Former Union Board Member Charged with $126,000 Fraud, Caught in St. Thomas

Matthew Adams, 31, was arrested in the U.S. Virgin Islands after allegedly stealing over $126,000 from a Delaware union over three years. He awaits extradition to face fraud charges.

Ex-Union Member Nabbed in St. Thomas Over $126K Fraud Scheme

According to nccpdnews.com, the New Castle County Division of Police, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service, has arrested Matthew Adams, 31, of Wilmington on theft and fraud-related charges.

In July 2024, AFSCME Local 3911 — the union representing New Castle County's 911 Emergency Communications Center and EMS Paramedics — notified detectives that more than $126,000 had been withdrawn from the union's checking account. Investigators identified Adams, a former employee and Local 3911 board member, as the suspect.

The investigation revealed Adams had forged signatures and written fraudulent checks made out to himself, drawing on the union's bank account to cover personal expenses over a three-year period.

Detectives subsequently determined that Adams had fled to the U.S. Virgin Islands. On October 10, 2024, U.S. Marshals apprehended him on Smith Bay Road in St. Thomas. He is currently awaiting extradition to Delaware, where he faces criminal charges.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Arnold at [email protected] or (302) 395-2787. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or online at delawarecrimestoppers.com.

Source: Google News VI — Crime