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May 10, 2016
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Rehoboth Beach, Del. (March 9th, 2016) William E. Hignutt, 34, of Bridgeville, Del. is facing multiple burglary and theft charges after stealing property from multiple Patrician Towers condominium units on multiple occasions throughout the months of March and April.
A month log investigation concluded on Monday, May 9th, 2016 with the arrest of Hignutt for multiple charges of burglary and theft. Hignutt, a contractor hired to perform drywall work, was able to gain access to the office under the guise that he was using the restroom. While in the office Hignutt was able to remove keys allowing him access to other units in the building.
The investigation began on April 13th when officers responded to the Patrician Towers in reference to a theft of rings from a unit. Investigators were able to locate the rings in Laurel, Del. using pawn records and develop Hignutt as a suspect. Investigators were also able to contact multiple witnesses who reported a suspicious male dressed similar to a maintenance man knocking on doors in the building.
On multiple occasions, Hignutt made entry into at least 6 different condominium units stealing property from owners to include money, jewelry, a television, and gift cards. The total value of the property and money stolen is estimated to be over $10,000. Hignutt pawned the stolen property at multiple locations throughout Sussex County, Del. Investigators are still working to identify the owners of some of the stolen jewelry and believe there could be additional unreported victims.
On May 9th, Hignutt was arrested subsequent to an interview and charged with 11 felony charges to include; 6 counts of second degree burglary, 3 counts of theft $1500 or greater, and 2 counts of theft under $1500.00 where the victim is 62 years or older. In addition, Hignutt was charged with 6 misdemeanor charges to include; 5 counts of theft by false pretense and 1 count of theft under $1500. Hignutt was arraigned out of the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and is being held at the Sussex Correctional Institution on $41,000 secured bail.
Release prepared by Lt. Jaime B. Riddle.
