NEWARK, DE — Delaware State Police have arrested two New Castle County residents following a search warrant executed at a Newark home that investigators allege was being used for drug distribution.
According to police, members of the New Castle County Drug Unit, the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force, and the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team executed a search warrant on January 23, 2026, at a residence in the first block of Leaf Lane. Authorities said the warrant followed a months-long investigation into alleged narcotics distribution connected to the home.
During the search, police reported locating Charles Fax Jr., 40, of Newark, and Amber Hoffmaster, 39, of Bear, in the basement near a sump pump. Both were taken into custody without incident.
Investigators allege a search of the residence uncovered approximately 117.25 grams of cocaine floating inside the sump pump cavity, about 331 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia commonly associated with narcotics distribution, 14 shotgun shells, and a Stephens Model 320 shotgun.
Police allege Fax is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. He was arrested and transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with multiple felony offenses, including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver, possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited, tampering with physical evidence, conspiracy in the second degree, and related drug and weapon charges. Fax was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after bail was set at $206,200 cash.
Hoffmaster was also arrested and taken to Troop 2. Police charged her with felony counts including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver, possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited who also possesses controlled substances, conspiracy in the second degree, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $172,200 unsecured bond.
All criminal charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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