LAUREL, Del.- A 10-month embezzlement investigation has led to the arrest of the former manager of the Laurel branch of the Bank of Delmarva.
Laurel police said that on Tuesday, Kevin Christophel, 33, of Laurel, was charged with felonious theft and felony second-degree forgery. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court and released on his own recognizance bond pending trial.
Police said that in July of last year, the department’s Criminal Investigations Division was contacted by the Bank of Delmarva headquarters in reference to numerous irregularities surrounding loans, purchases and approved work orders completed by a former employee.
According to police, upon review of their findings, the criminal investigations division determined that a criminal investigation of these activities was needed.
With the assistance of the internal auditor from the Bank of Delmarva, an extensive Laurel Police Department investigation was launched. Police said the investigation revealed that while Christophel was employed with the Bank of Delmarva as its Laurel branch manager, he utilized a series of fraudulent activities, forgeries, and other criminal acts to embezzle an excess of $24,000 over the course of several years.
At this time all victims associated with this investigation have been contacted and the appropriate actions have been taken to remedy their situation, according to police.
When reached by phone, Christophel declined to comment.
Christophel served as president of the Greater Laurel Area Chamber of Commerce in 2018. Also in 2018, Christophel ran as a candidate in the Sussex County Council GOP District 5 primary but was defeated by John Rieley, who is the current councilman for that seat.
