Find Your Daily Voice
Fairfax
Kings Park West
Mantua
Fair Lakes
Your Local News for Fairfax, Kings Park West, Mantua and Fair Lakes
Tuesday, dec 24
34°
Follow
News
Schools
Business
Obituaries
Police & Fire
Weather
Lifestyle
Politics
Sports
Events
Traffic
Tags
Jobs
Shop
Support Us
Fairfax
Kings Park West
Mantua
Fair Lakes
Follow
Find Your Daily Voice
News
Schools
Business
Obituaries
Police & Fire
Weather
Lifestyle
Politics
Sports
Events
Traffic
Tags
Jobs
Shop
Support Us
Home
About us
All sites
Advertise with us
Contact us
Terms of use
Privacy policy
Code of ethics
Site Map
© 2024 Cantata Media
34°
Tuesday, dec 24
Tag:
Identity theft
News
Holiday Deals Or Fraud? IRS Issues Warning For These Scams
As the holiday shopping season begins, the IRS reminds everyone that it’s not just your credit card balance you need to watch — it’s also your personal information. As part of its ninth annual National Tax Security Awareness Week, the IRS is warning taxpayers about a rise in holiday scams. The scammers aren’t interested in gifts under your tree; they’re after your Social Security number and financial information instead. Here’s how scammers are getting creative—and how you can stay safe: Phishing Emails: Be wary of emails pretending to be from reputable retailers, shipping companie…
Police & Fire
Virginia Impostor Oversaw 60 Patients During Fake Nurse Scheme In California, Police Say
A Virginia woman on federal probation for fraud is back behind bars after allegedly impersonating a nurse and securing jobs at multiple Los Angeles County hospitals, including overseeing dozens of patients without proper credentials, the Burbank Police Department announced. The suspect, 44-year-old Amanda Leeann Porter, was identified after hospital staff at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank discovered she was posing as a licensed nurse from out of state. Between April 8 and May 8, Porter reportedly cared for approximately 60 patients while fraudulently employed. Port…
Police & Fire
Repeat Shoplifter Claiming To Be Hank Aaron's Daughter Strikes Out With Sheriff In Virginia
A repeat offender pretending to be home run king Hank Aaron's daughter didn't hit it out of the park with her excuses after being busted shoplifting in Stafford County, according to the sheriff's office. Stafford resident Janice Scott, 61, was taken into custody after she was caught while attempting to steal food on three separate occasions in the past two months, this time providing a false ID. Deputies from the Stafford County Sherif's Office were called to Walmart on Garrisonville Road shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Sunday night, where there was a reported shoplifting incident that was in p…
News
Wanted Man, Woman Detained After Simple Traffic Stop In Stafford County, Sheriff Says
What started as a simple traffic stop in Stafford County resulted in two wanted fugitives being apprehended on a host of charges, according to the sheriff's office. Fredericksburg resident Tahj Ford, 27, and 24-year-old Woodbridge native Michaele Simms were both detained over the weekend, despite their best efforts to evade arrest. According to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, shortly after 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct .25, a deputy on patrol on Warrenton Road near Sanford Drive spotted a Jeep - driven by Simms - make a reckless lane change, causing the vehicle behind her to take evasive act…
Business
Former NFL Player, UVA Alum Turned Developer Charged With Embezzlement In Virginia: Feds
A former NFL player who was a standout at the University of Virginia is facing federal charges for alleged embezzlement, authorities announced. Christopher Harrison, 52, was charged by a grand jury for allegedly misappropriating loans intended for the development of two projects linked to his real estate company. According to the indictment, Harrison allegedly secured loans from Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust (CRBT) for $14,492,057 for the Model Tobacco Project in Richmond and $7,706,675 for the Whitaker Park Project in North Carolina. Under the terms of the agreements, the former offe…
Lifestyle
These DMV Cities Are Among Safest In US: New Ranking
Some neighborhoods in the DMV region rank among the safest in the United States, according to a newly released report from WalletHub. Two from Virginia were in the top 10 in the new ranking, with the state boasting five overall, joining two from Maryland and the District of Columbia as the safest cities in America in 2024. In making their rankings, WalletHub evaluated a variety of "threats to safety," including the possibility of natural disasters, mass shootings, traffic accidents, and other dangers. “When people think about safety in a city, their minds probably immedia…
Police & Fire
Florida Woman, Maryland Man Passing Bad Checks In Virginia Tracked Down, Sheriff Says
Two suspects visiting Virginia from out of state are facing felony charges following an investigation into a series of bad checks that were used at several Stafford County businesses, officials say. Pasadena Raymond Wilson, 36, and 20-year-old Florida resident Jessie Mainville were both arrested this week after their checks bounced - and not for the first time. At around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, deputies from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office were called to O'Reilly Auto Parts on Bojangles way, where there was a report of fraud suspects in the business. "Staff advised a male a…
Police & Fire
Wanted Woman Busted When Driver Failed To Slow Down For Emergency Vehicle In VA, Police Say
A Spotsylvania woman wanted in Stafford County tried to pull a fast one on officers in Fredericksburg, but ultimately landed herself behind bars, police say. Late last week, a member of the Fredericksburg Police Department who was assisting during a traffic stop in the 1800 block of Emancipation Highway leapt into action when Spotsy resident Kyle Hill, 26, failed to move over or slow down for the emergency vehicles, prompting a second stop down the road. According to investigators while speaking with Hill and his passenger, there were "drug items in plain view," and the woman attempted repe…
News
Cops Find House Hunter Gazing Out Window After Breaking Into Property With Kids: Police
A wanted man who made himself too at home while purportedly house hunting in Stafford County is facing charges after breaking into a residence with his children while the seller was not home, according to the sheriff's office. Napoleon Boayke, 39, is behind bars for breaking and entering following a strange scene that played out for a homeowner on Tuesday morning. Investigators say that shortly before 9:30 a.m. on July 9, deputies were called to an Onville Road residence, when a homeowner arrived back at his home to find Boayke and four children inside. Upon arrival, deputies spotted the f…
Police & Fire
Thief Captured After Arlington Bicycle, Foot Chase: Cops
A 34-year-old man was arrested after assaulting an employee trying to stop him during a robbery in Arlington, police said. A man later identified as Deonte Driver went into a business on the 700 block of N. Glebe Road around 3:20 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, county police said. Driver allegedly took and hid items in a basket, and began to leave without paying. When confronted by two employees, Driver pushed one to the ground before fleeing the scene on a bike, authorities said. The employee sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment. A lookout was broadcast for Driver, and off…
Police & Fire
Wanted Drug Dealer Backs Stolen Car Into Police Cruiser, Gives Fake ID To Cops In Arlington: PD
A wanted 25-year-old man was arrested after backing a stolen vehicle into a police cruiser, assaulting police, and more in Arlington, authorities said. Ahmed Abuelhassan, of Fairfax, was stopped by an officer on Columbia Pike in Arlington around 12:30 a.m. on Monday, May 20, who had spotted a car with stolen tags, county police said. Abuelhassan proceeded to reverse the vehicle into an officer's cruiser and hit a fence and parked car, while attempting to flee the scene, police said. No injuries were reported. Abuelhassan subsequently got out of the vehicle and was non-complai…
Police & Fire
Florida Pals Spent 2 Years Breaking Into Cars At Fairfax County Parks: Cops
A pair of Florida pals were arrested in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins at numerous Fairfax County parks, police said. David Daniel Moraga-Nunez, 43 and Jonny Marcelo Sandoval-Barraza, 38, broke into countless vehicles between May 2022 and March 2024, stealing and using credit cards at various stores, county police said. Nunez and Barraza were identified as suspects using surveillance footage, license plate reader technology, and a review of credit card transactions. Police say they broke into cars at Hemlock Park, Fountain Head Park, and Burke Lake Park. The pair …
Police & Fire
Woman Burglarizes Home On Same Arlington Block She Barricaded Herself In Months Ago, Police Say
Charges are racking up for a former Florida woman who barricaded herself in a vacant Virginia home last October, as she's had yet another run-in with the law after committing on a crime on the very same block, authorities said. Vivian Vann, 52, was one of two women who forced their way into a vacant home and swiped some items before leaving the scene on N. Powhatan Street in a black sedan early Monday, March 25, officials in Arlington said. During the course of the investigation, Vann was identified as a suspect, and a warrant for her arrest was obtained. She was subsequently taken int…
Police & Fire
Fugitive Set Seat Belt On Fire Inside Police Cruiser Following Arrest In Virginia: Officials
A firebug in Virginia wanted by federal authorities did not go down quietly when police officers in Arlington attempted to arrest him for shoplifting from several area businesses, according to officials. Derrick Giles, 30, a fugitive from justice, is back behind bars following an explosive incident with officers on Tuesday afternoon on South Hayes Street, police say. Officers from the Arlington County Police Department were called shortly before 11 a.m. on Feb. 6 to the 1200 block of South Hayes Street to investigate a reported larceny in progress. It is alleged that Giles walked int…
Police & Fire
'Public Drug Gathering' Interrupted By Deputies Outside Virginia Storage Facility: Sheriff
What started as a "public drug gathering" ended poorly for three people who were busted by deputies in Stafford County after a concerned citizen saw something and said something, officials say. Over the weekend, three people in a Volkswagen were caught red-handed doing drugs outside an Extra Space Storage facility on Richmond Highway, prompting a response from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. The incident was reported shortly after 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14. Upon arrival, deputies found the same vehicle reported by the caller in the parking lot, and when they approached, offici…
Police & Fire
Unlicensed DUI Driver, Passenger Escape Flipped Car In Stafford: Sheriff
Two Stafford teenagers escaped serious injury when their vehicle flipped in an alleged drunk-driving crash, authorities said. On Thursday, Jan. 11 at approximately 2:30 a.m. Sergeant M.E. Gordon, Deputy D.S. Jett, and Deputy M.A. Holub responded to Plantation Drive and Newcastle Place for a crash, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. Deputies found a vehicle overturned in a ditch. Its occupants were able to exit the car with minor injuries, deputies said. The 18-year-old driver tossed a bag into a nearby flower bed, deputies said. The bag was recovered with empty cans of alco…
Police & Fire
Knife-Wielding Man Attempted To Grab Officers' Holster While Resisting Arrest In VA: Police
A man attempted to disarm an arresting officer after threatening a woman with a knife in Virginia, police say. Officers from the Arlington Police Department were called to Fairfax Drive near North George Mason Drive over the weekend to investigate a report of a suspicious man who had approached a woman while brandishing a knife. According to officials, Manassas resident Alexis Zapata, 31, ran towards a woman's car with the weapon, prompting her to drive away and call the police to the 4800 block of Fairfax Drive, where officers attempted to arrest Zapata, though he had other ideas. Zapata …
Police & Fire
Thieves Busted Returning To Scene Of The Crime At Tysons Corner Center
A group of suspicious people who returned to the scene of their crime in Fairfax County went back to the well one too many times, police say. Members of the Fairfax County Police Department were advised over the weekend by employees at Diesel inside Tysons Corner Center in McLean about a suspicious group who had previously made fraudulent purchases at the store weeks ago. Detectives who are familiar with the case responded to the store, where they apprehended five people and recovered a USPS mail tote and three USPS post office box keys inside their vehicle. Further investigation also led …
Police & Fire
Bogus Contractor Arrested After Stafford Standoff: Cops
A 37-year-old man posing as a construction worker in an attempt to scam customers was arrested after his failed attempt and brief police standoff in Stafford, authorities said. Gerson Estanley Rodriguez-Lizama was hired by a family on Onville Road for work on their home, but he had yet to do so when police were called to the home on Oct. 27, Stafford County Sheriff David Decatur said. "While at first it appeared to be a civil matter, as Deputy Bates dove further into the investigation, he discovered the suspect might be defrauding the pair," Decatur said. Bates tracked down Rodriguez-…
Police & Fire
Maryland Fraudsters Hit With 65 Charges Following Bust At Virginia Apple Store: Police
A group of fraudsters from Maryland tried their luck one too many times and found themselves behind bars, unable to enjoy the fruits of their ill-gotten gains in Fairfax County. On Friday, the Fairfax County Police Department announced that three people have been hit with a total of 65 criminal charges after finally being busted attempting to use stolen credit cards at the Apple Store in Tysons Corner. Those charged: Jose Angel Santos, 20, of Hyattsville; Juan Jose Ruiz Leiva, 21, of Riverdale; Genesis Flores Caceres, 18, of Hyattsville. Earlier this week, detectives were aler…
Police & Fire
Florida Fugitive Barricaded In Arlington Home Slapped With Host Of Charges
A Florida woman who barricaded herself in a vacant Virginia home will face a litany of charges after breaking into the Arlington residence. Officers from the Arlington Police Department were called to the 2300 block of North Powhatan Street to investigate a report of "suspicious circumstances," after Dania Beach resident Vivian Vann was caught breaking into an area home, police say. The 52-year-old refused to exit the property when demanded by officers, and the standoff continued until they were able to breach the home and took Vann into custody. When she was searched, officers recovered m…
Police & Fire
36 Fake Driver's Licenses Found On Fraudsters At Fairfax County Louis Vuitton: Cops
A trio of fraudsters from New York were busted after trying to make a $21,000 purchase with a stolen credit card at a Louis Vuitton store, authorities said. Jamine Decambra, 28, Darnel Eric Davis 33, and Marcia Jenelle Lewis, were charged with various counts of fraud following the incident Thursday, Sept. 14, Fairfax County police said. Tysons Urban Team detectives were contacted at 3:45 p.m. by the Louis Vuitton store saying two men, later identified as Decambra and Davis, trying to make a $21,000 purchase with a stolen credit card, police said. TUT Detectives responded and…
Police & Fire
Suspect Returning To Crime Scene Assaults Deputy During Botched Escape In Stafford
A Fredericksburg man made things worse for himself during an early morning disturbance in Stafford County over the weekend where he went rogue and attempted to avoid being apprehended by members of the Sheriff’s Office. Freddie Carter, Jr. 37, a man familiar to members of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, is facing a smorgasbord of criminal charges following his latest encounter with law enforcement that landed him behind bars after he returned to the scene of an earlier crime. Carter’s long day began at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Sunday, April 23, when members of the sheriff’s office w…
Police & Fire
Wanted Ford, Stolen Ford: Sagging Pants Suspect Busted By Stafford Sheriff
Another man wanted by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is in custody after being caught checking into an area hotel with a car reported stolen last week. Fredericksburg resident Tahj Ford, 25, who was already wanted in multiple jurisdictions in Virginia, attempted to pull a fast one on sheriff’s deputies who spotted him at an area hotel. This week, a deputy was checking the Red Roof Inn on Warrenton Road when she spotted a Ford Focus that had been reported stolen out of Spotsylvania last week, prompting a call for backup to conduct surveillance of the suspect vehicle. A detective with …
News
Boyfriend Of Newark Woman Missing Since 2017 Charged With Stealing Disabled Son's Benefits
The former live-in boyfriend of a Newark woman who's been missing more than five years accessed her personal information and within days began embezzling benefit payments meant for her disabled son, federal authorities charged. Asmar Earp, a 37-year-old ex-con with an extensive criminal record, first changed the pin code on the benefits debit card belonging to Venika Williams less than a week after she was reported missing in December 2017, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger said. A few months later, he used Williams's name, date of birth and Social Security number to receive …
Police & Fire
Stafford Sisters Arrested After Police Pursuit
A pair of sisters, one of whom had been wanted on warrants, are facing charges after a police pursuit in Stafford, authorities said. Both Sharlynia and Kelzy Young, 21 and 19, appeared nervous when a deputy stopped their gold Nissan Maxima on Warrenton Road for failing to yield on Friday, Feb. 17 around 3:20 p.m., Stafford police said. Kelzy, the driver, told the officer she was nervous since she'd never been pulled over, and gave him a fake as he realized she had active warrants out for her arrest, authorities said. That's when Kelzy shifted the car into gear and initiated a pursuit,…
Police & Fire
Doubling Down: Duo In Stafford Busted After Taking Police On A Pair Of Pursuits
Members of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office pulled out all the tricks in the book to apprehend a pair who took deputies on a pursuit that started on I-95 and went awry, authorities say. Stafford County residents Erin Brack, 37, and 38-year-old Derek Primes - who was already wanted in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Stafford - are both facing multiple charges following an incident that played out beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10. According to police, a deputy stopped Brack in a black Chevy Monte Carlo at the intersection of Warrenton Road and I-95, during which Primes provided a…
News
Widow Who Fell Victim To $39K Romance Scam 'Forgot How Good It Felt To Be Loved'
After losing her life savings to an internet romance scam, one Pennsylvania senior is speaking out to protect others from falling victim. Kate Kleinert of Glenolden had been widowed for 12 years and had stopped looking for love when she received a Facebook friend request in August 2020, she wrote to a US Senate committee last year. The man said he was a doctor named Tony Richard, and quickly struck up a friendship with Kate based on mutual interests, she said. "We started talking on the phone through an app he had me download," Kate told Senators. "He told me he was …
News
Andrew Bucklandon Is NOT Missing: Here's How Social Scammers Get You
A boy named Andrew Bucklandon hasn't gone missing. He didn't leave for school and not return. He doesn't even exist. For those who've seen -- or, worse, shared -- the Facebook post about a purportedly missing boy the past couple of days, here are a few questions: Does the post include a town? A link? Contact details? It doesn't. Because it's bogus. Like any good phishing scam, the missing boy ploy tugs at the heartstrings and plays on the fears of those who want to help. They're actually helping the scammers find more victims. Phishers threw their latest line into social media waters on…
Police & Fire
Virginia Couple Slapped With Slew Of Charges After 120MPH Pursuit On I-95
A Virginia couple was slapped with a slew of charges after leading police on a high-speed chase on I-95. Anthony Raposo, 39, of Fredericksburg, was behind the wheel of a car stopped at the Wawa on Garrisonville Road in Stafford when officers realized the vehicle had a fake temporary license plate around 1 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, they said. Officers tried to speak with him, but he sped onto southbound I-95, reaching speeds of up to 120 miles per hour at one point. Meanwhile, Quinn Poole, 27, of Dumfries, was sitting in the passenger seat as Raposo struck a guardrail near the 126 exit, po…
News
Maryland Naval Officer Accused Of Cyberstalking, Campaigning To Ruin Ex-Wife's Life: Feds
A US Naval Officer from Maryland and his housemate are facing years in prison for running an elaborate cyberstalking and bullying campaign to harass his estranged wife, federal officials announced. Montgomery County residents Jason Michael Leidel, 43, an active-duty commissioned officer of the United States Navy and Sarah Elizabeth Sorg, 43, a senior trial attorney for the US Department of Transportation, both of Silver Spring, have been charged for their roles in knowingly bullying the officer’s former wife. The charges against the pair include aggravated identity theft, fraud related to a…
Next Page
Archive
34°
