Former Chief and Captain of Bethany Beach Police Department Receive Prison Sentences for Theft of Federal Funds

Wilmington, Del. – Two men, the former Chief and Captain of the Bethany Beach Police Department, have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment for theft of federal funds, announced U.S. Attorney Julianne E. Murray.  Michael Redmon, 58, of Selbyville, was sentenced to 13 months in prison, and ordered to pay restitution of $81,890 and a fine of $50,000.  Darin Cathell, 50, of Frankford, was sentenced to two months in prison followed by six months of home detention and ordered to pay restitution of $67,790 and a fine of $25,000. 

According to court documents, Redmon, the former Chief of the Department, and Cathell, the former Captain of the Department, spent years claiming to work overtime shifts that they did not, in fact, work.  Redmon falsely claimed at least 174 overtime shifts, totaling at least 760 hours and at least $81,890.  Cathell falsely claimed at least 185 overtime shifts, totaling at least 800 hours and at least $67,970.  Some of the funds Redmon and Cathell received were federal grant funds. 

U.S. Attorney Murray stated, “Michael Redmon and Darin Cathell were sworn to uphold the law.  They instead broke it – over and over, for years and years – to the detriment of the Town of Bethany Beach, their fellow officers in the Bethany Beach Police Department, and indeed every citizen who puts their faith in law enforcement.  These just sentences reflect the seriousness of the defendants’ crimes.” 

“Not only did they fail to lead by example, Michael Redmon and Darin Cathell betrayed the Bethany Beach community and their police colleagues. Their greed fueled a lengthy overtime fraud scheme, overtaking the oath they swore. As these sentences show, no one is above the law and the FBI is committed to rooting out corruption on behalf of the hard-working officers who carry out their duties honestly and honorably," said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno.

U.S. Attorney Murray made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly.  The case was prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace and investigated by the FBI and the Delaware Attorney General’s Office. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 25-CR-01-CFC and 25-CR-02-CFC.