Millsboro, DE – Delaware State Police arrested a 58-year-old Millsboro man following a multi-month drug investigation in Sussex County that led to the discovery of methamphetamine, weapons, and drug paraphernalia inside his home.
According to Delaware State Police, detectives executed a search warrant on October 17, 2025, at a residence in the 32,000 block of South Captains Way in Millsboro. The suspect, John Bender, was detained during the search. Investigators reportedly uncovered 22.9 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, drug packaging materials, 21 knives, and four pairs of brass knuckles.
Police said Bender, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing deadly weapons, allegedly used his residence to conduct drug-related activity. Following his arrest, he was transported to Troop 4 and charged with multiple felonies, including possession with intent to distribute, possession of a deadly weapon during a felony (25 counts), and possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited (24 counts).
Bender was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $102,200 cash bond.
Authorities said the arrest was the result of ongoing efforts by the Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit to target drug trafficking and weapon offenses in the area.