Crime/Court
‘Bawdy Place’ trial related to dropped Tharpe charge set day after Election
From left, Cynthia Atkinson Bailey with children Brandy and Jesse Atkinson outside the WC Courthouse following Tuesday’s hearing – Royal Examiner Photo/Roger Bianchini
A hearing and trial date of Wednesday, November 6, at 2 p.m. was set in the cases of Cynthia Atkinson Bailey, her daughter, son and son-in-law regarding their alleged roles in operation of a Front Royal massage parlor in which sexual favors were allegedly offered as part of the business operation.
Misdemeanor charges against the 55-year-old Bailey, daughter Brandy Nicole Atkinson, son Jesse Thomas Atkinson and son-in-law Joshua Allan Stamper will go to trial that day, while the felony charges will face a preliminary hearing.
Responding to a question from Warren County General District Court Judge W. Dale Houff, defense counsel David Downes and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Layton concurred that the joined cases would likely require a couple of hours, leading to the setting to the 2 p.m. start time for cases likely to consume the rest of the court’s afternoon docket.
Layton also informed the court that he and defense counsel were “on the same page” regarding a variety of evidentiary motions regarding discovery and alleged offense dates. In fact, Downes withdrew a submitted Bill of Particulars, telling the court that audio tapes he had received from the prosecution today “may clarify” what he had requested from the prosecution in that filing.
Among the evidentiary motions that may be in the process of resolution is Downes’ “Giglio Motion” seeking information on potential prosecution witness Tiffany Amber Wymer. That defense motion cites a felony charge “on or about December 6, 2018” for “possession with intent to distribute marijuana” that according to the defense motion was dropped by prosecutors on May 28, 2019 in Frederick County General District Court.
Downes motion on his client’s behalf questioned if the resolution of that case related to Wymer’s anticipated testimony in the Bailey et al prosecution and “whether she has received immunity from prosecution for” a variety of other possible charges, including “her fraudulent welfare applications… operating an illegal sex chat website” and “prostitution charges”. Downes further asks how many incidents of prostitution Wymer may have received immunity for.
The two sides also appeared to agree to pin down the offense dates to between May 16 and June 7, 2018. The fact that Bailey had a June 7, 2018 charge and arrest on a prostitution charge nul prossed by the Commonwealth on October 2, 2018, appeared to play a role in some contentious accusations amidst dueling press releases between the defense attorney, the Winchester Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office which took over as special prosecutor in a related case of solicitation of prostitution against former Front Royal Mayor Hollis Tharpe, and FRPD Chief Kahle Magalis.
A political twist
Downes alleged the new charges against his client were “retaliatory” & “vindictive” due to his client’s intention not to testify in the Tharpe prosecution, invoking her Fifth Amendment right not to self-incriminate. The Tharpe prosecutor’s office and FRPD denied any wrong doing or vindictiveness in the “bawdy place” bust.
Tharpe’s misdemeanor solicitation case was dismissed at the request of Special Prosecutor Heather Hovermale during a July 15 hearing. As Royal Examiner reported at the time, Hovermale told the court the prosecution could not proceed in the wake of Cynthia Bailey exerting her Fifth Amendment right not to self incriminate in response to several questions, including whether she knew Tharpe or if he had ever touched her in a way she did not invite.
His charge dismissed, Tharpe almost immediately announced that he would run in the November election to regain the mayor’s seat he announced four days after his April 15 indictment he would resign from effective May 2. As Royal Examiner has previously observed, ironically the foreman of the grand jury that handed down the indictment against Tharpe was Matt Tederick, a local Republican Committee operative and former chairman. A 4-2 council majority, Tewalt and Thompson dissenting, appointed Tederick interim mayor on May 28.
However it appears there will be no Tederick-Tharpe grudge match on Election Day, November 5. Tederick has announced he will not run in the special election to fill out the remainder of Tharpe’s term through 2020. But former mayor and current Councilman Eugene Tewalt, who announced his candidacy after Tharpe’s resignation and Tederick’s appointment, will oppose Tharpe’s attempt to regain his mayoral seat one day prior to the Bailey family trial and hearing.
Good Times, Bad Times
Bailey and her children were arrested by Front Royal Police on May 15, 2019 and charged with the misdemeanor offense of maintaining a “bawdy” (defined as gross, indecent or overly graphic) place. Other charges include receiving money from earnings of prostitution (felony), prostitution (felony), and cruelty to children, the latter charge according to the criminal complaint involving the presence of a juvenile in the Biggs Drive residence who “answered phone calls, arranged appointments and walked clients to the rooms.” The referenced juvenile is believed to be a grandchild of Bailey’s.
Joshua Allan Stamper remains incarcerated in Stafford County on unrelated charges, but was transported here for today’s hearing.
According to an FRPD press release issued on May 16, the arrests were the result of an ongoing investigation that began in late January of 2018. It also appears that investigation also resulted in the now-dismissed charge of solicitation of prostitution against Tharpe.
The indictment against Tharpe cited a May 31, 2018 incident in which Tharpe allegedly offered “money or its equivalent to another for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts… and thereafter did a substantial act in furtherance thereof against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth…”
That offer is alleged to have been made at the 312 Biggs Drive address out of which the massage parlor run by Bailey under the banner of Blue Ridge Services, operated.
Stay tuned as Hollis Tharpe seeks re-election on November 5; and Cynthia Bailey and her family fight the charges against them one day later.
Crime/Court
Tragedy strikes Shenandoah County: Motorcycle rider dead, car driver charged with DUI, involuntary manslaughter
In a tragic turn of events, a two-vehicle crash in Shenandoah County resulted in the death of a motorcyclist and left another driver seriously injured. The Virginia State Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The collision, which occurred on Sunday, May 28, took place around noon on Route 11, also known as Old Valley Pike, just north of Mooreland Gap Road. According to reports, a 2013 Ford Edge, traveling southbound on Route 11, veered across the centerline, resulting in a head-on collision with a 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction.
The motorcyclist, identified as Bradley L. Painter, 57, of Mount Jackson, VA, was declared dead at the scene, succumbing to injuries sustained in the crash. Authorities confirmed that Painter was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
JONY SALAZAR-ORTIZ
The driver of the Ford, 28-year-old Jony Salazar Ortiz from New Market, VA, sustained serious injuries in the crash. Emergency responders transported Ortiz to Shenandoah Memorial Hospital for treatment. Police confirmed that he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident.
In a subsequent development, Ortiz was taken into custody and is facing severe charges related to the crash. Authorities have charged him with one felony count of driving under the influence leading to involuntary manslaughter and one misdemeanor count of driving without a valid operator’s license.
Ortiz is currently being held without bond at RSW Regional Jail.
The Virginia State Police are actively investigating the crash. More information will be released as the investigation continues, and anyone with further information is urged to contact the local authorities. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of responsible driving and the tragic consequences that can result from negligence on the road.
Crime/Court
Joint Task Force Apprehends Child Pornography Suspect in Linden, Virginia
In a successful multi-jurisdictional operation, a Linden man was arrested on May 25th following an extensive child pornography investigation. John P. Farley Jr., 70, of the 900 block of Northern Spy Drive, Linden, was arrested and charged with 16 counts of child pornography-related offenses.
JOHN FARLEY
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID), upon receiving information from the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) Police, conducted a search warrant at Farley’s residence in March 2023. During this operation, several electronic devices from Farley’s home office were seized and handed over to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensics Unit for detailed examination.
Upon scrutiny, it was revealed that out of a total of 68 flagged items, 16 met the strict definitions of child pornography under Virginia state law. These items were carefully assessed by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Hajduk, leading to the formal charges under Virginia Code § 18.2-374.1:1 against Farley.
This collaborative effort showcases the crucial role of cross-jurisdictional operations in combating internet crimes against children. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office is a dedicated member of the NOVA/DC Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, an initiative coordinated by the Virginia State Police.
This case underscores the effectiveness of collective efforts across multiple law enforcement bodies, with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office acknowledging the pivotal assistance from the MWAA Police and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
As the fight against child exploitation continues, the public is urged to contribute any relevant information. For any details related to this case or the potential exploitation of minors, please contact Investigator Hajduk at the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 635-7100 ext. 2223 or via email at khajduk@warrencountysheriff.org.
Law enforcement agencies stress the importance of community engagement in identifying and detaining child predators, maintaining that collective vigilance plays a critical role in preserving the safety and welfare of our children.
Crime/Court
Blue Ridge Task Force strikes major blow to local drug trade
A resident of Rappahannock County, Eric L. Butler, 45, has been arrested following a six-month-long investigation led by the Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force.
The Task Force executed a search warrant on Butler’s Brinkley Lane residence on Thursday, May 25. The operation led to the seizure of substantial amounts of illicit drugs, including 100 grams of cocaine, 20 grams of heroin, and 100 grams of marijuana. The drugs seized have an estimated street value of around $18,000.
Law enforcement officers also confiscated $21,792 in currency, a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe, and seven firearms during the raid.
Eric L. Butler
$21,792 in currency, a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe, and seven firearms were confiscated during the raid.
Butler is now facing multiple felony charges related to drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Specifically, he has been charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute a schedule I/II drug, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm while in possession of a schedule I/II drug, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Following his arrest, Butler was transported to the RSW Regional Jail, where he is currently being held on a secured bond.
The Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force, which led the investigation and subsequent arrest, is a coalition of law enforcement personnel from several local Sheriff’s Offices, Police Departments, and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The Task Force includes members from the Rappahannock, Fauquier, Orange, Madison, and Culpeper Sheriff’s Offices; the Culpeper, Warrenton, and Orange Police Departments; and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Culpeper Field Office.
This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by local and state law enforcement agencies to tackle drug trafficking and associated crimes in Virginia. The successful arrest and charges brought against Butler represent a significant victory in these efforts. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to their local law enforcement agencies, as community involvement plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and drug-free community.
Crime/Court
Landlord-Tenant dispute escalates into gunfire at Shenandoah Farms residence
A long-standing dispute took a dangerous turn early this morning as shots were fired at a Shenandoah Farms residence. Local authorities were summoned to 100 block Mountain Laurel Lane following reports of a heated altercation involving a firearm. The address was previously known to the deputies due to an ongoing conflict between the landlord and the tenants.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies gathered evidence, including eyewitness accounts and a cell phone video captured by a bystander. The investigation revealed that 68-year-old Alan Wayne Forney allegedly fired a 12-gauge shotgun into the air and above the head of another individual, Jessie Lake, during the heat of the argument.
Forney was promptly arrested on charges of brandishing and recklessly handling a firearm and subsequently transported to the Rappahannock/Warren/Shenandoah Jail. A 12-gauge shotgun believed to be used in the incident was collected from the scene as evidence.
As the investigation continues, officials are encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward. Contact Deputy Doffermire at 540-635-4128 with any relevant details that could aid in the investigation.
This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the potential escalation of ongoing disputes and the role of the community in ensuring safety.
Crime/Court
Reckless firearm discharge leads to serious injury, 19-year-old in custody
A young woman was treated at Warren Memorial Hospital after a reckless firearm discharge resulted in a gunshot wound. Authorities report that the incident occurred outside town limits and is currently under investigation by Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
The Front Royal Police Department initially responded to a report from hospital staff regarding a gunshot wound victim who sought treatment at the facility. Quickly ascertaining that the shooting incident occurred outside their jurisdiction, they handed over the investigation to Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
NATHANIEL DUNCAN
Investigation findings suggest that the female victim sustained her injury due to the reckless handling of a 9mm Glock handgun by 19-year-old Nathaniel Liam Duncan. The incident took place on May 19, 2023, around 22:15 hrs on Rt 55/Strasburg Rd, as the victim was driving from Shenandoah County. The occupants of the vehicle, including the suspect, had recently left a gathering where alcohol was consumed.
Witnesses report that Duncan started to show off the Glock firearm in the moving vehicle, to the surprise of many who were unaware of the weapon’s existence. Despite the urging of a female passenger to stow the firearm safely, Duncan negligently discharged it, with the bullet passing through the driver’s seat and into the driver’s body. Remarkably, the injured driver managed to drop off all passengers at a residence before seeking hospital treatment.
Authorities later apprehended Duncan at a Warren County residence without any incident. The Glock firearm suspected to have been used in the incident was recovered from a shed at the same property.
Duncan has since been charged under Code of Virginia 18.2-56.1 for Felony Reckless handling of a firearm causing serious bodily injury to another resulting in permanent and significant physical impairment.
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office has expressed its gratitude to the Front Royal Police Department for their prompt involvement and assistance, which contributed significantly to the swift handling of the investigation.
This investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are appealing to anyone with information regarding the case to contact Lieutenant M. Glavis at (540) 635-7100 ext. 1. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of irresponsible firearm handling, particularly when alcohol is involved.
Crime/Court
WCPS staff members at Hilda J. Barbour Elementary on leave following complaint; Joint investigation by Warren County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Social Services underway
Warren County Public School’s administration was made aware of a complaint involving staff members at Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School. The staff members were placed on leave pending an investigation. WCPS employees immediately contacted the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Social Services to conduct a joint investigation into the complaint.
Parents with children in the affected classroom were contacted and were asked to speak to their child and to contact WCPS personnel if they had additional questions or information.
Staffing has been shifted to provide continued educational services and supports in the classroom.
This is an ongoing investigation, and no additional comments will be made at this time.
Press Release from Warren County Public Schools.
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