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Estranged Son Shot Father, Self In Spotsylvania, Sheriff Says (DEVELOPING) Estranged Son Shot Father, Self In Spotsylvania, Sheriff Says (DEVELOPING)
Estranged Son Shot Father, Self In Spotsylvania, Sheriff Says (Developing) The estranged son of a Spotsylvania man is in critical condition after allegedly shooting his father and then himself on Wednesday night, officials say. Deputies were called shortly before 10 p.m. on Sept. 11 to the 3700 block of Glen Dower Drive, where they were met by a man in the driveway suffering from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. According to a spokesperson from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, further investigation led to the discovery of a second man inside the home with a gunshot to an extremity.  The initial investigation determined that an…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools Monitoring 'Multiple' Rumored Threats,' Officials Say Loudoun County Public Schools Monitoring 'Multiple' Rumored Threats,' Officials Say
Loudoun County Public Schools Monitoring 'Multiple' Rumored Threats,' Officials Say There may be an increased police presence outside of schools in Loudoun County when students arrived to class on Thursday morning due to possible threats spreading on social media. Late on Wednesday night, an alert was issued by Loudoun Public Schools staff after they were made aware of multiple rumored threats against different LCPS schools.  "All information has been reported to our local law enforcement agencies and LCPS Safety and Security, which immediately began investigating," Schools Superintendent Aaron Spence said. "While these threats have thus far been determined to be non…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Teen Stole Gun From Sheriff's Office Vehicle In Virginia, Made Threats Online, Officials Say Teen Stole Gun From Sheriff's Office Vehicle In Virginia, Made Threats Online, Officials Say
Teen Stole Gun From Sheriff's Office Vehicle In Virginia, Made Threats Online, Officials Say A 15-year-old who stole a weapon from the stolen cab of a Stafford County Sheriff's Office vehicle made threats targeting another student, officials say. On Tuesday night, deputies were made aware of a threat to commit violence against a Brooke Point High School Point High School student. According to a spokesperson from the sheriff's office, detectives worked through the night to identify the suspect, and during the investigation, deputies recognized the stolen weapon in the teen's social media account. At the time it was taken, investigators made note that the firearm was locked in a she…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
All Frederick County Public School Closed In Virginia After Social Media Threat Circulated All Frederick County Public School Closed In Virginia After Social Media Threat Circulated
All Frederick County Public School Closed In Virginia After Social Media Threat Circulated Frederick County Public Schools in Virginia were closed on Wednesday after threats of violence spread online, causing alarm, and prompting the emergency shut down. School officials said on Tuesday, that "out of an abundance of caution, all schools, school offices and the school division’s administrative offices will be closed" on Sept. 11.  Officials said that closing would allow school administrator more room to assist law enforcement with the investigation. They were also advised about a viral, widespread social media post, and are working to determine its credibility. The initial inves…

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
Prince William County Mother Killed In Motorcycle Crash Was Days From Getting Married Prince William County Mother Killed In Motorcycle Crash Was Days From Getting Married
Prince William County Mother Killed In Motorcycle Crash Was Days From Getting Married Melanie Ruby Morales was "a light to everyone she met," before she lost her life in a Prince William County motorcycle crash, just as her life was coming together. Morales, 23, a mother of two, died last week after she was riding her motorcycle and struck a Mack truck after losing control, leaving friends and family reeling. "Melanie had a strong future ahead of her, standing tough through all of the hardships life threw her way," Jared Morales said. "Not for herself, but for the family she had created."  The Woodbridge resident leaves behind a husband she was planning to get married …

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Teen Released To Parents Twice On Same Night Charged For Attacking Officer In PWC: Police Teen Released To Parents Twice On Same Night Charged For Attacking Officer In PWC: Police
Teen Released To Parents Twice On Same Night Charged For Attacking Officer In PWC: Police A minor who went back to the well one too many times, then attempted to assault a Prince William County Police officer after being released is facing charges, officials say. In early August, an investigation was launched when a 17-year-old from Woodbridge was caught breaking into and stealing items from a vehicle, leading to his initial apprehension. The teen was detained, and released to his guardians in the 1300 block of Horner Road. He wasn't done yet. Later that same morning, the same teen was found in the same area unsupervised, and again returned to his guardians, though this time h…

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by Zak Failla
News
5-Year-Old Assaulted By Assistant Principal Of Spotsylvania County School: Authorities 5-Year-Old Assaulted By Assistant Principal Of Spotsylvania County School: Authorities
5-Year-Old Assaulted By Assistant Principal Of Spotsylvania County School: Authorities A 52-year-old assistant principal has been arrested after authorities said she assaulted a 5-year-old child in Northern Virginia. Misty Kelly, the assistant principal at the Spotswood Elementary School, has been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery and is expected to surrender to police in Spotsylvania, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office said. The 5-year-old student's mom said she noticed bruising on her daughter's back and ribs and notified authorities on Aug. 28, the sheriff's office said. "When the mother questioned her child as to how she received the injuries, the child s…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
'Armed, Dangerous' Man Wanted For Terrorizing GF, Assaulting Friend In Virginia, Sheriff Says 'Armed, Dangerous' Man Wanted For Terrorizing GF, Assaulting Friend In Virginia, Sheriff Says
'Armed, Dangerous' Man Wanted For Terrorizing GF, Assaulting Friend In Virginia, Sheriff Says A 26-year-old man with gang ties is wanted in Virginia after terrorizing his girlfriend and assaulting her friend during a harrowing incident that played out in Spotsylvania on Tuesday night. Philip Alonzo Johnson skyrocketed up the sheriff's office "most wanted" list after attacking two women during a domestic dispute late on Sept. 3, officials say. According to the sheriff's office, deputies were called at around 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday night to the 5500 block of Morris Road, where there was a reported domestic incident involving a weapon. Investigators say that Johnson was assaulting his …

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Man Shot Brother During Labor Day Dispute In Virginia, Sheriff Says Man Shot Brother During Labor Day Dispute In Virginia, Sheriff Says
Man Shot Brother During Labor Day Dispute In Virginia, Sheriff Says A squabble between brothers landed one hospitalized with serious injuries and another is facing serious charges following a Labor Day shooting in Spotsylvania. Caleb Ralph Merswin, 34, was charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony after shooting his 30-year-old brother during a dispute over the holiday weekend. According to a spokesperson from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called at around 7:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2 to a home in the 6200 block of Woodhue Court to investigate a reported shooting, where they found Merswi…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Police ID District Man Killed During Labor Day Shooting In Maryland Near DC Border Police ID District Man Killed During Labor Day Shooting In Maryland Near DC Border
Police ID District Man Killed During Labor Day Shooting In Maryland Near DC Border New details have been released by the Montgomery County Department of Police following a deadly Labor Day shooting in Silver Spring. Officers were called at around 11 a.m. on Sept. 2 to the 8000 block of 13th Street in Silver Spring, where there was a reported shooting not far from the DC border. Police say that District resident Jamar Emmanuel Jenifer was found in an alley suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. No suspect has been identified as of Tuesday afternoon. PIO is en route. Media staging area to be determined. #MCPNew…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Teen Arrested For Fatal Shooting Of 19-Year-Old Breaking Up Fight In VA: Sheriff (UPDATED) Teen Arrested For Fatal Shooting Of 19-Year-Old Breaking Up Fight In VA: Sheriff (UPDATED)
Teen Arrested For Fatal Shooting Of 19-Year-Old Breaking Up Fight In VA: Sheriff (Updated) One teen was killed attempting to break up a fight in Spotsylvania County and another is behind bars for his death on Sunday morning, according to the sheriff's office, who released the suspect's photo on Tuesday. Kenneth Watson has been charged with homicide and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection to the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Christian Whalen at a large gathering in Fredericksburg. According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, at around 1 a.m. on Sept. 1, deputies were called to the 14600 block of Spotswood Furnace Road to investigate a reporte…

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by Zak Failla
News
Teen Killed Breaking Up Fight At Party On Property Owned By Spotsylvania County: Sheriff Teen Killed Breaking Up Fight At Party On Property Owned By Spotsylvania County: Sheriff
Teen Killed Breaking Up Fight At Party On Property Owned By Spotsylvania County: Sheriff One teen was killed attempting to break up a fight in Spotsylvania County and another is behind bars for his death on Sunday morning, according to the sheriff's office. Kenneth Watson has been charged with homicide and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection to the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Christian Whalen at a large gathering in Fredericksburg. According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, at around 1 a.m. on Sept. 1, deputies were called to the 14600 block of Spotswood Furnace Road to investigate a reported shooting on property owned by the county. …

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by Zak Failla
News
Signal Hill Park Shut Down Amid Ongoing Search For Manassas Mom Mamta Kafle Bhatt (DEVELOPING) Signal Hill Park Shut Down Amid Ongoing Search For Manassas Mom Mamta Kafle Bhatt (DEVELOPING)
Signal Hill Park Shut Down Amid Ongoing Search For Manassas Mom Mamta Kafle Bhatt (Developing) The search for missing Manassas mom Mamta Kafle Bhatt's body made its way to Signal Hill Park on Friday afternoon. Investigators temporarily shut down the park on Aug. 30 as they continue to search for evidence regarding the woman's disappearance, and the subsequent cover-up by husband Naresh Bhatt, who is behind bars. Mamta was last seen in Prince William County on July 27, and last heard from the following day during a phone call to a friend. A welfare check was then conducted at the family's home on Aug. 2, and Naresh Bhatt reported his wife missing three days later on Aug. 5. On Friday…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Man Who Inappropriately Touched Child In Virginia Facing New Child Porn Charges: Police Man Who Inappropriately Touched Child In Virginia Facing New Child Porn Charges: Police
Man Who Inappropriately Touched Child In Virginia Facing New Child Porn Charges: Police The Virginia man who inappropriately touched a child and took her photo inside a Fairfax County store is facing a host of fresh charges, according to police. Reston resident Arturo Elmore-Adon was charged with more than a dozen new child porn offenses amid the ongoing investigation into his activities. According to a spokesperson from the Fairfax County Police Department, at around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, officers were called to the 11100 block of South Lakes Drive in Reston, when Elmore-Adon allegedly touched a 7-year-old child and took the photo while she shopped with her mothe…

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by Zak Failla
News
Man Arrested For Three Separate Indecent Exposure Incidents In Virginia: Police Man Arrested For Three Separate Indecent Exposure Incidents In Virginia: Police
Man Arrested For Three Separate Indecent Exposure Incidents In Virginia: Police An indecent exposure incident involving a 22-year-old man from Falls Church was linked to two others that were reported in Merrifield, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. Juan Antonio Campos was charged with two counts of indecent exposure and masturbation in public following several reported incidents, authorities announced on Friday. According to police, in late August, officers from the department were called to the area of Fairmont Street and Woodberry Lane in Merrifield, where a man was allegedly exposing himself before fleeing the area. The man was later identified as …

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Smiling Suspect Making Homicidal Statements At Virginia Hospital Assaulted Officers: Sheriff Smiling Suspect Making Homicidal Statements At Virginia Hospital Assaulted Officers: Sheriff
Smiling Suspect Making Homicidal Statements At Virginia Hospital Assaulted Officers: Sheriff Timing was everything for a 23-year-old Stafford man who went on a tirade at Mary Washington Hospital on Wednesday night and landed himself behind bars. Philip Erikson is facing charges after putting on a show that caught the attention of a deputy who was at the hospital on Sam Perry Boulevard for an unrelated matter. According to a spokesperson from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, shortly before 9 p.m. on Wednesday, a deputy was alarmed when he heard a man "screaming homicidal statements," before observing Erikson threw a metal tray toward a nurse. When the deputy attempted to detai…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Former Metropolitan Police Officer Gets Prison Time For Bribery Scheme Involving Crash Victims Former Metropolitan Police Officer Gets Prison Time For Bribery Scheme Involving Crash Victims
Former Metropolitan Police Officer Gets Prison Time For Bribery Scheme Involving Crash Victims A former Metropolitan Police Department patrol officer who provided confidential information to attorneys for referral fees will spend time in prison, federal officials say. Vincent Forrest, 36, was convicted earlier this year for his role in a bribery scheme where he illegally provided private information from police documents in exchange for cash payments. On Wednesday, Aug. 28, authorities announced that Forrest has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy, bribery, and making false statements at trial. Forrest and Raquel DePaula, 43, of Beltsvil…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Correctional Officer Abducted By Inmate At Prince William County Detention Center: Police Correctional Officer Abducted By Inmate At Prince William County Detention Center: Police
Correctional Officer Abducted By Inmate At Prince William County Detention Center: Police An inmate who got the jump on a corrections officer and temporarily locked him in a cell over the weekend is facing additional charges in Prince William County. Roberto Jose Marrero, 31, who has no fixed address, was charged with abduction over the weekend after causing a scare at the Prince William Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center on Lee Avenue on Saturday night. Officers from the Prince William County Police Department were called to the facility early on Sunday morning to investigate a reported abduction involving a correctional officer the night before. Police say that at appro…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Police ID Arlington Father As Victim Of Double Murder In Maryland Police ID Arlington Father As Victim Of Double Murder In Maryland
Police ID Arlington Father As Victim Of Double Murder In Maryland New details have been released by the Frederick County Sheriff's Office after two people were gunned down on Sunday morning in what is being described as a targeted attack. First responders were called at around 7 a.m. on Aug. 25, to a home in the 7000 block of Mangalong Court in New Market, where they found 33-year-old local resident Crimea Malita Baker, and Arlington native Sean Antoine Lange, 34, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Four children inside the residence at the time of the shooting were unharmed. It is believed they were shot at approximate…

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by Zak Failla
News
PWC Woman Among Six Charged For Role In Fight That Spilled Onto Virginia Street: Sheriff PWC Woman Among Six Charged For Role In Fight That Spilled Onto Virginia Street: Sheriff
PWC Woman Among Six Charged For Role In Fight That Spilled Onto Virginia Street: Sheriff Chaos broke out at an unsupervised party in Stafford County that got out of hand and a fight spilled out into the street, according to the sheriff's office. Shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25, deputies were called to a home on Clear Spring Lane to investigate a report of a fight that resulted in charges for five women and a man who involved in the altercation. Responding deputies were able to separate the people involved in the incident. Those cited include:  Majjic Washington Jennett, 23, of Stafford, who was charged with assault by mob; Desmond Spates, 32, of Stafford, who wa…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
District Man Among Four Charged For Fatal July Stabbing In Prince George's County: Police District Man Among Four Charged For Fatal July Stabbing In Prince George's County: Police
District Man Among Four Charged For Fatal July Stabbing In Prince George's County: Police Four people have been charged in connection to the fatal stabbing of a 34-year-old man in Prince George's County last month. Shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 5, officers from the Hyattsville Police Department were called to the 5300 block of Ager Road for a welfare check, where they found Samuel Garcia Rojas suffering from traumatic injuries inside a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene after reportedly being stabbed during a dispute. This week, the Prince George's County Police Department announced that they have apprehended a group of four suspects.  Those charged:&n…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Woman Trespassing At Manassas School Kicked One Officer, Spat On Another During Arrest: Police Woman Trespassing At Manassas School Kicked One Officer, Spat On Another During Arrest: Police
Woman Trespassing At Manassas School Kicked One Officer, Spat On Another During Arrest: Police A spitting-mad woman who was allegedly intoxicated and trespassing at a Prince William County elementary school got too handsy with arresting officers, then doubled down on her efforts, officials say. Bonnie Sue Ellito, 46, who has no fixed address, is facing multiple counts of assault and battery on a law enforcement officer following an incident that played out in the parking lot of Bennet Elementary School in Manassas on Saturday night. According to the Prince William County Police Department, at around 8:45 p.m. on Aug. 24, officers were called to the building, where they found Ellito, …

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Foul-Mouthed Man Brandishing Knife At Virginia Walmart Apprehended After Tirade, Sheriff Says Foul-Mouthed Man Brandishing Knife At Virginia Walmart Apprehended After Tirade, Sheriff Says
Foul-Mouthed Man Brandishing Knife At Virginia Walmart Apprehended After Tirade, Sheriff Says A Fredericksburg man who wasn't allowed to park his bike where he would have liked inside an area Walmart repeatedly reached for a knife after assaulting a manager, according to the Stafford County Sherif's Office. Deputies responded shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 to Walmart on Washington Square Plaza, where there was a reported disturbance, involving 68-year-old Derrick Jones, who was actively being detained by staff members when they arrived. Investigators say that Jones began using profane language toward an employee after being advised that he cannot chain up his bike to …

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
At-Home Day Care Provider In Virginia Restrained Kids With Tape At County-Licensed Facility: PD At-Home Day Care Provider In Virginia Restrained Kids With Tape At County-Licensed Facility: PD
At-Home Day Care Provider In Virginia Restrained Kids With Tape At County-Licensed Facility: PD An Alexandria woman who ran a county-licensed at-home day care center is facing charges for allegedly abusing at least two children, Fairfax County officials say. Sumy Shah, 47, turned herself in to police this week following an investigation into allegations that on multiple occasions she restrained children using tape at the facility. According to the Fairfax County Police Department, earlier this month, officers were called to the 3600 block of Paul Street in Bailey's Crossroads to investigate a reported assault, and it was determined that Shah allegedly abused the children. An arrest w…

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by Zak Failla
News
Ex-Maryland Police Officer Convicted Of Throwing Smoke Bomb At Police During Capitol Riot Ex-Maryland Police Officer Convicted Of Throwing Smoke Bomb At Police During Capitol Riot
Ex-Maryland Police Officer Convicted Of Throwing Smoke Bomb At Police During Capitol Riot A former member of the Montgomery County Department of Police who was active during the Jan. 6, 2021 breach at the US Capitol has been convicted, federal authorities announced. Justin Lee, 25, was convicted of two felony charges in DC for his role in the January 2021 insurrection insurrection following a bench trial.  Lee was indicted in October 2023, and on Friday, Aug. 23, federal authorities announced that he was found guilty of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and civil disorder. According to court documents, Lee was identified through video among the crowd…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
District Man Accused Of Murdering 60-Year-Old Girlfriend In Maryland, Police Say District Man Accused Of Murdering 60-Year-Old Girlfriend In Maryland, Police Say
District Man Accused Of Murdering 60-Year-Old Girlfriend In Maryland, Police Say A 65-year-old man from DC has been accused of murdering his girlfriend in Prince George's County, authorities announced. William Snipes has been charged with multiple counts of murder following an investigation into the death of Capitol Heights resident Sharon Moore who was treated for traumatic injuries earlier this summer. According to the Prince George's County Police Department, Moore was rushed to an area hospital on Saturday, June 29 and died days later on July 2. Over the weekend, police say that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Moore's cause of death was due to m…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Gold's Gym Murder: Gunman, 43, Arrested In Slaying Of Man, 31, In Fairfax County Gold's Gym Murder: Gunman, 43, Arrested In Slaying Of Man, 31, In Fairfax County
Gold's Gym Murder: Gunman, 43, Arrested In Slaying Of Man, 31, In Fairfax County New details have been released by the Fairfax County Police Department following Tuesday's fatal shooting at Gold's Gym in Reston. Steve Taehee Ha, 43, was arrested by officers quickly after gunning down 31-year-old Reston resident Hyung Joon Choi inside the gym, according to officials. Police say that Choi suffered a gunshot wound to his upper body, was rushed to an area hospital with traumatic injuries, where he was pronounced dead. The incident was reported at around 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20. He was in custody less than eight hours later. Media staging area is in the parking lo…

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by Zak Failla
News
Man Critically Injured In Virginia Shooting; Suspect At Large, Police Say Man Critically Injured In Virginia Shooting; Suspect At Large, Police Say
Man Critically Injured In Virginia Shooting; Suspect At Large, Police Say One person suffered life-threatening injuries following a shooting in Reston, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. An investigation has been launched as officers attempt to track down a wanted shooter who fled the area after targeting his victim, police say. The incident was reported at around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Police say that the suspect was described as an Asian man who was between 25 and 30 years old. He was wearing glasses, a black shirt, black pants, and carrying a large swing bag at the time of the shooting. He was last seen fleeing the area on foot toward…

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by Zak Failla
News
No Foul Play Suspected After 23-Year-Old Found Dead On Virginia Trail, Sheriff Says No Foul Play Suspected After 23-Year-Old Found Dead On Virginia Trail, Sheriff Says
No Foul Play Suspected After 23-Year-Old Found Dead On Virginia Trail, Sheriff Says The death investigation in Loudoun County is ongoing days after a 23-year-old man's body was found along the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail. At approximately 6:20 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, deputies from the sheriff's office were called to the trail between Dominion Drive and Crestview Drive in Sterling, when hikers made an unsettling discovery. ALERT: There is a heavy law enforcement presence on the W&OD Trail in Sterling between Dominion Drive and Crestview Drive. Please avoid the trail in that area. pic.twitter.com/TVBHk8gNSb — Loudoun County Sheriff's Office…

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by Zak Failla
News
Virginia Man Sentenced For Distributing 'Horrific Images Of Child Sexual Abuse:' Feds Virginia Man Sentenced For Distributing 'Horrific Images Of Child Sexual Abuse:' Feds
Virginia Man Sentenced For Distributing 'Horrific Images Of Child Sexual Abuse:' Feds A Virginia man who chatted online with other like-minded individuals online will spend years in prison for sharing child sexual abuse imagery, including a file involving a newborn baby, according to federal authorities. Dustin Roy Harrell, 39, of Virginia Beach, has ben sentenced to seven years in prison for the distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), during an eerie investigation that unearthed "horrific" findings. According to court documents, in October 2023, Harrell distributed CSAM in a group on an end-to-end encryption messaging app that keeps communications private, …

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by Zak Failla
News
Wanted Drug Dealing Duo Planning To Distribute CDS Busted During Stop In Stafford: Sheriff Wanted Drug Dealing Duo Planning To Distribute CDS Busted During Stop In Stafford: Sheriff
Wanted Drug Dealing Duo Planning To Distribute CDS Busted During Stop In Stafford: Sheriff A pair already wanted for their past indiscretions is facing fresh drug charges following a dubious traffic stop in Stafford County on Wednesday night. Earlier this month, the sheriff's office launched an investigation into Jeremy Miller, 38, and Kiresten Torkos Incontri, 39, both from Stafford, which led to warrants for their arrest for multiple counts of distribution of controlled substances. According to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, at around 6:20 p.m. on Aug. 14, the agency was tipped off about Miller's location, leading to a plan to bust them. A deputy positioned himself into…

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by Zak Failla