Contact Charles Paullin at cpaullin@nvdaily.com. WINCHESTER, Va. (WHSV) The Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force reports four members of an alleged cocaine trafficking organization were arrested on Thursday, April 15,. The Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority has made another out-of-court resolution of part of the civil litigation surrounding the financial scandal alleged to have been orchestrated by former FR-WC EDA Executive Director Jennifer McDonald between 2014 and 2018. They are due in Winchester General District Court 8:45 a.m. Oct. 27. Judge Bruce D. Albertson later dismissed all defendant motions to have the jury verdicts overturned. Several defense counsel pointed to McDonalds past testimony in other related civil trial where the predominance of her testimony was to plead her 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination with the criminal cases hanging over her. VCC: FRD-2521-F5, On or about May 11, 2022, in the County of Warren, Joshua James Schmidt did unlawfully and feloniously take, drive or use a motor vehicle having a value of $1,000.00 or more and belonging to Carolyn Cowherd without the consent of the owner, and in her absence, and with the intent to temporarily deprive the owner of possession thereof, in violation of 18.2-102 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. appear. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Mott will prosecute the cases. The Clarke, Frederick and Winchester residents arrested were: Matthew Berg, 32, of the 100 block of Forrest Drive in Frederick County. They drove for 38 straight hours, stopping only for gas, food and once ataCalifornia truck stop to shower. VCC: NAR-3022-F5, COUNT ONE: On or about June 13, 2022, in the County of Warren, Bryan Edward Haislop did unlawfully and feloniously possess a Schedule II controlled substance, to wit: Methamphetamine, in Don't arrest me. Our goal is to make the streets of our communities safer for our citizens and children. In early April, Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force officers received information that Rasheed Riley and Josie Peacoe were distributing large quantities of cocaine in the Winchester and Frederick County, VA area. "I can't go to California. Following is a list of suspects arrested and their charges: Ceferino Jose Delgado, age 35, of Romney: fleeing, malicious wounding, burglary, conspiracy x3 and refusal to fingerprint Court records don't detail exactly what occurred at that home. The investigation involved an 8 block area of Northern Winchester called the Block, and focused on a group of Florida based drug dealers who were importing cheap cocaine to Florida and bringing it to the Winchester area. As a result of the search warrant, a large quantity of suspected heroin and numerous pieces of drug paraphernalia were recovered. Rodrguez-vila acted innocent, saying he was simply helping the women reach the airport to visit their boyfriends. A decade later, the former sheriff and other officers were indictedin a case that included selling drugs and stealing guns. Judith was distraught that her three children were placed among foster parents and relatives. On February 9, 2023, detectives traveled to Houchinss home in Bristol, VA, and he was apprehended for the offenses listed below. The Chevrolet refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated. On the morning of Feb. 1, 2018, DEA agent Hickey gathered with other law enforcement agencies in Winchesters Millwood fire station. WINCHESTER The names of residents from Winchester and the counties of Clarke and Frederick who were arrested in an annual regional drug bust have been released. Federal investigatorswill only say thatthe case is ongoing. The Front Royal Police Department would like to thank the Bristol Virginia Police Department for their assistance in this investigation and the successful apprehension of this individual. Former Blue[], Historic Area. SEP 12-- The DEA and other federal law enforcement officials announced today that 28 people have been indicted on charges related to an intricate web of cocaine distribution rings in the northern section of Winchester City called the Block.. In his new space, he ministers to hundreds of recovering drug usersin a town where he said the toll of addiction has been devastating. Seven more defendants 3 companies, 4 people have sought and received a continuation on their trials originally slated to begin March 13. "We knew there was a large amount of cocaine and other drugs moving through the area, he said, but the source often remaineddifficult to trace. VCC: BUR-2206-F5, On or about November 20, 2022, in the County of Warren, Michael Frederick Pearson, while over the age of eighteen (18), did unlawfully and willfully contribute to, encourage or cause an act, omission, or condition that rendered a child delinquent, in need of services, in need of supervision, or abused or neglected as defined in Section 16.1-228, in violation of Section 18.2- 371 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. Once inside the hotel, Clark pulled a black pistol from his waistband. Kenning has worked for The Courier Journal for more than 15 years; Upshaw for 32 years. The violation was for speeding as the Chevrolet was driving 80 mph in a posted 65 mph zone. vehicle or endanger a person, in violation of 46.2-817(B) of the Code of Virginia. isn't clear,said Henry County Commonwealth's Attorney Andrew Nester. age to knowingly and intentionally expose his sexual or genital parts to a child to whom he was not legally married. Keyla Spicer, 45, of the 100 block of Rosedale Drive near Stephens City in Frederick County. North was found liable for the base compensatory claim of $110,000, as well as $165,000 on a finding of Statutory Conspiracy, another $350,000 in Punitive Damages on a ruling of Malicious Intent, bringing liability to $625,000. All rights reserved. Immerse yourself within the 19th century enslaved culture and its foods. The caller stated the driver was still in the vehicle and was not moving. Roundup of local sports stories, delivered Saturday morning. Lock VCC: NAR-3045-F9, COUNT TWO: On or about January 6, 2023, in the County of Warren, Kaylia Parasitia Newman did unlawfully and feloniously conspire to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance, to wit: Cocaine, in violation of Section 18.2-248/256, of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. The driver, Scaperotto, was taken into custody and transported to the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center, where he was held without bond. She said none of the task force agents could recall that much pot being seized in the Winchester area. A Winchester man is behind bars on multiple charges after he fled law enforcement Thursday (Jan. 19). VDOT: Local traffic fatalities increased in 2022, Proposed Capital Improvement Plan tabled after tense exchange over possible Sherando renovation, Hospice program helps teens, young adults cope with grief, Open Forum: Suggestions on ways to increase tax revenue, Georgia Garvey: No one is owed an apology for mask mandates, Froma Harrop: What warming might do to New England, Michael Barone: Give credit to Jimmy Carter, US officials make case for renewal of surveillance powers, Trees to be planted at Berryville cemetery using state grant funds. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Mumaw was charged with crack cocaine possession. But the cartel'spresencestill looms. VCC: NAR-3043-F9, COUNT FOUR: On or about November 16, 2022, in the County of Warren, Christopher Eric Harpine did unlawfully and feloniously, knowingly and intentionally possess a controlled substance, to wit: Fentanyl listed in Schedule II of the Drug Control Act, in violation of 18.2- 250 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. Kenning reviewed hundreds of pages of cartel-related court documents and interviewed more than 30 people. It involved local and state police as well as federal authorities. That summer, when Vicky asked Judith if she could drive her and Vasquez-Ahumadato visit Rodrguez-vila in Southern California, Judith decided to go, although she said she was inthe dark about any drugs. In a case that highlightsCJNG'sdeepreach into unexpectedcorners ofsmall-town America, authorities said the Jalisco-based cartel hadsent peopleto live in Axton, whileCJNG shipped in atleast 20 kilos of cocaine each month since2015, along withother drugs such as marijuana it sentthrough theU.S. mail. All three sisters were sentenced ondrug-related charges. VCC: REC-6624-F6, COUNT SEVEN: On or about November 16, 2022, in the County of Warren, Christopher Eric Harpine did unlawfully and feloniously knowingly attempt to intimidate or impede, by the threat of bodily harm or force any law enforcement officer lawfully engaged in the discharge of duties in violation of Section 18.2-460 of the Code of Virginia (1950) as amended. Holmes and Clark often had firearms with them during their drug trafficking activities. The current resident, a Spanish-speaking factory workerwho said she moved in after police raided Axton area homes,stood at the back door with her 17-year-old son,who is in high school. The two men weren't the only ones in Winchester linked to CJNG drugs. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Comments are reviewed by moderators so they may not immediately The Chevrolet continued northbound, traveling in the right direction, where it eventually ran off the left side of the roadway into the median and collided with a guardrail. The pursuit continued onto Route 50 and Route 522 before continuing back onto Route 37, where Chevrolet crossed the median and entered the southbound travel lanes traveling north. Warren Heritage Society announces the publication of their newest book, Coming Together, Send bracelets to quarantined residents of Commonwealth Assisted Living in Front Royal through WeAreSPACE.org, Warrens Heritage: Native American History-Part 10, Warrens Heritage: Native American History-Part 9, Warrens Heritage: Native American History-Part 8. Sheriff Lenny Millholland is both pleased with, and proud of, the swift and selfless actions taken by his personnel, saying This could have been much worse and we are thankful that no one was seriously injured in this incident. A federal indictment filed in April 2019accused Jose Alfredo Santacruz-Godinez and others of maintaining residences around Axton for "receiving, storing, packaging and distributing controlled substances.". Who is El Mencho, the most powerful drug kingpin in the world? 540-662-9777 # 5750. Tech layoffs explained: Is a once-hot sector on thin ice? HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WWBT) - A Chester man has been arrested after a DUI traffic stop on Interstate 95 led to a massive drug seizure of crack cocaine and marijuana, according to Virginia State. WATCH: Faces of Our Valley Selah Theatre Project, Glory Bea! VCC: OBS-37Q2-F9, COUNT THREE: On or about March 20, 2022, in the County of Warren, Frank John Behnke did unlawfully and feloniously, while being a person eighteen years of age or older, use a communications system or another electronic means for the purposes of soliciting with lascivious intent, a person the accused knew or had reason to believe was a child less than fifteen years of Becky Welch, 41, of the 2600 block of Valley Avenue in Winchester. Rasheed Riley, 29, and Josie Peacoe, 31, both of Winchester, VA, were arrested by the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force following a search warrant executed at their residence. Police identified the suspect as 29-year-old Bristol, Virginia, resident Michael T. Houchins II. Property for sale: 425 N Royal Ave, Front Royal Watch the tour! Some were surrounded by pine trees well away frommain roads. Back in Axton, oneLatinoresidentworriedthatpublicity over cartel activity was fuelingattitudes that unfairlyconflatedrug trafficking and immigration. VCC: WPN-5303-F6, COUNT THREE: On or about November 16, 2022, in the County of Warren, Christopher Eric Harpine did unlawfully and feloniously possess, with the intent to distribute, a controlled substance, to wit: Methamphetamine Hydrochloride listed in Schedule II of the Drag Control Act, in violation of Section 18.2-248 of the Code of Virginia (1950) as amended. The accused is seven or more years older than the child the accused knew or had reason to believe was a child less than fifteen years of age who was the subject of the solicitations, in violation of Section 18.2-374.3 of the Code of Virginia (1950) as amended. "Don't worry about it,Vickytoldher. He loaded 6 kilos of cocaine, worthroughly$180,000, into his truck. VCC: NAR-3059-M1, COUNT ONE: On or about October 19, 2022, in the County of Warren, Malik Absalam Peterson did unlawfully and feloniously distribute a controlled substance, to wit: Cocaine, listed in Schedule II of the Drug Control Act, this being a second or subsequent offense, said prior conviction occurring prior to the date alleged in this indictment, in violation of Section 18.2-248 of the Code of Virginia (1950) as amended. Error! Someconnected to the networkhad jobs at local employers,including an autodealership. The Warren County Grand Jury of February 2023 has issued the following indictments: On or about July 29, 2022, in the County of Warren, Wayne Lee Jernigan did unlawfully and feloniously, knowingly and intentionally possess a controlled substance, to wit: Fentanyl, listed in Schedule II of the Drug Control Act, in violation of 18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. Joseph is charged under the kingpin statute with running a continuing criminal enterprise. Va. - More than 10 pounds of meth is off the street after two arrests in Albemarle County on Wednesday . "The government attempts to bolster the severity of his conduct by asserting the cocaine was 'supplied by CJNG,'" his attorney, David Downes wrote in a court filing, calling him a low-level dealer. Jones was also charged with possession of Ecstasy. Winchester, VA 22601 +1(540)667-6155 Website; Find a local business. We will consider two submissions per writer per month. Success! Delivered every morning. The crack and powder cocaine was transported from southeast Florida to Winchester by Adelson Michel and his associates. All threesistershad grown up in Winchester, a town of 28,000, known for housing George Washingtons headquarters in the French and Indian War andforapple orchards and horse farms that have long drawn migrantslooking for work. Additional charges are forthcoming for Riley and Peacoe. 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You have permission to edit this article. VCC: NAR-3038-F9, COUNT TWO: On or about October 19, 2022, in the County of Warren, Angela Sue Marie McClellan did unlawfully and feloniously conspire to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance, to wit: Cocaine, this being a second or subsequent offense, said prior conviction occurring prior to the date alleged in this indictment, in violation of Section 18.2-248 (C), of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. or fewer words. These boxes are filled with 450 pounds of marijuana reportedly seized from a truck in March near Winchester. On April 29, members of the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force obtained a search warrant for Riley and Peacoes residence located at 2971-116 Valley Avenue in Winchester, VA. During a search of the residence, 266 grams of cocaine with a street value of $12,350.00, 2.5 grams of crack cocaine with a street value of $250.00, $1,570.00 in currency, and 1 firearm was seized. "I can assure you that within 120 hours ofthat investigation, the cartel in Mexico had all new houses rented and new leadership from Mexicoenroute," saidJaesonJones, a former Texas Department of Public Safety captain whospent years following the activities of drugcartels. Despite the arrests, experts said its unlikely the busts and lengthyinvestigationdid muchto slow the flow of drugs for long. Maybe thats the draw. Scaperotto was also charged with several traffic infractions, including speeding, failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to stop at a red light, and failure to wear a seatbelt. 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EDA counsel Cullen Seltzer and Executive Director Joe Petty both confirmed the gag order on details of the EDA/Rappawan/Vaught Jr. joint filing for dismissal of the civil case. WINCHESTER, Va. (WDVM) Three people were arrested Wednesday evening in Winchester, Va. on drug charges. Light agenda segues into lengthy discussion of departmental accountability for details on monthly expenditures Why does that sound familiar? Would you like to receive our Breaking News? High 62F. And cartel associates had early warning systems, which other officials declined to detail. In the wake of a jointly filed motion of December 21, 2022, filed with the court six days later, the EDAs civil claim against Rappawan Inc. and company official William T. Vaught Jr. was dismissed with prejudice meaning it cannot be refiled. WPD arrests 23 for drug trafficking. One woman, who worked at an Axton tortilla and meat shop, was charged with helping wiredrug profits viamoney transfers. You have permission to edit this article. . Lots of sunshine. All these combination of investigative techniques brought a few of these task force operators down this rabbit hole and they found some interesting records and they kept looking into it, Hayek said. Eventually,investigators saw links stretching to Winchester, one strandofa much larger web. 28 people are charged in four separate indictments returned by a federal Grand Jury sitting in Charlottesville, Virginia. VCC: RAP-1124-F4 (incident #1), COUNT TWO: On or about February 15, 2021, through July 15, 2021, in the County of Warren, Wade Wheatley Forrester did unlawfully and feloniously carnally know, without the use of force, C.B., a child fourteen (14) years of age. By Fred Petke. VCC: NAR-3038-F9, COUNT FOUR: On or about October 19, 2022, in the County of Warren, Malik Absalam Peterson did unlawfully and feloniously conspire to distribute a controlled substance to wit: Cocaine, listed in Schedule 11 of the Drug Control Act, this being a second or subsequent offense, said prior conviction occurring prior to the date alleged in this indictment, in violation of Section We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen. The search yielded approximately 102 grams of heroin with a street value of $12,240, 215 grams of crack cocaine with a street value of $21,500, 339 grams of marijuana with a street value of $2,250 and $2,406 in cash. Comments are reviewed by moderators so they may not immediately VCC: WPN-5281-F5, On or about October 3, 2022, in the County of Warren, Harris Warren Carroll did unlawfully and feloniously, knowingly and intentionally possess a controlled substance, to wit: Amphetamine listed in Schedule II of the Drug Control Act, in violation of 18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. Froma Harrop: I was a teenage librarian. Jackson, 53, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of "Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to .