Residents curious about FBI activity in their Newport-area neighborhood

Residents of a Newport-area development shared the same question as they watched police and federal agents walk in and out of a Lyndalia home Monday: "What's going on?"

An FBI spokesman out of Baltimore confirmed agents were at the home, located in the 200 block of Latimer Street, but provided few other details.

"Yes, I can confirm FBI Baltimore is conducting court authorized activity at that location," said David Fitz, a FBI spokesman. "I'm unable to discuss anything further at this time. When I'm able, I will keep you updated."

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New Castle County Police said they are assisting in the investigation, but had nothing more to add.

The home is owned by William and Theresa Hayes, according to New Castle County property records. The couple could not be immediately reached for comment Monday.

A few residents of the development, filled with two-story brick homes and well-kept lawns, stood near the house Monday morning watching the activity, which seemed to be winding down.

At least one neighbor said the events began Sunday evening.

"We just got back from a wedding and I just assumed that someone was having a party," said Alicia Marascio, who noticed the street was filled with out-of-state vehicles, including a running van that was parked near her driveway.

Marascio, who lives next door to the Hayes, said when she walked out of her house Monday morning the vehicles were still there. It wasn't until she saw as many as 15 FBI agents in front of the house that she realized it was not a party.

"I'm shocked. I'm very surprised. I'm very curious as to what is going on," she said. "I have no idea what's going on."

Marascio said she'd not seen the Hayes, adding they are nice people.

"I just talked to them the other day," she said. "They brought me tomatoes and cucumbers from their side yard."

Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299, eparra@delawareonline.com or Twitter @eparra3.



