NEWARK, DE – Two men have been arrested after a weekslong investigation of a rash of copper thefts from a property on Center Road. The men were nabbed trying to sell the stolen copper at a recycling center.
Delaware State Police arrested Christopher Disabatino, 26, of Historic New Castle, and Raymond Disabatino, 54, of Newark, on multiple felony criminal charges following a multiple week criminal investigation.
“Beginning March 25, 2022, Delaware State Police began investigating a series of copper wire thefts from the 900 block of Center Road,” the Delaware State Police said. “During the incidents, the suspects damaged the victim’s property and removed approximately $50,000.00 in copper wiring. Through investigative measures, Christopher Disabatino and Raymond Disabatino were developed as suspects. On April 8, 2022, Christopher and Raymond were taken into custody without incident at Eastern Metal Recycling while attempting to sell the stolen copper wiring.”
In a press release, DSP noted detectives also had information linking Christopher to a burglary that occurred on December 2, 2021, at the Odyssey Charter School, located at 4423 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington. Additionally, Christopher was in possession of a motorcycle that was reported stolen in January 2022 in New Castle County.
Christopher and Raymond were transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2 and charged with the following crimes:
Christopher Disabatino
- 4 counts- Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
- 4 counts- Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony)
- 3 counts- Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony)
- 4 counts- Criminal Trespass Second Degree
- 2 counts- Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
- 2 counts- Theft Under $1,500
- 2 counts- Criminal Mischief Under $1,000
- Receiving Stolen Property (Felony)
- Burglary Third Degree (Felony)
Christopher was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released on an $18,800.00 unsecured bond.
Raymond Disabatino
- 3 counts- Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
- 3 counts- Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony)
- Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony)
- 3 counts- Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
- 2 counts- Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000
Raymond was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released on an $11,500.00 unsecured bond.