Governor’s Task Force Arrest Three in Heroin Investigation

Magnolia, DE - The Delaware State Police Kent County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) have arrested three people after information was received about the illegal sales of narcotics from a residence on Walnut Street.

On Monday April 25, 2016 at approximately 8:15 p.m., the Kent County Governor’s Task Force responded to the unit block of West Walnut Street in order to conduct an administrative probation search on the residence of William E. Nieberg III, 29, who is currently on Level 3 probation stemming from a 2015 drug conviction. When troopers and probation officers assigned to the task force arrived at the home, Nieberg was taken into custody in his upstairs bedroom. A probation officer noticed the bedroom window was open and upon looking out, observed a plastic bag that appeared to be filled with a large quantity of heroin directly below his window. Further investigation revealed the plastic bag contained 253 bags of heroin weighing 3.795 grams. Nieberg was also found to be in possession of over $1,000.00 in suspected drug proceeds.

As troopers and probation officers continued their search of the bedroom, a purse belonging to Haley Nickerson, 20 of Frederica (No photo available), was found to have three pills inside a pill bottle that were identified as Tramadol Hydrochloride. Those pills were not prescribed to Nickerson.

Investigators also contacted Austin J. Balke, 29 of Magnolia (No photo available), who appeared to living in a shed on the property. Upon searching him, he was found to be in possession of one single bag of heroin.

All three subjects were transported to Troop 3 in Camden where William Nieberg was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Heroin), Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was arraigned at JP7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $26,100.00 secured bond.

Haley Nickerson was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription. She was released on $500.00 unsecured bond.

Austin Balke was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance (Heroin) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released on $600.00 unsecured bond.