
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Authorities are investigating a suspected case of mass pesticide poisoning at a local beekeeping operation, where more than 50 honeybee colonies were found dead in what the farm’s owner believes was an intentional act of vandalism.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to Rock Hill Honeybee Farms, located at 45 Pinto Lane, on Monday, April 14, at 4:05 p.m. after the property owner discovered thousands of dead bees outside their hives. Deputy B.E. Vaughn took the report, and sheriff’s spokesman Ryan Wilbur confirmed a total of 50 hives were affected. The case remains under active investigation.
Gennaro “Jerry” Mattiaccio, owner of Rock Hill Honeybee Farms, said the discovery was made on Sunday when he and an employee noticed an unusually high number of dead bees near the entrances to the hives. Upon closer inspection, Mattiaccio said he recognized telltale signs of insecticide poisoning.
“The bees are hygienic by nature—when something harmful is introduced into the colony, they eject it,” said Mattiaccio. “We examined them and saw their tongues were protruding, which is a classic sign of poisoning.”
The financial toll of the attack is estimated between $15,000 and $20,000, with up to 520,000 bees lost. Each colony typically holds between 15,000 to 20,000 bees, and Mattiaccio says roughly half of his bee population has been wiped out.
Rock Hill Honeybee Farms, founded in 2010, serves customers across the region, producing local honey and providing pollination services for crops, including California’s almond orchards. The farm was preparing for peak production season, during which it bottles approximately 300 one-pound jars of honey per week.
“This isn’t just a business—it’s an environmental necessity,” Mattiaccio said. “Bees support agriculture, aid allergy sufferers, and even have battlefield medical applications as an antimicrobial. The loss here is devastating not only to us, but to the broader ecosystem.”
Beyond the dead bees, Mattiaccio also discovered that a gate on his property had been locked with a heavy-duty chain and combination lock—the fourth time he says someone has attempted to block access to his land. He suspects a neighbor may be responsible, citing previous incidents of verbal harassment and complaints to local officials about his beekeeping operations.
“They’ve testified against me having access to my own back road,” he said. “I’ve had neighbors yell at me and my workers just for having bees.”
Mattiaccio has filed a police report and says state pesticide inspectors will visit the farm to collect samples to determine what chemical was used. In the meantime, he and the community are offering a reward.
Rock Hill Honeybee Farms and Mason Dixon Cafe are jointly offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest, indictment, and conviction of those responsible for the incident.
Despite the setback, Mattiaccio remains determined to rebuild.
“I’m a soldier and a farmer,” he said. “We have setbacks all the time—but we rebuild. And that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.
Recent Stories

Empower Your Future: Leadership, Mentorship, Education, and Networking — Calling middle and high school students for FREE Educational Summer Programming!
LLT STEMpower Camp at Marymount University
Middle School Students | Two Sessions:
July 7–11, 2025
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has