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A Delmar police officer is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly using his badge and uniform to gain access to two women at separate stores and subject them to unwanted sexual contact while on duty — then allegedly surveilling one alleged victim outside her home after his shift.
Darrell T. Powell Jr., 26, is the Delmar Delaware Police Officer Accused of Sexual Misconduct and Stalking Two Women who was taken into custody on March 18, 2026, and is being held at Sussex Correctional Institution on $27,500 cash bail. Powell faces two counts each of felony official misconduct and misdemeanor third-degree sexual contact, as well as one count each of felony stalking and misdemeanor offensive touching. He was a nearly four-year veteran of the Delmar Police Department at the time of his arrest.
According to court records, the alleged incidents involving the first alleged victim occurred on January 7, 2026, while Powell was investigating a shoplifting report at a store in Delmar. He allegedly made sexual comments toward the woman and groped her despite her telling him to stop. Surveillance footage later confirmed the alleged contact. Powell also allegedly turned off his body-worn camera during the encounter. After the woman's shift, a patrol car matching Powell's was allegedly observed driving past her home multiple times and parking nearby.
The alleged conduct involving the second woman began in July 2025 when Powell responded to a different Delmar store for a separate shoplifting investigation. He allegedly made repeated visits to the store while on duty, made inappropriate comments about the woman's appearance, and pulled her vehicle over with no law enforcement purpose. On February 24, 2026, he allegedly groped her twice inside the store. Court records also show that Powell used an FBI law enforcement database to search the second woman's vehicle registration information.
Delmar Police Chief Ivan Barkley suspended Powell without pay immediately upon learning of the allegations and requested an outside agency — the Seaford Police Department — conduct the investigation. After being sent the full probable cause affidavit by a reporter, Chief Barkley described his reaction in one word: "Speechless."
"No one is above the law," said Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, whose Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust is prosecuting the case. Anyone with information about Powell's conduct is asked to contact special investigator Timothy Argoe at 302-257-3294.
The factual information above was sourced from whyy.org as of June 3, 2026. The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a law enforcement officer is accused of using his position of authority to commit sexual misconduct against members of the public, victims may have significant civil legal options beyond the criminal process. Legal Herald editor Paul Amess spoke with Delaware sexual abuse attorney Aman Sharma about the civil legal avenues that may be available to victims in cases involving alleged sexual misconduct and abuse of power by a police officer.
Paul Amess: Aman, when a police officer is accused of using his uniform and badge to commit sexual misconduct against members of the public, what civil legal options may be available to the alleged victims?
Aman Sharma: Cases involving alleged sexual misconduct by a law enforcement officer are among the most serious civil matters we encounter because they involve an individual who was entrusted with protecting the public using that trust as a means to harm. Alleged victims in these situations may have civil claims not only against the individual officer but potentially against the employing law enforcement agency as well. When an officer is accused of engaging in a pattern of misconduct while on duty and in uniform, questions arise about supervision, oversight, and whether adequate safeguards existed to protect the public from abuse of authority.
Paul Amess: In cases where an officer allegedly used law enforcement databases to access personal information about an alleged victim, does that factor into potential civil liability?
Aman Sharma: The alleged misuse of official law enforcement tools and databases to target or surveil a victim can be highly significant from a civil standpoint. It suggests a deliberate and premeditated use of official resources to facilitate misconduct, which can strengthen civil claims and broaden questions about institutional accountability. Victims in these situations should speak with an experienced attorney to understand the full scope of what may be available to them.
Paul Amess: What would you say to a victim in Delaware who was allegedly subjected to sexual misconduct by someone in a position of law enforcement authority?
Aman Sharma: You have rights, and what happened to you was not your fault. Speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible is the most important step you can take. Time limits apply to civil claims in Delaware, and early action gives victims the strongest possible foundation. An initial consultation is completely confidential and free of charge.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of sexual misconduct, groping, stalking, or any abuse of authority by a law enforcement officer or any individual in Delaware, you may have the right to pursue civil action and recover financial compensation. Contact The Legal Herald today to be connected with an experienced Delaware sexual abuse attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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