NEWARK, DE — Delaware State Police arrested a woman on Saturday on charges of felony theft. Jacklyn Thompson, 42, faces allegations of stealing from an elderly couple who had graciously offered her and her two young children shelter at their home.
The case began to unfold on January 2, 2024, when state troopers responded to a call concerning the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle from a residence on the 7000 block of Armiger Drive in Seaford, Delaware. Upon their arrival, the officers were informed by an 81-year-old man that he and his wife had met Thompson at their church and learned that she and her children were homeless. The couple, showing compassion, had initially paid for hotel rooms for Thompson and her children before offering them a place to stay in their home.
According to the elderly couple, they had initially permitted Thompson to use their vehicle. However, Thompson allegedly ignored their repeated requests to return it, leading to the unauthorized use report.
The situation escalated on January 5, when the 81-year-old man reported missing antique silverware, which had previously belonged to his grandmother. Following an investigation, the trooper discovered that Thompson had allegedly pawned the stolen silverware during her stay with the couple.
Arrest warrants were subsequently issued for Thompson. On January 6, 2024, she was apprehended in New Castle County and taken to Troop 2, where she was formally charged with Theft Under $1500 Where the Victim is 65 Years of Age or Older—a felony—and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. Thompson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on a $2000 unsecured bond.
An arrest, a criminal complaint, or information does not constitute a declaration of guilt. As with all suspects, arrestees, or defendants in a criminal case, Thompson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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