Eric B. Whitman

ELLENDALE — A 29-year-old Georgetown man was charged in alleged connection with a residential burglary between June 18 and July 3, Delaware State Police said.

Authorities said the alleged incident in the 14000 block of Beaver Dame Road was reported by a 40-year-old man who returned from vacation and noticed that property had been missing and a window was unsecured. Further investigation revealed that a jar containing an undisclosed amount of money, approximately 50 crab traps, and scrap metal was taken, police said.

Investigation led to Eric B. Whitman, police said. It was discovered that Mr. Whitman had allegedly taken the stolen metal to a scrap yard, signed the receipt indicating he was the owner, and received a cash payment, police said.

Mr. Whitman was arrested last Saturday and charged with second-degree dwelling burglary, theft $1,500 or greater, selling stolen property value over $1,500 theft under $1,500, theft by false pretense under $1,500 and falsifying business records. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $17,000.00 secured bond.