Frederick County couple arrested in multi-jurisdiction operation

Bernard Lee Ballard

On Wednesday the Warren County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a Frederick County man and woman as a result of the investigation into a breaking & entering at 6968 Winchester Road that was reported two days earlier, Monday, March 13.  Deputies responded Monday at 2:44 p.m.

Bernard Lee Ballard, 50, and Phoebe Sue Kidwell, 43, both of 149-3 Stephenson Road, Stephenson Virginia, were identified as suspects of the theft of an estimated $1,000 of property from the Winchester Road, Warren County residence.  Felony warrants were issued for both on charges of entering a dwelling house with intent to commit larceny, assault and battery or other felony; and grand larceny.

Phoebe Sue Kidwell

On Tuesday Front Royal Police located a vehicle matching the description of one that Ballard and Kidwell were known to use.  Warren County Sergeant Brogan along with Front Royal Police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at which time Ballard and Kidwell were taken into custody without incident.

Following their arrests a search warrant was obtained for the couple’s 149-3 Stephenson Road address.  The search warrant was executed with the assistance of Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.  During the search a utility trailer was located on the property that had been reported as stolen to the Front Royal Police on March 8.  Due to the location of the residence, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office handled recovery of the trailer.  The press release did not state if any of the items being sought in the March 13 Winchester Road B&E were recovered.

Ballard is being held on a $2500 bond and Kidwell on a $1500 bond.  Both are being held at the RSW Regional Jail.

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to contact Investigator Pugh at (540) 635-7100 or (540) 635-4128.