Deavers remains jailed, Feb. 13 bond hearing scheduled

Lesley Deavers

FRONT ROYAL — The Front Royal woman arrested and charged Wednesday in connection with the 2015 fire at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1860 remains in custody at the RSW Regional Jail after Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge Kevin C. Black denied bond Thursday (Feb. 9) morning.

During the video hearing, Judge Black asked Lesley Rose Deavers if she had legal representation.  She replied that Front Royal lawyer David Downes had represented her in the past but that she had not yet had a chance to seek counsel on the current charges.

Prior to initial publication of this story the Royal Examiner unsuccessfully attempted to contact Downes to verify whether he would represent Deavers.

Black then set a bond hearing for Monday, Feb. 13, at 9 a.m., saying that Deavers would have time to line up an attorney and could then reapply for bond.

Deavers, 56, a longtime VFW employee, has been charged with setting the July 11, 2015 fire that gutted the building, causing about $500,000 in damages.

Warren County Fire and Rescue personnel on the scene of the VFW blaze on July 11, 2015. In spite of their valiant efforts, the building was gutted by fire. Photo: WCF&R

Officials were already investigating a July 3, 2015 break-in involving several thousand dollars in missing cash, when the fire occurred, according to a press release from the Front Royal Police Department.

FRPD spokesman Capt. Jason Ryman said Deavers developed into a suspect over time. He said more agencies became involved as the scope of the case broadened.

The investigation remains open and active; anyone with information regarding the break-in, fire or the alleged embezzlement is encouraged to contact Detective David Fogle at the Front Royal Police Department at 430-635-2111or Warren County Fire Marshal Gerry Maiatico at 540-636-3830.