FREDERICA – An investigation by DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers into multiple complaints of theft and commercial crabbing violations resulted in the arrests today of a Frederica couple. The couple was arrested for tending crabs pots belonging to another commercial crabber, stealing crabs out of the pots, and selling the crabs for profit.
Matthew Ewing, 35, a licensed Delaware commercial crabber, was charged with one count each of theft under $1,500 and conspiracy in the third degree, and 22 counts each of lifting a commercial crab pot belonging to another commercial fisherman and unlawful take of shellfish.
Patricia Ewing, 35, was arrested for one count each of theft under $1,500.00 and conspiracy in the third degree, and 22 counts of unlawful take of shellfish.
Both Matthew and Patricia Ewing were arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover. Matthew Ewing was released on a $2,300 unsecured bond and Patricia Ewing was released on a $1,100 unsecured bond pending future court appearances in the Kent County Court of Common Pleas.
