Additional Arrests Made in Appliance Thefts and Burglaries in Sussex County

Delmar, DE - State Police Detectives have arrested two more subjects and are looking for another in connection with numerous burglaries and theft of appliances over the past year.

During the course of the investigation, detectives learned through witness accounts thatSylvester Hicks, 31 of Lincoln (Photo attached-maroon sweatshirt), was the head of an organized criminal enterprise responsible for burglarizing and stealing appliances or construction materials from new construction or model homes. Hicks would work with subjects who committed the burglaries and then have them transport the stolen property back to his residence located on Foreman Avenue in Lincoln.

Around 3:00 a.m., Monday February 9, 2015, detectives began a surveillance operation on a Chevrolet Express van that was known to be used during these criminal activities. The van was spotted leaving Clayton Homes in Delmar, Delaware, when members of the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle in the area of Crooked Road, Lincoln. The two occupants jumped from the van in an attempt to flee and the operator, who was later identified as Carlos L. Daniels, 29 of Lincoln (Photo attached-dark blue shirt), was apprehended a short time later without incident. The second subject (depicted in the surveillance photo attached), was able to flee undetected. Upon searching the van, detectives were able to recover numerous appliances that were stolen from Clayton Homes earlier that morning.

Troopers then responded to Sylvester Hicks residence where he was taken into custody without incident. A search warrant was conducted on the premise where detectives recovered over 20 appliances linked to multiple burglaries in Sussex County.

Sylvester Hicks and Carlos Daniels were transported back to Troop 4 in Georgetown where they were both charged with Racketeering, nine counts of Burglary 3rd, three counts of Theft over $1,500, two counts of Conspiracy 2nd, and Criminal Mischief. They were arraigned at JP2 and both committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $60,000.00 secured bond.

Detectives are continuing their investigation into the burglaries and thefts and additional charges may be forthcoming.

If anyone has any information in reference to the unidentified pictured subject they are asked to contact Detective J. Rowley at 302-856-5850 ext. 223. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."