DOJ indicts suspended State Trooper in inappropriate sexual contact case

Attorney General Kathy Jennings today announced that the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust has indicted suspended State Trooper Thomas Catalfamo for taking advantage of a 21-year-old woman experiencing a mental health crisis. After responding to a distress call, Catalfamo is alleged to have abused his power by taking advantage of the woman experiencing the mental health crisis for the purpose of initiating inappropriate sexual contact.

Delaware State Police leadership proactively contacted DCRPT in October immediately after allegations of misconduct by Trooper Catalfamo were brought to their attention. The Delaware State Police have been fully cooperative and have worked in partnership with the DOJ from the onset of the investigation.

"Public safety requires public trust. The community needs to be able to trust that law enforcement will protect them when they call for help," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "When those in positions of authority take advantage of those individuals in crisis, that trust is broken; this indictment is an important step in repairing it. I am grateful to the Delaware State Police for promptly reporting the alleged conduct to the DOJ and to our Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust for their work securing this indictment."

"The Delaware State Police treats all allegations of misconduct with the utmost seriousness, whether received from the public or identified through our internal reviews" said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. "Upon learning the facts of this investigation, the Delaware State Police immediately suspended the trooper and proactively engaged the Delaware Department of Justice Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust. The Delaware State Police are grateful for the Department of Justice's partnership, and we remain committed to holding ourselves to the highest standards."

On July 13, 2025, Catalfamo responded to a service call for a 21-year-old woman experiencing a mental health crisis. Catalfamo influenced the assessment at Beebe Healthcare, so that she would be released into his care. While transporting the woman from the hospital to her residence, Catalfamo stopped his patrol vehicle, manipulated his body-worn camera and his vehicle's mobile video recording cameras to hide his activity, and engaged her in sexual contact.

The DOJ reminds the public that charges are allegations and that all defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence until they have been proven guilty.