CLAYMONT, DE — A Wilmington woman has been charged following an investigation into multiple fraud complaints from residents of a Claymont apartment complex who reported their rent payments had not been credited, according to New Castle County police.
Police said officers began investigating in March after responding to multiple fraud-related complaints at The Edge at Greentree apartment complex. According to investigators, several tenants reported receiving notices that they had failed to pay rent despite having already submitted payment.
As the investigation continued, police determined that a number of residents had paid their rent using money orders. Investigators allege that 63-year-old Veronica Hicks of Wilmington altered the payee information on the money orders, changing them to her own name before cashing them.
According to police, the investigation found that between August 2025 and March 2026, Hicks allegedly obtained approximately $5,400 through the scheme.
Police reported that Hicks was taken into custody June 10 and charged with one felony count of second-degree forgery and one misdemeanor count of theft under $1,500.
According to court records cited by police, Hicks was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released after posting $5,000 cash bail.
Authorities noted that the charges are separate from earlier cases filed against Hicks by New Castle County police in March and May 2026. In those cases, police said Hicks was charged with three felony counts of second-degree forgery, two misdemeanor counts of theft under $1,500, and one felony count of theft over $1,500. Court records show she was released on unsecured bail in those matters.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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