State OMB Director Cerron Cade charged with shoplifting at Home Depot

Cerron Cade

WILMINGTON — Delaware OMB Director Cerron Cade was arrested Dec. 13, 2024, on six counts of Class A misdemeanor shoplifting related to multiple incidents at the Home Depot located at 3600 Miller Road, Wilmington, the Delaware State Police confirmed Monday morning.

State Police spokesperson Lt. India Sturgis said there was sufficient probable cause to issue an arrest warrant following a thorough investigation and consultation with the Delaware Department of Justice. Cade turned himself in at Troop 2, where he was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance.

The classification is based on the value of the goods being less than $1,500. Sentencing guidelines include fines, non-reporting probation, and possibly incarceration.

Gov. John Carney’s office issued a press release late Saturday night saying Cade had been placed on paid administrative leave due to a personal legal matter.

“Cerron has been a dedicated member of my team for years, so this is obviously a disappointment and a surprise,” Governor (and Wilmington Mayor-elect) Carney said. of his pick to be chief of staff in his new role. “I am hopeful he can work through this challenge and return to his career in public service.”

No details were provided in the release beyond saying that the state Department of Human Resources is reviewing the case to determine if it involves a violation of conduct standards for state employees. Cade’s state email out-of-office message says he “is no longer with this State of Delaware agency.”

Cade has worked closely with Governor Carney for at least 11 years, including state roles as director of the Office of Management and Budget, secretary of labor, creator and director of the Division of Small Business, acting director, and deputy director of the Department of Economic Development. He also served as campaign manager for the Friends of John Carney from March 2016 to 2017, and as state project director to then-U.S. Rep. Carney for 2+ years, starting in March 2013

Efforts to reach Cade and others for comment were unsuccessful following the 8:37 p.m. release. Delaware Live has asked Gov. Carney’s office for additional comment.

Governor Carney has named OMB Deputy Director Courtney Stewart as Acting OMB Director. Tanny Washington, Mayor Purzycki’s chief of staff, has agreed to stay on as chief of staff for the City of Wilmington while this matter is resolved.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.