involved in the misconduct.
These officers have served the Town and all of us with distinction and integrity, some for many years, while others have only recently begun their professional careers. They are an integral part of our Bethany Beach family. We, members of the Town Council, have heard countless stories from residents, business owners and visitors about how our officers have helped them and come to their assistance during difficult times. They are truly an amazing group, always professional, approachable and helpful. Each of them exemplifies the highest standards of law enforcement.
With their professionalism, dedication and strength of character, they will come through this challenging period. But they will need our support. They have always been there for us. Now it’s time for us to provide that support and to express our appreciation for all they have done to serve and protect our Town and all of us.
Thank you,
The Bethany Beach Town Council
Rosemary Hardiman, Mayor
Ron Calef, Vice Mayor
Jerry Morris, Secretary Treasurer
Lew Killmer
Patrick Sheplee
Mickey Hinman
Theresa Keil