Delaware State Police Arrest Seaford Man for a Series of Burglaries in Sussex County
February 18, 2026/
The Delaware State Police have arrested a 57-year-old Seaford man for burglary and related charges in Sussex County after a series of burglaries at homes under construction. Several burglaries occurred in September 2025, in which the suspect entered residences and removed or attempted to remove refrigerators. Many of these incidents also resulted in damage to the homes because the he cut the water line to the refrigerator. The Sussex County Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the investigations. Detectives identified James Deshields after a Honda CRV was seen at several burglary scenes. Investigators also learned police in Georgetown and Seaford were handling similar cases. Deshields was arrested September 23rd, 2025, on an unrelated charge. While in custody, detectives obtained a DNA warrant. He initially resisted providing a sample, but it was collected and sent for testing. Earlier this month, forensic results linked him to the burglaries, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On February 17th, Deshields was arrested without incident and taken to Troop 4. He faces several criminal charges. Deshields was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on a $27,500 unsecured bond.
James Deshields
List of Charges:
- Burglary Second Degree (Felony) – 3 counts
- Theft $1500 or Greater (Felony) – 3 counts
- Attempted Theft $1500 or Greater (Felony)
- Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
- Resisting Arrest
- Criminal Mischief Under $1000 – 3 counts
- Criminal Trespass Second Degree