NEWARK, DE — A 43-year-old Claymont man has been charged following an investigation into stolen vehicles, firearms, and illegal drugs, police said.
According to Newark police, the investigation began at approximately 9:17 p.m. April 16 when officers on patrol located a stolen vehicle in a parking lot in the 600 block of South College Avenue. Police reported the vehicle was seized, and investigators later determined it had allegedly been in the possession of Marcel J. Cooper, 43, of Claymont.
Authorities said the investigation led officers to develop information linking Cooper to additional stolen vehicles. According to investigators, search warrants were obtained for Cooper’s residence and an auto body shop in Claymont connected to the case.
Police reported that on April 22, officers executed the warrants and allegedly recovered five additional stolen vehicles, approximately $12,000 in cash, two firearms, ammunition, large-capacity magazines, drug paraphernalia, and about 1.81 pounds of marijuana.
According to police, Cooper was taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including three counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, six counts of receiving stolen property over $1,500, and additional charges related to vehicle identification number tampering, weapons, and drug paraphernalia.
Court records show Cooper was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court No. 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $93,000 cash bail.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Mitchell Holobowicz at 302-366-7110 ext. 3421 or mholobowicz@newark.de.us.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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