02/10/2026
Joint Drug Investigation Leads to Arrest of Frederica Couple
The Milford Police Department’s Drug, Vice and Organized Crime Unit and the Delaware State Police Kent County Governor’s Task Force concluded a joint investigation into the sale of illicit drugs with the arrest of a Frederica couple.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Maurice Parker, 30 of Frederica, Delaware, had been involved in the sale of illicit drugs. On February 4, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., detectives located Parker in a Jeep Grand Cherokee in the parking lot of Walmart, located on North DuPont Boulevard in Milford. When detectives contacted Parker, he accelerated and struck a police vehicle. The Jeep ultimately came to a stop in the parking lot after striking a snowbank and a parked vehicle. Parker attempted to flee on foot, but was ultimately taken into custody.
A subsequent search of Parker’s vehicle revealed: approx. 42 grams of suspected methamphetamine, approx. 50 grams of suspected crack/co***ne, approx. 29.36 grams of suspected powder co***ne, an AR style pistol, .223 caliber ammunition, a silver BB gun, a large knife and drug paraphernalia.
Detectives then responded to Parker’s residence in the 4100 block of Barretts Chapel Road, Frederica. When detectives arrived, they contacted Ashley Zernell, 34, and conducted a search of the residence. During the search, detectives found a flash-bang gr***de, a Black Smith and Wesson handgun, approx. 144.48 grams of suspected methamphetamine, approx. 313.86 grams of suspected ma*****na, a large capacity magazine, and various quantities of ammunition. Zernell was taken into custody without incident.
Parker and Zernell were both charged in this case. For a complete list of charges and bond information, please click on the link below for the complete news release.
https://www.milfordpolicede.org/news/Joint-Drug-Investigation-Leads-to-Arrest-of-Frederica-Couple.htm
