Seaford Man Arrested for Fraudulent Theft

Greenwood, DE - Delaware State Police have arrested a Seaford man after it was determined he was defrauding a vulnerable adult out of thousands of dollars.

The initial investigation began on Friday April 8, 2016 when a 47-year-old Greenwood man’s sister came into Troop 5 to report that her brother had been giving hundreds of dollars to a subject who reportedly told him that he’d pay him back. The sister, who has power of attorney over her brother, conveyed to the troopers that her brother has physical and mental disabilities, but is able to reside by himself with assistance with daily tasks and finances.

The investigation revealed that Joshua D. Sears, 37 of Seaford, befriended the victim years ago and for the last several months has been convincing the victim that he won a lawsuit in which he was going to receive six million dollars. Sears also told the victim that the money was being kept in a cash box which was being passed along between a number of lawyers settling the case. The victim then began giving Sears small amounts of cash on a daily or weekly basis believing that Sears was using it for court fines and would pay him back upon getting his lawsuit money. The total amount the victim has been defrauded over that last 16 months was almost $19,000.00.

Joshua Sears turned himself into troopers on Thursday April 14, 2016 and was charged with Crime Against a Vulnerable Adult, which is a Felony, and Theft By False Pretense over $1500. He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $7,500.00 secured bond.

If anyone has had any similar incidents involving Joshua Sears they are asked to contact Master Corporal C. Arnold at 302-232-3479. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."