Delaware State Police have arrested 65-year-old Charles LeCates of Wilmington in connection with a series of retail thefts spanning nine months and involving multiple businesses throughout New Castle County.
Between August 2024 and April 2025, troopers responded to numerous shoplifting reports at locations including ACME, Carter’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Famous Footwear, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Old Navy, Pike Creek Community Hardware, and Target. In each case, a white male suspect was reported to have shoplifted merchandise before fleeing the scene.
Through investigative efforts, troopers identified LeCates as the individual responsible for at least 20 separate shoplifting incidents, resulting in over $9,500 in stolen merchandise. Officials said investigators also determined that LeCates had, in several instances, shoplifted alongside various unidentified accomplices.
Throughout the course of the investigation, troopers sought to locate LeCates on multiple theft-related warrants. On May 12, 2025, troopers successfully apprehended him in Wilmington without incident. During a search following his arrest, troopers located approximately 0.1 grams of crack cocaine on his person.
LeCates was transported to Troop 2, where he was formally charged with one felony count of Shoplifting Over $1,500, one felony count of Conspiracy Second Degree, 19 counts of Shoplifting Under $1,500, six counts of Conspiracy Third Degree, and one count of Possessing a Controlled Substance Without a Prescription. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $29,000 secured bond.
