Front Royal Man Arrested in Online Solicitation Sting, Held Without Bond

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division has announced the arrest of a Front Royal resident following an undercover operation targeting online solicitation of minors.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators conducted an operation designed to identify individuals attempting to lure minors through internet communications. During the investigation, an adult male initiated contact with an undercover investigator posing as a juvenile under the age of 15. Authorities say the suspect expressed intent to meet the minor for sexual purposes.

Investigators arranged a meeting at a designated location, where the suspect arrived believing he was meeting a juvenile. At that time, he was taken into custody without incident.

ANTHONY RITENOUR. Photo courtesy of RSW Regional Jail.

The suspect was identified as Anthony W. Ritenour II, 38, of Front Royal. He was transported to the Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren (RSW) Regional Jail and appeared before a magistrate, who ordered him held without bond. His initial court appearance is scheduled for October 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

Ritenour is facing multiple felony charges stemming from the undercover operation. These include:

• Obscenity – Child Solicitation: proposing sexual acts through electronic communications with a child under age 15 (three counts, under §18.2-374.3).

• Sex Offense – Child Under Age 15: indecent liberties with a child (under §18.2-370).

The Sheriff’s Office noted that it is an active member of the Northern Virginia/DC Metro Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, coordinated by the Virginia State Police.

Officials encourage anyone with information related to the solicitation or exploitation of minors to contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. For more information about this case, the public may reach out to Lieutenant M.R. Ramey at (540) 635-7100 or by email at mramey@warrencountysheriff.org.