Delaware State Police say they arrested a 46-year-old Georgetown man in connection with the disappearance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment taken from two Sussex County locations earlier this month.
Investigation led to local scrap yard records
Troopers responded to a newly constructed home on West Piney Grove Road on Sept. 15 after the homeowner reported an HVAC unit had been removed. Later that same day, investigators learned an HVAC unit was also taken from Spirit of Excellence Church on Dupont Boulevard in Dagsboro, according to a news release from state police.
Detectives traced the equipment to a scrap yard where someone had signed papers to receive payment for the units, and investigators identified the person who signed those documents as William Pusey, 46, of Georgetown. State police say Pusey was taken into custody Sept. 18 and booked at Troop 4.
Charges and custody
Following his arrest, Pusey was arraigned before a justice of the peace and committed to the Department of Correction on a secured bond set at $5,002, police said. He faces multiple charges, including two felony counts of theft involving property valued at more than $1,500 and felony counts related to selling stolen property.
Other charges listed by police include criminal mischief, falsifying business records and criminal trespass in the third degree. Police provided the following breakdown of the alleged offenses:
| Charge | Count |
|---|---|
| Theft over $1,500 (Felony) | 2 |
| Selling Stolen Property over $1,500 or two or more prior convictions (Felony) | 1 |
| Selling Stolen Property under $1,500 | 1 |
| Criminal Mischief $1,000–$4,999 | 1 |
| Falsifying Business Records | 2 |
| Criminal Trespass, Third Degree | 2 |
What authorities say and next steps
State police did not provide details on the scrap yard where the units were sold or whether others are suspected of involvement. Detectives said their investigation connected the two thefts through records at the business that purchased the equipment.
The Delaware State Police included a standard reminder in the release that anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Community impact and prevention
The loss of HVAC units can be a large expense for homeowners and institutions, particularly for newly built properties and nonprofit organizations such as houses of worship. Replacing these systems involves not only the cost of the equipment but also installation and potential delays to occupancy or operations.
Local officials and law enforcement often encourage property owners and contractors to take steps to deter such thefts, including:
- locking and securing outdoor units or storing units indoors until installation;
- installing motion-activated lighting and video surveillance at construction sites;
- keeping detailed records and serial numbers for major appliances and equipment;
- promptly reporting suspicious activity to local police.
Anyone with information about these incidents or similar crimes in Sussex County is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 4 or submit tips through the department’s anonymous tip line. The release did not indicate whether any of the recovered units have been returned to their owners.
As the case proceeds through the courts, documents and future police updates will provide additional details about how investigators linked the suspect to the sales and whether charges will be amended or added.
This report is based on a Delaware State Police news release and public records provided by the department. The prosecutor’s office will handle any trial proceedings should the case move forward.
