Delaware State Police have arrested Brian Searfass, 36, of Middletown, and Arthur Chillas, 26, of Townsend, in connection with a series of copper wire thefts that disrupted emergency services in the Townsend area.
The initial theft occurred on May 10, 2025, near Summit Bridge Road and Green Giant Road. Investigators found that the suspects had cut fiber optic wires from utility poles, including a 911 emergency line, affecting thousands of residents with significant communication outages.
Detectives from Troop 2 Property Crimes Unit, working with out-of-state agencies, linked similar thefts in Maryland to the same suspects. The investigation revealed that Searfass and Chillas sold copper recovered from the stolen wires to a Newark recycling center the same day.
As law enforcement attempted to locate the suspects, a similar crime occurred on May 30, again targeting fiber optic wires and the 911 system in the same area. Detectives believe Chillas was involved with another unidentified accomplice in that incident.
On June 2, Searfass voluntarily surrendered at Troop 2 and was charged with multiple offenses. He was later released on a $1,200 unsecured bond. Chillas was apprehended the next day with the assistance of Delaware Probation and Parole, and released on a $13,000 unsecured bond after being charged with multiple felonies.
Charges Against Brian Searfass:
Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony)
Criminal Mischief – Tampering with Utilities (Felony)
Conspiracy 3rd Degree
Selling Stolen Property Under $1,500
Charges Against Arthur Chillas:
Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 2 counts
Criminal Mischief – Tampering with Utilities (Felony)
Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Conspiracy 3rd Degree
Selling Stolen Property Under $1,500 – 2 counts
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue efforts to identify additional individuals who may have been involved.
