Lewes Harbour Marina employee arrested for allegedly stealing fishing rods, equipment

A 51-year-old Milton man has been arrested for felony theft after he allegedly stole hundreds of fishing rods, reels and other equipment from Lewes Harbour Marina over several years. 

Thomas J. Serbin was a longtime employee at Lewes Harbour Marina, serving the last two years as store manager. On July 2, Lewes Police received a complaint alleging Serbin had stolen from the business. 

Police obtained a warrant and searched Serbin’s home July 12, when they found 115 fishing rods, 125 high-end fishing reels, more than 50,000 yards of high-end fishing line, hundreds of saltwater fishing lures and other tackle, and other fishing equipment and merchandise. Together, police said, the items are worth more than $100,000. 

Serbin was charged with felony theft and released on bail. The case will be reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office for potential upgrade. 

Lewes Police continue to investigate the case. Police suspect Serbin was selling and bartering Lewes Harbour Marina’s items. Anyone who received property from Serbin is asked to contact Lewes Police at 302-645-6264 or Lewes Harbour Marina at 302-645-6227. Anything received that Serbin said was gifted to him or a promotional item from manufacturers is likely stolen, police said. 

UPDATE: Serbin took a guilty plea to the charge of theft of less than $1,500, a misdemeanor. He was sentenced to one year of probation, which would turn into jail time if he violates that probation, and was ordered to have no contact with the victims and undergo a substance abuse evaluation.