David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware
Two former officials from the Bethany Beach Police Department have pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with the theft of overtime funds. Acting U.S. Attorney Shannon T. Hanson announced that Michael Redmon, 58, and Darin Cathell, 49, admitted to claiming payment for shifts they did not work. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly accepted their pleas.
Court documents reveal that Redmon falsely claimed at least 174 shifts, amounting to over 760 hours and $81,890. Cathell claimed at least 185 shifts, totaling more than 800 hours and $67,970. Some of these funds were sourced from federal grants.
Acting U.S. Attorney Hanson remarked on the breach of trust by stating, “Taking the oath to protect and serve is a sacred trust... These officers failed to do that.” She expressed gratitude towards both the FBI and Delaware Attorney General’s Office for their investigation efforts.
FBI Baltimore SAC William J. DelBagno commented on the case: "The defendants profited handsomely by abusing their positions... The FBI is committed to rooting out corruption."
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings added, “Nobody is above the law or beneath justice... I’m grateful to the investigators in our office and to the prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office who took on this case.”
Both Redmon and Cathell could face up to 20 years in prison with sentencing set for August 12, 2025. Chief Judge Connolly will determine their sentences after reviewing guidelines and other factors.
The FBI alongside Delaware's Attorney General’s Office are conducting investigations while Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace prosecutes.
For further details about this case or related court documents, visit either the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Delaware or PACER using Case Nos. 25-CR-01-CFC and 25-CR-02-CFC.
