MILLSBORO/LEWES, Del.- Delaware State Police have arrested Winfield Heckrote, 66, 0f Millsboro, and James McMullin, 52, also of Millsboro, in connection with multiple thefts from construction sites.

Since December 2019, troopers began investigating numerous reports of thefts from construction sites in the Independence Development in Millsboro and the Governors Development in Lewes.

Large amounts of building material consisting of lumber, plumbing supplies, countertops, windows, doors, and other items were reported stolen.

On April 17, 2020 around 1 a.m., troopers located a white Ford F350 hauling a large double axle trailer in the Independence Development.

The truck and trailer were located parked in front of a house under construction.

The operator of the pickup truck was contacted and identified as Heckrote, according to police.

At this time Heckrote reportedly told troopers that he was “dumpster diving” and was given permission to do so.

Through further investigations it was determined that Heckrote was not provided permission to go through the dumpsters.

The Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) and Governors Task Force (GTF) responded to Heckrote’s home in the 28000 block of Harmons Hill Road in Millsboro, and located a large amount of building material behind the dwelling, according to police.

A camper was also located on the property in which McMullin was living.

Police said a search of numerous outbuildings belonging to Heckrote was conducted, which led to the discovery of more building materials.

The building materials were confirmed as being stolen from the construction sites belonging to Schell Brothers, according to investigators.

On April 22, 2020, Heckrote and McMullin were taken into custody at their residence without incident. They were transported back to Troop 4 where they were charged with the following:

Winfield Heckrote:

Burglary Second Degree

Theft- 4 counts (Felony)

Theft-3 counts

Fail to Obey an Emergency Order

Criminal Trespass Third Degree- 5 counts

Heckrote was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and released on his own recognizance.

James McMullin

Burglary Second Degree

Theft- 4 counts (Felony)

Theft- 3 counts

Criminal Trespass Third Degree-5 counts

McMullin was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and released on his own recognizance.