Lewes man, Dover man charged in watercraft thefts

Two men face charges in connection with watercraft thefts in the area.

Throughout March and April 2022, Delaware State Police investigated thefts of watercraft equipment and accessories from boat yards in Lewes, Millsboro and Milford, and police developed Christian O’Leary, 30, of Lewes, and Jacob Steele, 34, of Dover, as suspects, said Sr. Cpl. Leonard DeMalto of the Delaware State Police.

On April 29, DeMalto said, troopers spotted O’Leary and Steele in a vehicle going southbound on Route 1 near Miller Road in Rehoboth Beach and initiated a traffic stop at 10:33 p.m.

The two were taken into custody without incident and charged with felony attempted theft over $1,500 and victim is 62 or older, four counts of felony theft over $1,500, and three counts each of criminal mischief, second-degree criminal trespass, and third-degree criminal trespass.

O’Leary and Steele were both arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of secured bond, O’Leary on $4,875 secured bond, and Steele on $9,500.