Front Royal woman arrested for arson, embezzlement in VFW fire

Lesley Deavers

Following an exhaustive 18-month investigation, the Front Royal Police Department on Wednesday arrested Lesley Rose Deavers, of Front Royal, in relation to the fire that destroyed the Colonel Samuel R. Millar Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1860.

According to a written statement from Capt. Jason Ryman, of the Front Royal Police Department, on Wednesday, February 8, Front Royal Police detectives, assisted by the Warren County fire marshal, executed three sealed indictments for crimes related to the Colonel Samuel R. Millar Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1860 on a former employee.

Deavers, 56, of Front Royal, was arrested on one count of embezzlement and two counts of arson. She is currently being held without bond at the RSW Regional Jail pending an initial court appearance on Thursday morning.

On July 3, 2015, Front Royal officers responded to a burglary alarm at 1847 North Royal Avenue (VFW Post 1860). On arrival and further investigation it was found that numerous items had been tampered with and also that several thousand dollars was missing from the establishment.

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

Investigation into the incident was ongoing when, on July 11, 2015, Front Royal Police and Warren County Fire/Rescue responded to the VFW Post for a reported fire. The building was destroyed in that blaze.

An intense 18-month investigation continued as a joint operation involving the following entities: Front Royal Police, Warren County Department of Fire & Rescue Services, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol-Tobacco-Firearms and Explosives, Shenandoah County Fire Marshal’s Office, Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Forensic Audit Division of the BATFE.

During the course of the investigation, an additional case was opened relating to the embezzlement of monies of approximately $100,000. The 18-month investigation culminated in the arrest of Deavers, the statement said.

VFW Post 1860, gutted by fire on July 11, 2015. Photo/Chuck Midkiff

“The VFW Post 1860 has been a fixture and meeting place for our veterans as well as the surrounding area for many years. With this arrest and the following court proceedings, all entities involved hope for closure in an incident that affected numerous citizens of our community,” Ryman said in the news release.

Anyone with information pertaining to the case is asked to contact FRPD Detective David Fogle or Warren County Fire Marshal Gerry Maiatico at 540-636-3830.