Crime/Court
FRPD announces arrest of Natural Bridge man for online sexual solicitation of local minors
On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, Front Royal Police detectives initiated an investigation regarding the solicitation of minors in the Warren County/Front Royal area. Detectives started a proactive approach to apprehend individuals soliciting underage victims for sexual purposes. An undercover operation ensued, and an adult male began soliciting one of our detectives who he believed to be a female under the age of 15 years old for photographs and sexually explicit material. The adult male suspect sent sexually explicit materials to the detective who was posing in an undercover capacity as a juvenile. The initial conversation was unsolicited and started by the offender in this case.
Photo Courtesy of Rockbridge Regional Jail
Through the course of this investigation, police identified the suspect as 49-year-old Natural Bridge, Virginia resident, Douglas T. Hatcher. On April 7, 2023, detectives travelled to Houchins home in Natural Bridge, VA, and he was apprehended for the offenses listed below. Hatcher was transported to the Rockbridge Regional Jail where he went before the magistrate and was ordered to be held without bond. The court date for the listed offenses has been set for April 20, 2023, at 09:00 a.m. in Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
The Front Royal Police Department is an active member of the Northern Virginia/DC Metro (NOVA/DC) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which is coordinated by the Virginia State Police. We request anyone with information regarding the solicitation or exploitation of any minor to contact Front Royal Police Department. Anyone with further information regarding this case please contact Detective M.R. Ramey at (540) 636-2208 or by email at mramey@frontroyalva.commramey@frontroyalva.com.
The Front Royal Police Department would like to thank the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation and the successful apprehension of this individual.
Name: Douglas T. Hatcher
Description: 6’03” white male, green eyes, and brown hair
Address: Natural Bridge, VA
Offenses: § 18.2-374.3. Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children. (x5)
American Songs Concert Coming to First Baptist Church in Front Royal on October 25
When Grief Doesn’t Ease With Time
Sudden Cardiac Arrest May Not Be As Sudden As Its Name Suggests
100 Years of Hundred Acre Wood
A Moment of Honor: Veterans Receive a Powerful Tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Samuels Public Library Invites Young Writers and Artists to Enter 48th Annual Holiday Contest
New Exhibitions Bring World-Class Contemporary Art to Downtown Front Royal
VDOT: Warren County Traffic Alert for October 19 – 23, 2026
Discover The Many Benefits Of Organized Sports
The Family Bond That Doesn’t Necessarily End When Contact Does
Virginia State Police Urge Drivers to Stop for School Buses and Students
Economic Development Director Patrick Barker Details Maturing Plan at Town-County Liaison Meeting
Virginia Breeders’ Championships Begin This Weekend at Shenandoah Downs
Local Author Invited to Share Children’s Book at Irish Castle That Inspired It
Virginia State Police Seize More Than $334,000 in Drugs, Recover Five Firearms in Weeklong Operations
Business Growth Series: Big Projects Don’t Get Done — Small Tasks Do
Data Center Moratorium Bills Stack Up Ahead of Virginia Legislative Session in January
Transgender Care for Young Patients Remains On Hold at Virginia Hospitals
Commentary: Spanberger’s Energy Plan Dazzles – and Disappoints
The Workplace Accommodation That Costs Nothing
Nothing In Dolly Parton’s Library Is Ever Returned
Trump: Execution of Fort Hood Shooter Will Not Be Livestreamed
Harmony Hollow Holler Music Festival Brings Appalachian Music to Front Royal October 17
Winsome Earle-Sears Warns of Consequences of Virginia’s Proposed Constitutional Amendments
