On February 2, 2016 the Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a female reporting that her husband had been a victim of two large fraudulent withdrawals from their Bank of America checking account. The total of the two withdrawals was in excess of $7,000. Investigation into the frauds soon began.

Detective R.E. Firkin began the investigation with very little information. He followed leads to where the fraudulent checks were cashed. Each check was cashed by a teller but at a different Bank of America location. Both times fraudulent identification was presented and accepted by the teller. One check was cashed in Silver Spring, MD and the other at Eastpoint Financial Center in Baltimore. Det. Firkin requested evidence of the transactions from each branch. Once a photograph of the suspect was obtained a “Be On the Lookout” flyer was created and disseminated. Several leads were developed and pursued over the ensuing weeks. Detective Firkin and a detective with the Maryland Transportation Authority determined that they were looking for the same suspect. The Maryland detective was looking for a man who stole a wallet from the luggage dispenser at BWI and had made fraudulent purchases with the stolen credit cards.

On June 15, Detective Firkin received a phone call from a representative of Cardinal Bank. The bank officer stated that he was looking for information concerning a suspect who attempted to cash a counterfeit check at their bank in April 2016. While reviewing BOL alerts he believed his suspect matched the man in Detective Firkin’s case. Although the check was not cashed by Cardinal Bank, during the attempted transaction the man had presented a valid Virginia driver’s license. A copy of the driver’s license was then shared with Detective Firkin.

The man was identified as Gregory Horton of South Park Court in Woodbridge, Virginia. Detective Firkin reconnected with the Maryland detective and provided him with Horton’s information. He then visited Horton’s address in Prince William and a resident of the home identified the male on the flyer as Gregory Horton.

On October 3, 2016 a Stafford County Grand Jury returned a direct indictment of Gregory Horton for two counts of fraud. These cases are challenging to solve and take many weeks, months and sometimes years to conclude. This particular case was successfully solved due to the images provided by the financial institutions. Many times frauds of this nature are conducted via online transactions by suspects outside of the area or even out of the country. The Sheriff’s Office reminds all citizens to check their bank accounts often, strengthen their passwords regularly and report any suspicious financial transactions by calling 540-658-4400.

On October 3, 2016 at approximately 10:15 p.m. Stafford Sheriff’s Deputy A.P. Hansen responded to a robbery that had occurred at a townhome on Clint Lane. The 20-year-old victim explained that three male subjects had only moments ago departed the residence after robbing him. The victim was acquainted with one of the males who was identified as Anthony Lamar Turner (photograph below.) The other two assailants were unknown to the victim and were described as young black males wearing black jeans and hoodies. One had dreadlocks and was carrying a gun. The remaining suspect had short hair and was carrying a “police style” expandable baton that was fully extended.

The victim reported that during the evening Turner had been invited into the residence to visit. After staying for only a short time, Turner announced that he was going outside to smoke a cigarette. When he returned he was accompanied by the two other suspects. The three took the victim’s wallet, an undisclosed amount of money, an iPhone and five pairs of Nike “Air Jordan” shoes. The suspects quickly departed the townhouse and subsequently a 9-1-1 call was placed to report the robbery.

Anthony Lamar Turner, age 25, was last seen wearing a long green trench coat, blue jeans and white boots. He is wanted for Robbery, Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, Grand Larceny and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Larceny.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance in determining the whereabouts of Anthony Turner as well as identifying the two other men who participated in the robbery. If the public has any information, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400. Anonymous tipsters can receive up to $1,000.00 in cash reward. Text “Stafford” + tip to (Crimes) 274637, or online at www.StaffordCrimeSolvers.com

On October 11, 2016, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Stafford County Deputy S.A. Fulford observed a Toyota Prius with an expired vehicle registration on Town and Country Drive in southern Stafford. He initiated a traffic stop along Ferry Road. The deputy made contact with the male driver and his female passenger and asked the driver for his operator’s license. During the encounter the deputy detected the odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from the vehicle. The driver advised the deputy that he did not have his license with him and provided his social security number.

The driver was identified as Michael Wayne Puckett, age 27 of Stafford. Puckett’s driver’s license had been previously revoked. When Deputy Fulford asked why the driver was operating a vehicle with a revoked license, he explained that he was only driving his girlfriend because she was not feeling well enough to drive. The female passenger then asked if she could drive the vehicle. The deputy was concerned about her ability to drive safely and asked if she would consent to taking a Preliminary Breath Test. She obliged. Her test results were approximately twice the legal limit for driving.

The driver was arrested for Driving After Forfeiture of License and was incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on $1500 secured bond. The female passenger and owner of the vehicle was given a summons for an expired vehicle registration.

On October 15, 2016 at approximately 10:20 a.m. the Stafford Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a larceny from a vehicle at the Washington Square Plaza Walmart. The caller stated a subject had stolen her purse from her vehicle while she was returning her shopping cart and left the scene in a red four-door Dodge Dart. A tag number was also given.

When Deputy M.L. Jacobeen arrived he spoke with the victim who advised she had finished her shopping and had put groceries into her vehicle. She had placed her purse on the driver’s seat leaving her door open while she returned her grocery cart. She then observed a white male take her purse and run to his vehicle which was parked a few spaces away. The victim chased after the suspect and reached his vehicle as he was getting inside. He pushed her away, entered his vehicle and left the parking lot at a high rate of speed. Other shoppers witnessed the incident and were interviewed by deputies.

A lookout was broadcast for the vehicle and suspect who had committed the larceny and assault. Approximately forty minutes later Deputy J.H. Truslow observed the vehicle pulling out of the Valero on Cambridge Street. He initiated a traffic stop and subsequently identified the driver. A search of the suspect recovered the victim’s credit card. A search of the vehicle produced a 49” television and a laptop computer that had been purchased earlier that day in the City of Fredericksburg, using the victim’s credit card. Other stolen purses as well as numerous syringes were found in the vehicle.

Matthew Peter Feigleson, age 34, of Kittredge Court in Woodbridge, Virginia, was charged with Assault and Battery, Credit Card Theft, Credit Card Fraud, Larceny or Theft–Third or Subsequent Offense, and Possession of Paraphernalia. He was transported to the Rappahannock Regional Jail and is incarcerated without bond.

The Fredericksburg Police Department also responded to the scene and provided a still image taken during a similar incident that recently occurred at the Central Park Walmart. Earlier in the week, another incident of purse stealing had occurred at the Washington Square Walmart and the physical description of that suspect matched the description provided by witnesses. The investigation is continuing.

Senior Deputy Jason Forman was awarded his Homeland Protection Professional Certification from the National Sheriff’s Association, Institute for Homeland Security on October 4, 2016. This program certifies that recipients are highly prepared to assist their agencies to prevent, to protect against, and prepare for, all hazards relative to homeland security. To date, only 15 local law enforcement professionals in Virginia have earned this certification.

The rigorous qualifications standards to achieve this designation include an extensive combination of experience and education. The program took years for Deputy Forman to complete. In a letter awarding the certification, Kenneth M. Glatnz, Executive Director of the Association, stated, “awardees have demonstrated competency, knowledge, skills and abilities in the blended discipline area of Homeland Protection and have completed a rigorous qualification and testing program.”

Sheriff D.P. Decatur added, “The Stafford Sheriff’s Office is working daily to protect the community from ever-present threats of terrorism. Having someone achieve this certification provides a higher level of situational awareness and mitigates the chances of having our region be caught unaware.”

“If You See Something, Say Something”

The Stafford County Sheriff’s office encourages citizens to actively engage in protecting the homeland by reporting suspicious activity. As this information comes to our agency, we then coordinate and collaborate with both state and federal partners to review information for its intelligence value. Immediately sharing information with agencies such as the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Fusion Center and the F.B.I., is critical to ensuring our region is protected from threats both foreign and domestic.

Stafford County Sheriff’s Detective C. Darryl Wells routinely conducts covert investigations on Internet sites that are known to be involved in the trading of child pornographic pictures and videos.

During one such investigation, he discovered an individual posting pictures of pre-pubescent females and males involved in sexual acts with adults. Some of the children looked as young as five or six years old. Identifying information related to the subject posting the pictures was obtained. It was determined through this information that the individual was located in Pacific, Missouri. As the investigation continued, the same individual posted additional pictures on 16 different dates.

The Internet subscriber was identified as Thomas Joseph Mueller of Cedar Ridge Drive in Pacific, Missouri. Through investigative efforts it was determined that Mueller was the individual posting the pictures. Detective Wells contacted the police department in Pacific, Missouri and provided them with the information regarding this activity. That agency contacted the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.

On October 18, 2016 the St. Louis County Police executed a search warrant at the address on Cedar Ridge Drive. Several hundred child pornographic pictures were found on Mueller’s computer. Missouri authorities requested that Stafford County place charges on Mueller.

It was also determined that Mueller had once been a law enforcement officer in Missouri and had previously been charged with sexual exploitation of a young girl in another jurisdiction in Missouri.

On October 19, 2016 Detective Wells obtained a total of 70 felony arrest warrants for Mueller for the Possession of Child Pornography. Mueller will be held in jail in Missouri until he is extradited to Stafford County.

On October 19, 2016 the Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at an Elkton Drive apartment after an extensive investigation into suspected drug activity.

The investigation, led by Detective N.J. Chiappini, had been ongoing for several weeks. Search warrants for the apartment and vehicles, as well as an arrest warrant for Darrell John Edwards, had been obtained. When Edwards returned to his apartment in the late afternoon of October 19, he was arrested by detectives of the Special Investigations Unit and the Special Problems Unit. The residence and vehicles were then searched. During the search, sufficient probable cause was developed to arrest April Anne Coles who also resides at the address. A large quantity of heroin, money and firearms were seized during the search.

Darrell John Edwards, age 32, of Elkton Drive was charged with Distribution of Heroin, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of a Firearm with Schedule 1 Narcotics. April Anne Coles, age 33 of Elkton Drive was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin. Both were incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail and Edwards was held without bond.

The Sheriff’s Office has been alerted by citizens who have recently received calls from individuals demanding fraudulent payment for an overdue power bill. Visit Dom.com/scams for more tips to protect against becoming a victim.

Dominion Power provided these tips in a media release:

• Dominion Virginia Power will never require payment over the phone or require payment on a pre-paid debit card.

• Dominion does not direct customers to make payment at any of their offices; designated payment centers can be found online at https://www.dom.com/residential/dominion-virginia-power/customer-service/payment-options

• If customers wish to pay their bill by phone, they are directed to BillMatrix at 1-800-573-1147. Please note: customers will never be contacted by BillMatrix requiring payment.)

• If a customer is behind on a monthly bill, they should contact Dominion to set up a mutually agreed upon payment plan. Dominion provides a customer with notifications on their bill before power is disconnected.

• If a customer is suspicious of a caller, they are encouraged to collect information from the scammer including the caller's name, any phone numbers or other details before hanging up and reporting to local law enforcement.

• Customers should always call Dominion at 1-866-DOM-HELP to verify that the company is attempting to reach them before releasing any personal information.

On October 21, 2016 at approximately 2:50 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous call requesting a welfare check on subjects who were staying at the Days Inn on Simpson Road. The caller stated that adults and children were residing there and feared the adult female may be having a mental breakdown. Two patrol units and the Virginia State Police responded to the hotel room. Deputy D.G. French and Sgt. C.M. Neuhard knocked loudly on the hotel door announcing their presence and commanding the door be opened.

Once in the room, deputies observed a sleeping infant on the bed and an adult male standing nearby. The male was escorted out of the room. The bathroom door was locked and deputies ordered the occupants to exit. Moments later an adult female emerged from the bathroom. The female was also escorted outside. A female child, approximately five-years-old was standing fully clothed in the bathtub.

Deputy French noticed the female child in the bathtub had what appeared to be burn marks around her forehead, nose, chin and ears. A rescue unit was summoned to provide medical assistance. Child Protective Services responded and took custody of both children.

Several lighters were found in the room as well as an open Bible and a cellphone which was heard to be playing something religious in nature. Interviews were conducted with the adults. Both the mother and father of the children subsequently were taken into custody.

Carmen Melissa Mclain Robinson, age 35, and Norris Tywell Robinson, age 41, were both charged with Abuse and Neglect of Children and Failure to Secure Medical Attention for an Injured Child. Both were incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail and are being held without bond.

The investigation is continuing.

On October 25, 2016 at approximately 9:50 p.m. Deputy S.A. Fulford was stopped at the traffic signal on U.S. Route 1 and Centreport Parkway. He noticed the vehicle in front of him was a white Honda Accord. When the light turned green the Honda quickly accelerated and moved abruptly to the right lane forcing the driver in that lane to activate his brakes in order to avoid a collision.

Deputy Fulford ran the tag that was displayed on the Honda as he was preparing to make a traffic stop for the improper lane change. The tag returned as being registered on an Acura and had expired in 2015. Deputy Fulford then initiated a traffic stop by activating his emergency equipment. The driver of the Honda maintained his original speed and did not pull over until the intersection of Enon Road and Beauregard Drive.

Deputy Fulford made contact with the driver and noticed a female passenger appearing to be asleep. The driver stated that he did not have his license with him, was unable to provide a valid registration and refused to provide his name. He then put the car in gear and sped away heading westbound on Enon Road.

Deputy Fulford and Deputy G. W. Motley pursued the Honda but were unable to maintain visual contact after it turned onto Truslow. A vehicle “lookout” was provided to all patrol units and approximately ten minutes later, Deputy Motley saw the vehicle driving north on U.S. Route 17 near Celebrate Virginia Parkway. Deputy Motley attempted a traffic stop and the Honda pulled into a parking lot near the intersection of U.S. 17 and Cedar Grove Lane.

The driver, later identified as Victor Nohel Flores, was taken into custody. Upon searching the vehicle two VA tags were recovered. One was confirmed to be stolen in Fairfax. Flores’ passenger was a 16-year-old female, reported as a runaway from Prince William. She was also wanted from that jurisdiction for Failure to Appear. She was turned over to Prince William County authorities.

Victor Flores, age 25, of Kingswell Drive in Woodbridge, was charged with Felony Eluding Police, Felony Reckless Driving, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and Petit Larceny. He was incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail and is being held without bond.

Volunteers in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg and Caroline assisted with “Operation Medicine Cabinet” on Saturday, October 22. Area residents were encouraged to safely and conveniently dispose of unwanted and unneeded pharmaceuticals. The response to this nation-wide initiative was again coordinated locally by Partners in Aging (www.partnersinaging.org)

A state-wide summary of results is attached to this document. A few more details about the event and specifically Stafford’s participation can be viewed at this webpage -http://bit.ly/2cX1VBT

There has been a recent increase in overnight larcenies from unlocked vehicles in the county. Thieves who participate in this type of theft refer to it as “shopping.” They go from car-to-car, stealing from unlocked vehicles, often preying on multiple neighborhoods in one night. Your vehicle can also be “hit” while parked during the day or while out shopping. Don’t be an easy target. Wherever you are, simply keep items out of site and lock your vehicle.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident where a young adult female was sexually assaulted after her vehicle was struck by another in the area of Kings Highway and Sherwood Forest Farm Road. The apparent accident occurred sometime around 2:45 AM to 3:15 AM while both vehicles were traveling eastbound. After the accident, the unknown male suspect forcibly removed the victim from her vehicle and dragged her into a ditch off the roadway where he sexually assaulted her over a two hour period.

Once the suspect left the area, the victim walked back to her vehicle and called 911 from her cell phone. Just as she was doing that, a Stafford County Deputy arrived at the scene.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male approximately 30 years old, 5’8” to 5’9”, weighing approximately 170 to 180 lbs. He has black hair and a short black beard. He was wearing light colored blue jeans and a sleeveless white tank top under an orange, blue and white plaid long sleeved shirt. He spoke Spanish and broken English. The suspect vehicle was described as a dark colored SUV. The suspect left the scene in his vehicle and traveled eastbound on Kings Highway (Route 3). There may be orange paint transfer and damage to the passenger side front quarter panel and/or front end of the suspect’s vehicle.

While the investigation is ongoing limited details will be available. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect in this sexual assault. If the public saw anything suspicious between the hours of 2:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. along State Route 3, Kings Highway between Forest Lane Road and Michael Scott Lane, (the entrance road to the water treatment plant) please contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

If you have any information regarding the suspect in this case, please contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400. Anonymous tipsters can receive up to $1,000.00 in cash reward. Text “Stafford” + tip to (Crimes) 274637, or online at www.StaffordCrimeSolvers.com

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident where a young adult female was sexually assaulted along Kings Highway in Stafford. Below is a photo of the shirt that was left by the suspect at the scene as well as the composite drawing of the suspect that was distributed last evening. Higher quality images are separately attached to this email.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male approximately 30 years old, 5’8” to 5’9”, weighing approximately 170 to 180 lbs. He has black hair and a short black beard. He was wearing light colored blue jeans and a sleeveless white tank top under an orange, blue and white plaid long sleeved shirt. He spoke Spanish and broken English. The suspect vehicle was described as a dark colored SUV.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation of a sexual assault that occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, October 31, along State Route 3/Kings Highway in Stafford. To date, approximately 100 leads have been supplied by the public. Multiple detectives are actively investigating these leads. Other law enforcement agencies are also assisting with this investigation. Today the Crime Solvers reward was increased from $1000.00 to $2500.00.

We ask the public to look closely, again, at the composite drawing of the suspect and the photo of the shirt he left behind at the scene. Someone may have seen him on Sunday evening, October 30 or early Monday morning wearing the shirt pictured below.

The shirt is a white, orange and blue plaid “American Living” shirt, size L. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male approximately 30 years old, 5’8” to 5’9”, weighing approximately 170 to 180 lbs. He has black hair and a short black beard. He was wearing light colored blue jeans and a sleeveless white tank top under the orange, blue and white plaid long sleeved shirt (pictured below.) He spoke Spanish and broken English. The suspect vehicle was described as a dark colored SUV. The dark colored SUV would have been parked on the right hand side of the State Route 3 (Eastbound) between the cross streets of Forest Lane Road and Michael Scott Lane (water treatment plant) between the hours of 2:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.

The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging the public to exercise caution and be aware of surroundings while traveling or stopped on dimly lit or lesser-traveled roadways. If you have to stop or become stranded, call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number and report your location. The phone number is 540-658-4400 and is answered 24 hours a day. A deputy could then be dispatched, at your request.

On November 5, 2016 at approximately 5:00 PM, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fight call on Regency Drive in the Park Ridge neighborhood. When Deputy L.A. Burgess arrived he observed a crowd gathered around a vehicle which was hooked to a tow trailer. As he approached the group, subjects were pointing to a young male (Reion Hooker) and were yelling that he had a gun.

Deputy Burgess immediately ordered everyone to the ground. Most complied but Reion Hooker began to walk away. Deputy Burgess observed that Mr. Hooker’s hands were in the area of his waistband and he appeared to be holding something. After numerous requests from the deputy to get on the ground, Reion Hooker finally did so.

At the same time a second subject by the name of Kardim Harmon also refused to get on the ground. As the deputy attempted to have him comply, Reion Hooker jumped to his feet and ran away. Deputy Burgess chased after him and noticed he was carrying a firearm in his hand. Reion Hooker then fired the weapon into the ground. Deputy Burgess continued the foot chase but lost sight of him after the suspect jumped a number of fences.

Deputy A.S. Smith and his K-9 Partner Lobo began a track and after approximately one hour, located Reion Hooker hiding between two houses on Catherine Lane. He was arrested and subsequently searched. He was found to be in possession of narcotics and marijuana. He also was suffering from a flesh wound near his right knee that occurred when he fired the weapon while fleeing from Deputy Burgess. The gun however was no longer in his possession. Detectives later recovered the firearm that was in shrubbery on Sharon Lane.

Reion Menelek Hooker, age 24 of Oakridge Drive in Stafford is incarcerated without bond in the Rappahannock Regional Jail. He was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Reckless Handling of a Firearm, Brandishing a Firearm, Shooting in a No Shoot Zone, Shooting within 100 Yards of a Residence, Disorderly Conduct, Possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substances and Possession of Marijuana.

Kadim Qwayshon Harmon, age 22 of Regency Drive in Stafford, was also taken into custody at the scene of the fight by Deputy B.M. Kanterman for Assault and Battery on Law Enforcement, Obstruction of Justice and Public Intoxication. He is also being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.