UPDATED: DOJ Announces the Indictment of Delmar Officer for Stalking & Unlawful Sexual Contact

June 8, 2026/Mari Lou

UPDATED – 06/08/26 – DOJ officials say that a Delmar police officer has been indicted in Sussex County Superior Court. The indictment follows an investigation into multiple instances of inappropriate conduct by 27 year old Officer Darrell Powell between July of 2025 and February of this year. The indictment describes several initial incidents involving two victims but during the course of the investigation a third victim was identified. Officer Powell was relieved of all police duties and suspended on February 26 and the State of Delaware immediately directed that an independent investigation be conducted by an outside agency.

Additional information from the DOJ:

Officer Darrell Powell, 27, was indicted on charges of Stalking, Offensive Touching, four counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact and three counts of Official Misconduct in Sussex County Superior Court. The indictment follows an investigation into multiple instances of inappropriate conduct between July 2025 and February 2026.   
 
“The alleged actions of this officer are beyond unacceptable” said Attorney General Kathy 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.” 
 
During the course of the investigation that followed, a third victim was identified. On July 25, 2025, while working on an extra-duty assignment at the Delmar Speedway, Powell responded to a patron’s call for police assistance. While responding the patron, Powell inappropriately touched the victim’s breasts.  
 
The DOJ reminds the public that charges are allegations and that all defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence until they have been proven guilty.

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ORIGINAL – 03/23/26 – A Delmar Police officer has been arrested for official misconduct and unlawful sexual contact, stalking and offensive touching. The Attorney General’s office say the arrest of Darrell Powell comes after an investigation by Seaford Police who learned that Powell responded to a shoplifting call at a Delmar grocery story on January 7, 2026. While there Powell inappropriately touched and made sexual comments toward a staff member. Later that night a family member of the victim saw a police patrol vehicle pass the victim’s home multiple times.

The indictment also describes an incident on February 24, 2026 when Powell inappropriately touched and followed another victim.

Powell was relieved of all police duties on February 26th and suspended pending investigation.

The State of Delaware directed that an independent investigation be conducted by an outside agency. Powell is being held on a $27,500 cash bail. 

Additional information from the Attorney General:

“No one, regardless of their profession, is above the law – and my office will adhere to that standard as we move forward.” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “I’m grateful to our prosecutors and the Seaford Police Department for their work in investigating this case. I want to express my profound gratitude to the victims for their courage in reaching out to law enforcement – and I ask that any further victims or witnesses with information come forward.”  

The indictment also describes an incident that occurred on February 24, 2026, when Powell inappropriately touched a staff member at a local store while on duty; he had made inappropriate comments to the staff member in the months before this. On another occasion, he followed this victim home from work, pulling them over without giving a reason and without asking for license and registration.

The DOJ reminds the public that charges are allegations and that all defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence until they have been proven guilty.  
 
If anyone believes they have additional information about this case, or that they have been the victim of inappropriate conduct by the defendant, please contact Delaware Department of Justice Special Investigator Timothy Argoe at 302-257-3294. 
 
 
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