MILLSBORO, DE - An ex-Millsboro Police Officer has pleaded guilty to felony tampering with public records and other charges after being found unresponsive in his patrol car in February.
According to the Delaware Department of Justice, Matthew Dufour was found in his Millsboro police car showing signs of an overdose. The DOJ says he was treated with Naloxone and taken to a local hospital where toxicology reports showed signs of fentanyl, oxycodone, and cocaine in his system.
Dufour was charged with felony tampering with public records through Veterans Court Diversion, as well as four misdemeanors including possession of oxycodone and official misconduct.
On November 29th, 2023, Dufour completed a plea agreement with prosecutors, pleading guilty to the felony and misdemeanors, according to the DOJ.
The DOJ says Dufour has a clear substance abuse problem and struggles with PTSD from his military service, and the felony will be discharged after Dufour completes treatment for substance abuse and mental health.
Dufour’s sentence for the misdemeanor charges are essentially probation, the DOJ says, and his plea includes suspended prison time that Dufour will have to serve if he violates that probation.
The Department of Justice tells WBOC Dufour voluntarily resigned from the Millsboro Police Department prior to the plea and will not be able to work in law enforcement again.
“This kind of case requires both accountability and compassion,” said Mat Marshall of the DOJ. “The Defendant’s actions were serious and damaging to the work of his fellow officers; they were also driven by a clear and serious substance abuse problem, as well as likely PTSD stemming from his military service. He has taken responsibility for his actions, and accepted significant consequences in a felony conviction and his removal from law enforcement. At the same time, our priority is getting him the treatment he needs, rather than incarcerating a man who poses no public safety risk and clearly needs help.”