Delmar/Laurel/Seaford – The Delaware State Police have arrested three men in connection with a recent burglary spree in which commercial businesses were primarily targeted, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said beginning on January 1, and continuing through February 6, 2020 Troopers investigated burglaries and related thefts that took place at locations throughout the Delmar, Laurel and Seaford area. The locations included Route 30 Auto & Truck and Clayton Homes in Laurel, Driveline Auto Sales and Sussex Scrap & Metal in Delmar, and Kroegers Salvage in Seaford.
In addition to these commercial burglaries Troopers also investigated a residential burglary in Delmar that was determined to be related. In each incident, the suspects would make forcible entry into the businesses and then make off with auto parts, metal, motor vehicles, heavy machinery, and other miscellaneous property. During the lone residential burglary, two firearms were among the property that was stolen.
Through various investigative leads and measures detectives were able to identify Dustin J. Mussog, 25, of Selbyville, Robert L. Barger Jr., 30, of Delmar and Dylan M. Lecates, 21, of Delmar, as persons of interest in the incidents. On February 8, 2020, a search warrant was obtained for a residence located in the 11000 block of Chalfant Drive in Laurel where it was determined that the three subjects were residing. As a result of the search warrant detectives recovered a large amount of stolen property that was confirmed to be associated with the burglaries, said Austin.
Both Mussog and Barger were located on the property at the time the search warrant was executed and taken into custody without incident. They were then transported to Troop 4 and formally charged. Lecates, who was not present at the time that Mussog and Barger were apprehended, surrendered to detectives on February 12, 2020. The three subjects were charged with the following offenses for their respective roles in the burglary spree.
Dustin J. Mussog
Burglary 3rd Degree (4 counts)
Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree
Possession of Burglar Tools
Theft of Motor Vehicle
Theft Greater than $1500.00 (3 counts)
Theft Less than $1500.00
Attempted Theft Less than $1500.00
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (5 counts)
Criminal Mischief (4 counts)
Mussog was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $38,500.00 secured bail.
Robert L Barger Jr.
Burglary 3rd Degree (4 counts)
Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree
Possession of Burglar Tools
Theft of Motor Vehicle
Theft Greater than $1500.00 (3 counts)
Theft Less than $1500.00
Attempted Theft Less than $1500.00
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (5 counts)
Criminal Mischief (4 counts)
Selling Stolen Property Greater than $1500.00
Barger was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $40,500.00 secured bail.
Dylan M. Lecates
Burglary 2nd Degree
Burglary 3rd Degree (6 counts)
Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree
Possession of Burglar Tools (2 counts)
Theft of a Firearm (2 counts)
Theft Greater than $1500.00 (6 counts)
Theft of a Motor Vehicle
Theft Less than $1500.00 (2 counts)
Attempted Theft Less than $1500.00
Criminal Mischief (6 counts)
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (8 counts)
Lecates was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $80,000.00 secured bail.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents are asked to contact Detective L. Coleman of the Troop 4 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-752-3813.