Crime/Court
Warren County Grand Jury – September 2023 indictments
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF WARREN COUNTY, THE GRAND JURY CHARGES THAT:
TREVOR SUTPHIN
On or about April 18, 2023, in the County of Warren, Trevor James Sutphin did unlawfully and feloniously take, obtain, or withhold a credit card or credit card number from the person, possession, custody, or control of another without the cardholder’s consent, in violation of §18.2- 192 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: FRD-2360-F9
JEREMY CHAPMAN
On or about June 19, 2023, in the County of Warren, Jeremy Austin Chapman did unlawfully and feloniously, having received a visible or audible signal from a law-enforcement officer to bring his motor vehicle to a stop, drive such motor vehicle in a willful or wanton disregard of such signal so as to interfere with or endanger the operation of the law-enforcement vehicle or endanger a person, in violation of §46.2-817 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: REC-6624-F6
CRYSTAL NOREEN
On or about December 18, 2022, in the County of Warren, Crystal Nicole Noreen did unlawfully and feloniously possess a Schedule I or II controlled substance in violation of Section 18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR- 3022-F5
CHRISTOPHER MCCAULEY
COUNT ONE: On or about July 25, 2023, in the County of Warren, Christopher Michael McCauley did unlawfully and feloniously, knowingly, and intentionally possess a controlled substance listed in Schedule I or Schedule II of the Drug Control Act in violation of §18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3022-F5
COUNT TWO: On or about July 25, 2023, in the County of Warren, Christopher Michael McCauley did unlawfully and feloniously, knowingly, and intentionally possess a controlled substance listed in Schedule I or Schedule II of the Drug Control Act in violation of §18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3022-F5
TOBY FINCHAM
On or about May 24, 2023, in the County of Warren, Toby Randall Fincham did unlawfully and feloniously, knowingly, and intentionally possess a controlled substance listed in Schedule I or Schedule II of the Drug Control Act, in violation of §18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3022-F5
ERIC JENKINS
COUNT ONE: On or about June 13, 2022, in the County of Warren, Eric Levi Jenkins did unlawfully and feloniously possess with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance, to wit: Methamphetamine, having previously been convicted of two or more such offenses or of substantially similar offenses in any other jurisdiction which occurred before the date of the offense alleged in the indictment, in violation of Section 18.2-248 (C), of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3087-F9
COUNT TWO: On or about June 13, 2022, in the County of Warren, Eric Levi Jenkins did unlawfully and feloniously possess with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance, to wit: Psilocyn, having previously been convicted of two or more such offenses or of substantially similar offenses in any other jurisdiction which occurred before the date of the offense alleged in the indictment, in violation of Section 18.2-248 (C), of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3087-F9
COUNT THREE: On or about February 6, 2023, in the County of Warren, Eric Levi Jenkins, while a prisoner in a state, local, or community correctional facility or in the custody of an employee thereof, made, procured, secreted, or possess a weapon capable of causing death or bodily injury, in violation of Section 53.1-203 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: PRI-3295-F6
TRINA TODD
On or about May 13, 2023, in the County of Warren, Trina Anne Todd did unlawfully and feloniously, knowingly, and intentionally possess a controlled substance listed in Schedule I or Schedule II of the Drug Control Act, in violation of §18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3022-F5
JEREMY RALSTON
On or about June 30, 2023, through July 4, 2023, in the County of Warren, Jeremy Allen Ralston did unlawfully and feloniously violate a protective order issued pursuant to § 16.1-279.1 by making contact prohibited in such order with a family or household member, the accused having previously committed two or more prior offenses of violating a protective order. The accused committed the instant offense within twenty years of the first conviction. Either the instant or one of the prior offenses was based on an act or threat of violence, in violation of § 16.1-253.2 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: PRT-5002-F6
NO PHOTO AVAILABLE
On or about April 17, 2023, in the County of Warren, Denise Danielle Roles did unlawfully and feloniously, knowingly, and intentionally possess a controlled substance listed in Schedule I or Schedule II of the Drug Control Act, in violation of §18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3022-F5
KENNETH HANNA
COUNT ONE: On or about October 17, 2022, in the County of Warren, Kenneth Wayne Hanna did unlawfully and feloniously manufacture, sell, give, distribute, or possess with the intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute, a controlled substance classified in Schedule I or II of the Drug Control Act, in violation of §18.2-248 of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended. VCC: NAR-3043-F9
COUNT TWO: On or about October 17, 2022, in the County of Warren, Kenneth Wayne Hanna did unlawfully and feloniously sell, give, or distribute or possess with the intent to sell, give, or distribute more than one ounce but not more than five pounds of Marijuana, in violation of §18.2-248.1 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3032-F5
COUNT THREE: On or about October 17, 2022, in the County of Warren, Kenneth Wayne Hanna did unlawfully and feloniously maliciously cause bodily injury to Caitlin Silvis by means of any acid, lye, or other caustic substance or agent in violation of Section 18.2-52 of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended. VCC: ASL-1327-F9
COUNT FOUR: On or about October 17, 2022, in the County of Warren, Kenneth Wayne Hanna did unlawfully and feloniously possess a Schedule I or II controlled substance, in violation of Section 18.2-250, of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3022-F5
COUNT FIVE: On or about October 17, 2022, in the County of Warren, Kenneth Wayne Hanna did unlawfully and feloniously distribute a Schedule 1 or II controlled substance in violation of Section 18.2-248, of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3045-F9
COUNT SIX: On or about October 17, 2022, in the County of Warren, Kenneth Wayne Hanna did unlawfully and feloniously distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance in violation of Section 18.2-248, of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3045-F9
DOUGLAS HATCHER
COUNT ONE: On or about March 23, 2023, in the County of Warren, Douglas T. Hatcher did unlawfully and feloniously, while being over the age of eighteen or older, used 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 at least fifteen years of age but less than 18 years of age to knowingly and intentionally expose his sexual or genital parts to a child to whom he was not legally married or propose that the child expose her sexual or genital parts to the accused. The accused is seven or more years older than the child the accused knew or had reason to believe was a child at least 15 years of age but less than 18 years of age who was the subject of the solicitation, in violation of Section 18.2-374.3(D) of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: OBS-3690-F5
COUNT TWO: On or about March 23, 2023, in the County of Warren, Douglas T. Hatcher did unlawfully and feloniously, while being over the age of eighteen or older, used 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 at least fifteen years of age but less than’18 year’s of age to knowingly and intentionally expose his sexual or genital parts to a child to whom he was not legally married or propose that the child expose her sexual or genital parts to the accused. The accused is seven or more years older than the child the accused knew or had reason to believe was a child at least 15 years of age but less than 18 years of age who was the subject of the solicitation, in violation of Section 18.2-374.3(D) of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: QBS-3690-F5
MICHAEL SUTPHIN
COUNT ONE: On or about June 6, 2023, in the County of Warren, Michael Anthony Sutphin did unlawfully and feloniously impede the blood circulation or respiration of P.H. without such person’s consent by knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully applying pressure to the neck of such person resulting in wounding or bodily injury, in violation of § 18.2-51.6 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: ASL-1347-F6
COUNT TWO: On or about June 6, 2023, in the County of Warren, Michael Anthony Sutphin did unlawfully and feloniously while being a parent, guardian, or a person responsible for the care of P.H., a child under 18 years of age, cause or permit serious injury to the life or health of such child by a willful act, omission, or refusal to provide necessary-tare, in violation of Section 18.2-371.1 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: FAM-3806-F4
ROBERT RILEY
COUNT ONE: On or about March 7, 2023, in the County of Warren, Robert Michael Riley did unlawfully and feloniously distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance in violation of Section
18.2-248, of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3045-F9
COUNT TWO: On or about March 7, 2023, in the County of Warren, Robert Michael Riley did unlawfully and feloniously distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance, in violation of Section
18.2-248, of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3045-F9
COUNT THREE: On or about March 13, 2023, in the County of Warren, Robert Michael Riley did unlawfully and feloniously possess with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance, in violation of Section 18.2-248 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3043-F9
COUNT FOUR: On or about March 13, 2023, in the County of Warren, Robert Michael Riley did unlawfully and feloniously possess with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance, in violation of Section 18.2-248 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3043-F9
CARLTON WATSON
On or about June 24, 2023 in the County of Warren, Carlton Derek Watson did unlawfully and feloniously assault and batter Katherine Cook, a family or household member, after having been at least twice previously convicted of a combination of assault and battery, malicious or unlawful wounding in violation of Section 18.2-51, aggravated malicious wounding in violation of Section 18.2-51.2, malicious bodily injury by means of a substance in violation of Section 18.2- 52, strangulation in violation of Section 18.2-51.6, or an offense under the law of another jurisdiction which has the same elements of the preceding offenses. The accused committed the prior offenses against a family or household member within the past twenty years, with the offenses having occurred on different dates, in violation of Section 18.2-57.2 of the Code of Virginia (1950) as amended. VCC: ASL-1316-F6
JOHN LANDERS
On or about August 5, 2023, in the County of Warren, John Franklin Landers, II, did unlawfully and feloniously assault and batter Amira Pinson, a family or household member, after having been at least twice previously convicted of assault and battery against a family or household member within the past twenty years with such offenses occurring on different dates, in violation of Section 18.2-57.2 of the Code of Virginia (1950) as amended. VCC: ASL-1316-F6
NO PHOTO AVAILABLE
On or about May 24, 2023, in the County of Warren, Amanda Hope Whittaker did unlawfully and feloniously, knowingly, and intentionally possess a controlled substance listed in Schedule I or Schedule II of the Drug Control Act in violation of §18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3022-F5
JASON CLARY
COUNT ONE: On or about June 7, 2023, in the County of Warren, Jason Elliott Clary did unlawfully and feloniously drive or operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, this being a third offense committed within five years of an offense under Section 18.2-266, in violation of Sections 18.2-266 and 18.2-270 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: DWI-54 50-F6
COUNT TWO: On or about June 7, 2023, in the County of Warren, Jason Elliott Clary did unlawfully and feloniously drive a motor vehicle while violating Section 18.2-36.1, 18.2-51.4, 18.2-266,
subsection A of Section 46.2-341.24, or a substantially similar local ordinance or law of another jurisdiction after having been previously convicted of a violation of Section 18.2-36.1, 18.2- 51.4, 18.2-266, subsection A of Section 46.2-341.24, or a substantially similar local ordinance or law of another jurisdiction The revocation of the license of the accused was based on a conviction of at least one offense committed after July 1, 1999, in violation of Section 46.2-391 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: LIC-6860-F9
COUNT THREE: On or about June 7, 2023, in the County of Warren, Jason Elliott Clary, while a prisoner in a local community correctional facility or in the custody of an employee thereof, did feloniously, unlawfully, and intentionally secrete or have in his possession a chemical compound which he has not lawfully received, in violation of Section 53.1-203 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: PRI-3260-F6
JOSEPH HEATH
COUNT ONE: On or about November 7, 2022, in the County of Warren, Joseph John Heath did unlawfully and feloniously, knowingly and intentionally possess a controlled substance, to wit: Methamphetamine listed in Schedule I or Schedule II of the Drug Control Act, in violation of §18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3022-F5
COUNT TWO: On or about November 7, 2022, in the County of Warren, Joseph John Heath did unlawfully and feloniously, knowingly and intentionally possess a controlled substance, to wit: Fentanyl listed in Schedule I or Schedule II of the Drug Control Act, in violation of § 18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3022-F5
MICHAEL KENNEDY
On or about July 19, 2023, in the County of Warren, Michael Dale Kennedy, Jr., did unlawfully and feloniously, knowingly, and intentionally possess a controlled substance listed in Schedule I or Schedule II of the Drug Control Act, in violation of §18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: NAR-3022-F5
JERRY BURACKER
COUNT ONE: On or about October 12, 2022, in the County of Warren, Jerry Wayne Buracker did unlawfully and feloniously forge, with the intent to defraud and to the prejudice of another’s rights, a draft or check, or any other writing, in violation of §18.2-172 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: FRD-2520-F5
COUNT TWO: On or about October 12, 2022, in the County of Warren, Jerry Wayne Buracker did unlawfully and feloniously utter or attempt to employ as true a check, knowing such document to be forged, in violation of § 18.2-172 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. VCC: FRD-2521-F5
AVERY WOOD
COUNT ONE: On or about November 16, 2022, in the County of Warren, Avery Miguel Wood did unlawfully and feloniously, while being a person eighteen (18) years of age or older, use a communications system 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 age to knowingly and intentionally expose his sexual or genital parts to a child to whom he was not legally married or propose that such child expose her sexual or genital parts to the accused, or propose to such child
the performance of sexual intercourse, or anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or any act constituting an offense under § 18.2-361. The accused is seven or more years older than the
child the accused knew or had reasons to believe was a child less than fifteen years of age who was the subject of the solicitation. This is a first offense in violation of Section 18.2-374.3(C)
of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. VCC: OBS-37Q2-F9
COUNT TWO:c On or about November 16, 2022, in the County of Warren, Avery Miguel Wood did unlawfully and feloniously, while being a person eighteen (18) years of age or older, use a communications system 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 age to knowingly and intentionally expose his sexual or genital parts to a child to whom he was not legally married, or propose that such child expose his sexual or genital parts to the accused, or propose to such child
the performance of sexual intercourse, or anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or any act constituting an offense under § 18.2-361. The accused is seven or more years older than the
child the accused knew or had reasons to believe was a child less than fifteen years of age who was the subject of the solicitation. This being a second or subsequent offense in violation of Section
18.2-374.3(C) of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. VCC: OBS-37Q3-F9
COUNT THREE: On or about November 22, 2022, in the County of Warren, Avery Miguel Wood did unlawfully and feloniously and knowingly reproduce, sell, give away, distribute,
electronically transmit, display, purchase, or possess child pornography with intent to sell, give away, distribute, transmit, or display it, in violation of Section 18.2-374.1:1(C) of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. VCC: QBS-3680-F9
Crime/Court
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 5-13-2024
Front Royal Police Department arrest report for the past 7 days:
Crime/Court
Chicago Man Arrested After High-Speed Pursuit on I-81 in Virginia, Charged with Assault and DUI
A Chicago man is in custody after fleeing from law enforcement on Saturday (May 4). Marco A. Cruz-Monroy, 27, faces multiple charges in Frederick County, including assault on a law enforcement officer and driving under the influence of drugs (DUI/DUID).
Around 9:45 a.m., motorists on I-81 reported a Dodge pickup driving recklessly, with objects being tossed from the vehicle. Virginia State Police located the truck near the 304-mile marker and attempted to stop it for reckless driving. Despite initially slowing and moving to the shoulder, the truck sped off, prompting a pursuit.
During the chase, the Dodge intentionally rammed a trooper’s vehicle, forcing it off the road. The pursuit continued to the Exit 315 ramp, where Cruz-Monroy’s truck struck a civilian vehicle, causing both vehicles to crash. Cruz-Monroy then barricaded himself in his truck, refusing to comply with commands before eventually surrendering.
While being evaluated by EMS, Cruz-Monroy became combative and bit a trooper, who suffered minor injuries and was treated at Winchester Medical Center. Cruz-Monroy is now in custody at Northwest Adult Detention Center, held without bond, with additional charges pending.
No civilians were injured during the chase or the crash.
Crime/Court
McDonald Criminal Convictions Sentencing Hearing, Part 2, Set for Late May
In the wake of the April 9, Part One Sentencing Hearing of former Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority Executive Director Jennifer McDonald, the website court calendar of the 10th Western District of Virginia has finally posted a date for Part Two of that hearing. That date is Wednesday, May 29, 2024, on the 10 a.m. docket in the Harrisonburg federal courthouse where McDonald was convicted of 30 criminal counts related to the FR-WC EDA “financial scandal” circa 2014 to 2018. Those who have followed that story since it began unraveling, including on these pages from the fall of 2016 to late 2018, will recall an estimated $26-million in EDA assets was moved to unauthorized or what is now believed to be fraudulently presented uses. Trial testimony indicated McDonald moving about $6.5 million to her personal use unauthorized by the then EDA Board of Directors.
As reported in our coverage of that April 9 hearing, Part Two will hear Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon’s rulings on a number of objections filed by both the prosecution and defense counsels to the precedence of evidence submitted by the other side in written summaries to the court leading up to the April 9th start of McDonald’s sentencing hearing. Also argued on April 9 were “Forfeiture” of defendant McDonald assets, “Restitution”, and “Special Conditions” being sought at sentencing from both the prosecution and defense. While Judge Dillon ruled on a number of these objections on April 9, she took some under advisement, seeking written support from both sides to their motions arguments.
The federal courthouse in Harrisonburg, where final pre-sentencing arguments will be heard on May 29. At that Part 2 hearing, a date will be set by Judge Dillon for Part 3, when Jennifer McDonald is expected to be sentenced from 6 to 22 years in prison on her jury convictions on 30 criminal counts related to the estimated $26-million EDA ‘financial scandal’ during her executive director leadership. Royal Examiner File Photos Roger Bianchini
In addition to those rulings, prosecution and defense counsel are expected to make final arguments in support of their sentencing proposals, and Judge Dillon will set a date for Part Three of the Sentencing Hearing. Part Three is when the 47-year-old McDonald is anticipated to find out the court’s ruling on arguments for relative leniency to prison sentencing guidelines, six years, by her legal team versus the prosecution’s high-end request. The prosecution is seeking a 22-year sentence with 24 months sought for an Aggravated Identity Theft conviction of McDonald regarding the use of Truc “Curt” Tran’s name in one involved “financial scandal” real estate transaction, tacked on to a total of 240 months (20 years) being sought on McDonald’s other 29 convictions on fraud and money laundering counts.
Crime/Court
Major Online Child Protection Operation Nets Arrest in Warren County
In a crackdown on internet crimes against children, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Northern Virginia/DC Metro Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, has announced the arrest of Steven C. Sherman, a 57-year-old man from Inwood, WV. This arrest is part of a broader effort to combat the online solicitation of minors in the region.
Name: Steven C. Sherman – Description: 6’06” white male, blue eyes, and red hair – Address: Inwood, WV – Felony Offenses:
§18.2-374.3. Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children. (x3 counts) Photo Courtesy of Eastern Regional Jail
The operation, which began covertly on February 28, 2024, involved undercover officers posing as minors online to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to exploit children. Mr. Sherman reportedly initiated unsolicited contact with an investigator who was posing as a juvenile under the age of 15. Over the course of their communications, he allegedly requested lewd photos and engaged in the transmission of obscene materials, believing he was interacting with a young girl.
On April 16, 2024, following a detailed investigation and with the assistance of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Sherman was arrested without incident and is currently held at the Eastern Regional Jail. Facing serious charges for his actions, he appeared before a magistrate and was ordered to be held without bond, pending extradition to Virginia. His court date is May 9, 2024, at the Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office has expressed gratitude towards the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office for their support in the operation and emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling such critical issues. The community is also encouraged to come forward with any information related to soliciting or exploiting minors by contacting Criminal Investigations Sergeant M.R. Ramey at (540) 635-7100 or via email at mramey@warrencountysheriff.org.
This case highlights the ongoing risks and challenges posed by online interactions and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable populations, especially children, from exploitation. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to fighting against internet crimes targeting children and urges the public to report any suspicious activities.
As this case progresses, the community hopes for a resolution that reinforces the safety and security of its children and serves as a deterrent to others who might exploit the internet’s anonymity for harmful purposes.
Crime/Court
Warren County Sheriff’s Office Cracks Down on Online Crimes Against Children
In a move to protect children from online predators, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office has made a notable arrest following a proactive undercover operation aimed at the online solicitation of minors. This operation took place in the Warren County and Front Royal areas, showcasing the department’s commitment to safeguarding the community’s vulnerable youth.
The operation came to a head on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, when Samuel Funkhouser, a 33-year-old man from Romney, West Virginia, reached out to an undercover investigator posing as a juvenile under 15. During their communication, Funkhouser requested inappropriate photos and content, believing he was interacting with a young girl. He also sent obscene materials to the investigator, some of which included illegal content involving bestiality. This unsolicited and disturbing interaction was initiated entirely by Funkhouser, leading to swift actions by law enforcement.
Samuel Funkhouser, 5’11” white male, hazel eyes, and brown hair from Romney, WV
Felony Offenses: §18.2-374.3. Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children (x3 counts) § 18.2-361.01. Sexual abuse of animals (x3 counts)
The investigative team, part of the Northern Virginia/DC Metro (NOVA/DC) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, coordinated by the Virginia State Police, worked diligently to identify and locate Funkhouser. On April 10, 2024, they executed their arrest with the support of the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office. Funkhouser was apprehended without incident and is now held at the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail. He faces a court date on May 15, 2024, with no bond offered due to the severity of the charges.
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office urges the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities concerning the exploitation of minors. Investigator C.J. McDaniel, who can be contacted at (540) 635-7100 or cmcdaniel@warrencountysheriff.org, is leading the call for community support to bring further perpetrators to justice.
This case highlights the critical importance of inter-agency collaboration, as the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office played a vital role in the successful capture of Funkhouser. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to all partners involved in this operation and remains steadfast in its resolve to combat internet crimes against children. The community is encouraged to stay informed and engaged in protecting every child from the dangers of online predators.
Crime/Court
Two Former Warren County Deputies Indicted for Murder in 2022 Death of Elderly Man Following Traffic Stop
Two former deputies of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Zachary Fadley, 31, and Tyler Poe, 27, have been indicted on murder charges relating to the April 2022 death of 77-year-old Ralph C. Ennis. This decision comes after an incident following a traffic stop in Front Royal, Virginia, where Ennis, who was reportedly suffering from dementia, was tackled and subsequently died.
The Virginia State Police announced these indictments this week, noting that the incident began when deputies observed Ennis driving erratically on Route 522. The situation escalated after a short pursuit, ending in a parking lot where the confrontation occurred.
According to police reports, Ennis appeared confused during the encounter. Family members have indicated that he was suffering from dementia at the time. After being tackled and restrained by the deputies, Ennis was hospitalized with a severe head wound and died in hospice two weeks later. While the state medical examiner initially cited natural causes related to Alzheimer’s complications as the cause of death, the actions of the deputies led to further investigation.
Last year, both deputies were also indicted on charges of malicious and unlawful wounding, with those cases still pending. These latest indicators introduce more severe allegations, indicating a shift in the prosecutorial approach to the case. Fadley and Poe were arraigned this Monday and released on bond.
This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding law enforcement interactions with vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with mental health issues. It also raises questions about the use of force and the responsibilities of law enforcement to handle such situations with greater care and understanding. The trials for the original charges have been delayed, and the community is closely watching to see how justice will be served in this tragic incident.
FRPD Dash Cam – Ralph Ennis
FRPD Body Cam – Ralph Ennis
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