Warren County Man Arrested Following Sexual Offense Investigation Involving Minor

A Front Royal man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office concluded a months-long investigation into serious allegations involving a child under the age of 13.

On January 13, 2025, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division received a report regarding suspected sexual offenses committed over several years. Detectives determined the incidents occurred on multiple occasions between 2015 and 2022. As the investigation unfolded, authorities identified Donald E. Ahern as the suspect.

DONALD AHERN

On March 10, 2025, Ahern was interviewed by investigators. During that interview, he confessed to the offenses. He was immediately taken into custody and transported to Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren (RSW) Regional Jail without incident.

Following his arrest, Ahern appeared before a magistrate and was ordered to be held without bond. His court date is set for April 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

Ahern, a resident of Front Royal, faces four felony charges: two counts of rape under Virginia Code § 18.2-61 and two counts of object sexual penetration under Virginia Code § 18.2-67.2.

Sheriff Crystal M. Cline emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting children and bringing offenders to justice.

“The Warren County Sheriff’s Office will not tolerate crimes against children,” Cline said. “These offenses leave lasting impacts on victims, and we will pursue justice for them—no matter how long it takes. Our investigators are relentless in holding offenders accountable, and we encourage anyone with information about this or similar crimes to come forward.”

Due to the sensitive nature of the case and in order to protect the identity of the victim, no further details are being released at this time. However, investigators note the case remains active.

Anyone with additional information related to this case, or who may have been a victim of similar offenses, is urged to contact Investigator C.L. Powell at (540) 635-7100 or by email at cpowell@warrencountysheriff.org.