Former trooper pleads guilty in federal court
By WILMINGTON - Former Delaware State Police trooper Jamal Merrell, 32, of Newark, pled guilty in federal court on Thursday regarding theft allegations, authorities said.
According to United States District Attorney for the District of Delaware David Weiss, an FBI investigation revealed that Merrell, under the ruse of conducting an active fraud investigation, stole various electronic items from an international reshipping company in New Castle.
According to court documents, a news release said, Merrell, a former Delaware State Police trooper, pleaded guilty to Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law and faces a maximum penalty of 1 year in prison when sentenced on Jan. 5, 2023.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Of the plea, Mr. Weiss said “The defendant betrayed the public trust for personal gain. His conduct undermines the honorable law enforcement officers who protect and serve our communities every day. I commend the Delaware State Police Internal Investigations Unit for their cooperation with the FBI during this investigation.”
Delaware State Police Superintendent Col. Melissa Zebley said that “Every trooper within the Delaware State Police takes an oath to faithfully serve and protect the citizens of this great state.
“We are an organization that recognizes while fulfilling our sacred mission to protect and serve the public, we must also hold our own members accountable for any actions that jeopardize public trust.
“The Delaware State Police consistently responds to and investigates all complaints of misconduct. Since the onset of this federal investigation, the Delaware State Police has worked in partnership with federal investigators. We would like to thank the community for their continued trust and patience as this investigation unfolded.”
Chief Magistrate Judge Mary Pat Thynge accepted the plea.
