Prince William County police have arrested a second suspect in connection to a death investigation that began last month in the 13200 block of Trowbridge Drive.

Jonathan Alberto Aguilar, 21, of Hazelton Drive in Woodbridge, was taken into custody on March 24 and charged with concealment of a dead body. He is being held without bond, and a court date has not yet been set.

Police previously arrested Maurice Jermaine Waller on February 20 in connection with the same case. Both men are accused of transporting and concealing the remains of Robert Patrick Hearn, 42, of Annandale, whose body was discovered in the roadway on February 8.

Officers responded to the scene at 7:17 a.m. that morning, where they found Hearn’s decomposed body. An autopsy determined there were no immediate signs of trauma, and detectives believe he died elsewhere before his body was moved to Trowbridge Drive.

Police say the case does not appear to be random. The investigation remains ongoing.

More police blotter:

Prince William County:

Homicide-Related Arrest – Second Suspect Charged

Woodbridge (22192) – March 24, 2025
Police arrested Jonathan Alberto AGUILAR, 21, in connection with the concealment of a dead body investigation from February 8. His alleged accomplice, Maurice Jermaine WALLER, had been arrested earlier. The body of Robert Patrick HEARN, 42, was found on Trowbridge Drive.

Armed Robbery – Suspect Arrested

Woodbridge (22191) – March 25, 2025
Alex Daniel GARCIA-GARCIA, 23, was arrested for robbing a 21-year-old woman at gunpoint and stealing her phone during an altercation on Easy Street.

Fatal Car Crash Under Investigation

Gainesville (20155) – March 24, 2025
A 52-year-old woman, Marat Lise ESSEX, died after her Toyota Highlander veered off Linton Hall Road, struck a guardrail, and rolled into a field. Investigators are seeking witnesses.

Shooting During Attempted Home Invasion

Woodbridge (22192) – March 24, 2025
Michael William TRAMONTANO, 36, was arrested after attempting to force his way into a neighbor’s apartment while armed. The resident fired a gun in self-defense, accidentally injuring an uninvolved neighbor. TRAMONTANO faces charges of attempted burglary and use of a firearm in a felony.

Unlawful Filming at Walmart

Dumfries (22026) – March 22, 2025
A 49-year-old woman reported a man attempting to film her in a restroom stall at Walmart. The suspect, described as a black male, 20-30 years old, with short braids, fled in a grey Nissan Rogue.

Domestic Strangulation – Suspect Arrested

Manassas (20109) – March 24, 2025
Jerrod Andre THOMPSON, 26, was arrested for strangulation and domestic assault after attacking a 37-year-old woman during an argument.

Reckless Shooting on I-95

Woodbridge (22193) – March 24, 2025
A 25-year-old man reported his car windows shattered while driving on I-95. He suffered minor injuries from broken glass. No suspects have been identified.

School Vandalism – Hate Symbols Found

Nokesville (20181) – March 20, 2025
Swastikas and derogatory language were discovered inside a Brentsville High School textbook. No threats were found, and the investigation is ongoing.

Stafford County:

DUI & Assault – Woman Attacks Man After Drinking

Jay’s Sport Lounge, Richmond Highway – March 23, 2025
A woman was arrested after assaulting a man from behind while intoxicated. She was also charged with DUI after admitting to drinking before driving.

DUI – Driver Caught Drinking Beer Behind the Wheel

Pancho Villa, Garrisonville Road – March 23, 2025
A driver was caught drinking beer inside his Mustang before attempting to leave. He was arrested for DUI with a BAC between .15 and .2.

DUI – Near Collision with Tractor-Trailer

Kings Highway & Blue and Gray Parkway – March 23, 2025
A Chevy driver nearly crashed into a tractor-trailer before being pulled over. He admitted to drinking “a couple of Bud Lights” and was arrested for DUI.

Juvenile Robbed While Playing Basketball

Olde Forge Drive – March 23, 2025
A black male suspect with a neck tattoo and beard stole a juvenile’s phone while he was playing basketball.

Larceny – Alcohol Theft at ABC Store

Garrisonville Road – March 24, 2025
A man and woman stole expensive alcohol from an ABC store and fled.

Vandalism – Park Restroom Destroyed

Willowmere Park – March 24, 2025
Vandals ripped a sink off the wall, clogged toilets with paper, and stole a mirror from a women’s restroom at Willowmere Park.

Outstanding Warrants – Two Suspects Arrested

• Pancho Villa, Warrenton Road – March 23, 2025: A suspect wanted in Stafford was located and arrested.

• Sizzling Kabob, Warrenton Road – March 24, 2025: A suspect with outstanding warrants in both Stafford and Henrico was arrested.

OmniRide, the public transit agency operated by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), is entering a new era of service expansion thanks to a newly passed state law.

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Prince William County

Gang Members Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Jailhouse Assault

Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth announced the successful prosecution of Bryan Hernandez Diaz and Jaime Garcia Mendoza following a gang-related assault on July 24, 2023, at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center in Manassas.

Both men pleaded guilty to Malicious Wounding charges. Hernandez Diaz was sentenced to 10 years in prison on September 26, 2024, by Judge Robert P. Coleman. Mendoza received the same sentence on March 20, 2025, from Judge Tracey C. Hudson. Both were already in custody for unrelated violent felonies at the time of the attack and will serve probation upon release.

The assault occurred inside Unit 13 Cell 1 when jail officers heard a cry for help. The victim was found bleeding heavily with multiple lacerations and puncture wounds consistent with sharp weapons, including a puncture wound to the chest. He told officers the attackers, including Diaz and Mendoza, declared intentions to kill him and believed he was affiliated with a rival gang to La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).

Officers discovered bloody clothing in Diaz’s cell and a four-inch bloodied nail lodged in the toilet drain.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Alex Brandler, with Detective Casey Nelsen serving as the case agent. Celina Cary and Elena Latham from the Victim Witness unit also assisted.

“We will continue to focus our office’s resources on prosecuting those that commit violent acts, especially gang violence,” said Ashworth.

Source: The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney

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Woodbridge Teen Convicted of 2022 Homicide

A jury in Prince William County found Elijah Hadley, 19, guilty of first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and gang participation for the July 2022 shooting death of Brian D. Marshall II in Woodbridge. The verdict was reached on March 21, 2025. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2025.

Marshall was found with multiple gunshot wounds to his abdomen, arms, and legs. Investigators obtained Ring camera footage showing two masked individuals approaching the scene, opening fire, and fleeing. Weeks later, Hadley was arrested on an unrelated charge. A firearm found in his possession was confirmed through forensic testing to have been used in the homicide. His DNA was also found on shell casings at the scene, and clothing matching the shooters’ attire was recovered from his home.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys Kathleen Bilton and Zoe Bair, and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Brandon Parker.

“The evidence in this case was initially too weak to proceed to justice… I am proud of, and appreciate, all of the hard work by the prosecutors and police officers that contributed to bringing this case to justice,” said Ashworth.

Victim Witness Director Tamara Thomas and Case Manager Celina Cary provided support to the victim’s family. Detectives S. Davis and D. Cupka were credited for their investigative work.

Source: The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney

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Spotsylvania County

Man Arrested in Child Pornography Investigation

On March 10, 2025, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding an online account allegedly used to upload and store child sexual abuse material.

A search warrant was executed at the home of 28-year-old Bryson Jeleniewski in Spotsylvania County. Authorities seized multiple electronic devices. Jeleniewski was arrested and charged with two counts of 18.2-374.1:1(A) — possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography. He was remanded to the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is part of the NOVA-DC Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, a nationwide network that supports local and state investigations into online child exploitation.

Community members are urged to report suspected child abuse to the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia CPS State Hotline, or NCMEC at https://report.cybertip.org or 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Anonymous tips can be submitted through www.p3tips.com or the P3Tips app.

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Prince William County

Man Shot During Argument – Suspect Arrested

Manassas (20109) – March 24, 2025
A 31-year-old man was shot after an argument escalated on Belle Grae Drive. The suspect, Adrian GARCIA, 25, allegedly fired at the victim as he tried to leave. Garcia was arrested and charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm in a felony. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Armed Robbery – Teen Held at Gunpoint

Woodbridge (22191) – March 22, 2025
A 14-year-old boy was robbed at gunpoint at Riverside Station Apartments while attempting to trade clothing via Instagram. Two suspects, described as black males in dark clothing, stole the victim’s items and fled.

Strong-Arm Robbery – Macy’s Theft Turns Violent

Manassas Mall (20109) – March 21, 2025
A man stole merchandise from Macy’s and pushed two employees before fleeing. The suspect was described as a black male with dreadlocks, wearing a red hoodie, blue jeans, and white sneakers.

Attempted Stabbing in Domestic Dispute

Manassas (20109) – March 22, 2025
Abir THAKUR, 35, was arrested after attacking a 60-year-old female family member and attempting to stab two others with a knife. He faces three counts of attempted malicious wounding and additional charges.

Suspect Attacks Officer During Crisis Call

Manassas (20109) – March 22, 2025
Joahnna Lauren ALIZAI, 33, was arrested after pushing and grabbing officers while they responded to a crisis call. She was charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer (LEO) and obstruction of justice.

Burglary – Homeowner Fights Off Intruder

Manassas (20109) – March 22, 2025
A homeowner caught Byron ARGUETA ARGUETA, 25, stealing from a shed. A struggle ensued before officers arrested Argueta, who was charged with burglary, assault, and larceny.

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Stafford County

Kinsale man faces alcohol charges

A smorgasbord of alcohol was discovered after a Jeep driver made himself easy for deputies to locate—by driving on two shredded tires.

On March 22 at approximately 5:29 a.m., Deputy A.G. Hart responded to Ferry Road for a report of a suspected drunk driver. A caller reported the driver of a Jeep was testing the slogan “go anywhere, do anything” a little too literally, maneuvering the vehicle on two destroyed tires and showing signs of intoxication.

Deputy Hart quickly spotted the vehicle, which was still in drive and blocking a driveway, with the driver slumped over the wheel. In plain sight, several beer bottles—some open—were observed inside the Jeep. After the driver awoke, deputies noted signs of impairment.

The suspect, Alfredo Hernandez Murrieta, 33, of Kinsale, was charged with driving under the influence, second offense within five years (BAC between .15 and .2), reckless driving, second offense driving without a license, and drinking while driving. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Home Invasion – Woman Assaulted & Robbed

Short Branch Road – March 22, 2025
Two female suspects entered a woman’s home, assaulted her, and stole her phone, which was later found damaged. They were arrested in another Virginia jurisdiction and face charges including malicious wounding, burglary, and larceny.

DUI – Truck Crashes into Tree

Brooke Road – March 21, 2025
A driver crashed into a tree and was found intoxicated. He was hospitalized and later charged with DUI.

DUI – Woman Found in Ditch with Open Containers

Hollywood Farm Road – March 22, 2025
A driver was arrested after her car was found in a ditch with open alcohol containers. She was charged with DUI and drinking while driving and held on a $3,000 bond.

Larceny – Three Walmart Thefts in One Day

Garrisonville Road – March 21, 2025

• A suspect stole a speaker and fled in a tan Cadillac SUV.

• A woman was caught shoplifting $290 worth of beauty products and was issued a summons.

• Two juveniles were caught stealing $50 worth of items and were released to their parents.

Public Intoxication – Man Found with Vodka Bottle

Cabell Road – March 22, 2025
A man was arrested after causing a disturbance while holding a half-empty vodka bottle.

Public Intoxication – Woman Knocks on Stranger’s Door Late at Night

Holly Corner Road – March 22, 2025
A highly intoxicated woman was found wandering and knocking on doors late at night. She was arrested for public intoxication.

Dominion Energy is preparing to launch a significant infrastructure upgrade along a key electrical transmission corridor stretching from Fredericksburg to Possum Point in Prince William County.

The project, known as the Fredericksburg-Possum Point 230 kV Electric Transmission Upgrade and Rebuild, aims to replace aging equipment and bolster grid reliability as regional electricity demand grows. The existing infrastructure has served the area for more than five decades and is reaching the end of its service life.

To meet current and future energy needs, Dominion plans to rebuild much of the existing transmission line infrastructure within the current right of way, upgrade the system from 115 kV to 230 kV, and add a new 230 kV line.

“This project will help support the area’s continued load growth and maintain reliable service,” said Dominion Energy spokeswoman Aisha Khan.

The upgrade will take place in two phases:

• Phase 1, stretching from the Fredericksburg Substation to the Aquia Harbour Substation in Stafford County, is slated to begin construction in September 2025 and be completed by late 2026.
• Phase 2, extending from the Aquia Harbour Substation to the Possum Point Substation in Prince William County, is expected to begin in late 2026, with a completion date yet to be determined.

Dominion says it has made extensive efforts to keep the public informed and involved, hosting two community meetings last year, meeting individually with property owners along the route, and maintaining a project website with the latest updates.

“As part of every project, we conduct extensive studies to ensure we reasonably minimize impacts to the surrounding environment,” said Khan.

The utility is actively working to secure all necessary local, state, and environmental permits, many of which have already been approved. During construction, Dominion says customers should not experience any disruptions in service.

The project underscores Dominion’s broader efforts to modernize its infrastructure while maintaining communication with residents, businesses, and local governments.

For more information and updates, the public is encouraged to visit the project website.

Volunteers with Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS), just outside Fredericksburg, care for 22 dogs rescued from hoarding in Lawrence County, Kentucky. The animals had been living in deplorable outdoor conditions.

The rescue, which occurred on March 20, was part of a coordinated effort between ODHS and Squishy Face Crew (SFC), a Fredericksburg-based foster-focused rescue group. The ODHS team made a nine-hour round trip to meet a transport team in Beckley, West Virginia, and bring the dogs to safety.

Initially, 70 dogs lived on the property. However, a flood drowned most of them. Only 22 survived—ranging in age from two and a half weeks to eight years—and were surrendered by the property owner. ODHS volunteers took in 15, while SFC cared for the remaining seven.

Upon intake, ODHS found the dogs in deplorable condition. “Their nails were extremely long, and they were covered in dirt and feces,” said ODHS volunteer spokesperson Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy. “They were understandably scared, but they’re slowly beginning to come around with the help of our volunteers.”

One of the youngest rescues, a two-and-a-half-week-old puppy named Neville, is still nursing with his mother, who also survived the ordeal. She is the oldest dog rescued, at eight years old, and is blind in one eye.

So far, six of the dogs have been placed into foster homes. The organization seeks foster care for the remaining dogs as they recover and begin their journey toward adoption.

“These are the situations that break your heart,” said Anna Swann, a longtime ODHS volunteer who led the transport team. “We’re giving them the chance to live the lives they deserve, in warm homes with people who love them.”

Despite the horrific conditions, no legal charges were filed against the person responsible for the hoarding. “Because the owner agreed to surrender the dogs, no legal consequences were pursued,” Kruk-Mullanaphy explained. “Often shelters will offer the option to surrender in lieu of pressing charges. While that’s frustrating, pursuing legal action in large cases like this can overwhelm shelters and lead to mass euthanasia due to space and legal holding time.”

ODHS is entirely volunteer-run and operates with the support of more than 300 fosters. The organization is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard near Fredericksburg, and holds adoption events weekly:

• Wednesdays: 5–7 p.m.
• Fridays: 6–8 p.m.
• Saturdays: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Sundays: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Advance applications are encouraged and take priority over walk-ins.

To learn more about adopting, fostering, donating, or volunteering, visit olddominionhumanesociety.org.

As spring approaches, the Prince William County Solid Waste Division is making it easier than ever for residents to tackle their annual spring cleaning with a series of environmentally friendly programs and events designed to reduce landfill waste.

Through initiatives like Dumpster Days, Community Clean-Ups, and a special paper shredding event, residents are encouraged to declutter responsibly—by recycling, donating, composting, or properly disposing of items that can’t be reused.

Dumpster Days & Community Clean-Ups
Residents can dispose of household trash and bulky items such as furniture and appliances during scheduled Dumpster Day events. Neighborhoods are also invited to host Community Clean-Ups in partnership with Keep Prince William Beautiful, which will provide a dumpster on site. A full schedule of events is available at www.pwcva.gov/dumpster-days.

Recycling and Reuse Options
The Solid Waste Division encourages residents to think beyond the trash bin:

• Yard Waste: Leaves, tree limbs, and grass clippings can be dropped off at the County Landfill or Compost Facility to be turned into mulch or compost.
• Garage Items: Automotive batteries, antifreeze, oil and filters, household batteries, and scrap metal have designated disposal areas at both the Landfill and Compost Facility.
• Donations: Clothing, shoes, linens, furniture, and small appliances can be donated at onsite bins or to local reuse organizations.

Secure Paper Shredding
A free shredding event will be held Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pfitzner Stadium parking lot, or until shred trucks reach capacity. Additional paper shredding opportunities are available during some Dumpster Day events.

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
Items such as insecticides, paint, aerosol cans, gasoline, and fluorescent bulbs require special handling. Prince William County residents can dispose of these items at no cost, provided they are sealed in original, labeled containers. Details about proper disposal and recycling programs are available at www.pwcva.gov/trashandrecycling.

“This spring, don’t just clean—clean responsibly,” said Deborah K. Campbell of the Solid Waste Division. “Whether it’s repair, reuse, or proper disposal, there’s a solution for nearly every item.”

Willing Warriors, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting recovering service members and their families, will hold a community-wide event this spring to celebrate a decade of healing and hope.

The organization will mark its 10-year anniversary with a celebration on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run near Haymarket. The retreat provides free, week-long stays for wounded service members and their families, offering them rest, reconnection, and recovery in a peaceful setting.

Since opening its doors in 2015, the Warrior Retreat has hosted nearly 2,700 warriors and their loved ones, helping to restore hope, rebuild relationships, and provide a supportive environment for healing.

“We’ve seen lives changed, marriages saved, and families restored,” said Shirley Dominick, founder of Willing Warriors. “When warriors arrive on Friday, they are often tired and discouraged. When they leave, they are smiling, hopeful, and ready to move forward.”

Dominick accepted a proclamation from the Prince William Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday, March 18, recognizing March 16–22, 2025, as Women Veterans Week and honoring the contributions of women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. During the ceremony, she reflected on the vital role the community has played in the retreat’s success.

“It is you—this community—that made all of this possible,” she told the board. “Your financial support, your volunteer hours, your belief in our mission—it has all helped us serve our nation’s heroes in a meaningful way.”

Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir read the proclamation, noting that women veterans are the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population, with many calling Prince William County home.

Sarah Ford, Executive Director of Willing Warriors, encouraged residents to attend the May 26 event. “This anniversary isn’t just about us—it’s about what this community has done together,” Ford said. “We want everyone to come out, celebrate, and be part of the next chapter.”

Willing Warriors continues to offer no-cost stays for service members recovering from both physical and invisible wounds, supported by a network of volunteers, donors, and local partners. The retreat includes private suites, accessible amenities, and access to nearby medical facilities and outdoor activities.

For more information about the anniversary event or to support Willing Warriors, visit willingwarriors.org.

The Prince William Committee of 100 drew a crowd Thursday night at Brittany’s Sports Bar to discuss how the federal government’s latest cost-cutting efforts could impact the local economy.

The panel, moderated by University of Mary Washington political science professor Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, focused on the sweeping changes being proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal initiative aiming to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending.

Federal cuts coming

Rob Hartwell, a former Capitol Hill chief of staff and now president of Hartwell Capital Consulting, warned that Prince William County’s reliance on federal jobs and contracts makes it vulnerable.

“There’s never been a complete overhaul of federal agencies in 50 years,” said Hartwell. “Now, the pendulum is swinging hard, and we’re seeing real disruption.”

According to Hartwell, Virginia is home to more than 235,000 federal employees — about 5.5% of the state’s workforce — and Prince William County alone has about 23,000, with some estimates placing that number even higher.

Public support for reform is strong, he said, citing polls showing over 60% of Americans back DOGE’s mission. But Hartwell cautioned that such popularity comes with costs. “We may lose 10% of our federal workforce here,” he said, adding that layoffs are already happening in the defense contracting industry.

Hartwell also presented examples of what he called “wasteful spending,” including $12 million for Las Vegas pickleball courts and $4.6 million for international drag shows. “It’s spending like this that makes the public fed up,” he said.

Economic outlook: gloomy

Dr. Keith Walters, director of the Stephen S. Fuller Institute at George Mason University, delivered a stark economic forecast. “I’m here to provide some doom and gloom,” Walters said, only half-joking.

Northern Virginia’s economy has underperformed the national average since 2011, Walters said, largely due to overreliance on federal procurement. He warned that layoffs in the federal and contracting sectors would likely bleed into retail, hospitality, and other industries.

Walters estimated that 1.5% of Prince William residents — those with federal jobs — could lose employment as the DOGE cuts take effect. “That’s your neighbors,” he said.

He added that the local housing crunch is compounding the region’s challenges. “There are just 552 homes for sale in Prince William County. If you’re running a business, you can’t hire people if they have nowhere to live,” Walters said.

Solutions and opportunity

Despite the dire outlook, both speakers offered solutions. Hartwell called on county leaders to diversify the economy by investing in tourism, technology, and workforce development. He also pitched ideas to revitalize Route 1 into a military technology corridor and transform Route 28 into a high-tech hub.

Meanwhile, Walters said Prince William County is doing better than some neighboring jurisdictions when it comes to housing construction. “You’re building more than most, and you’re helping the region — that’s part of why your traffic is so bad,” he said, sparking a round of chuckles.

The evening wrapped with a reminder of the stakes involved.

“We’re going to pay the price here in Prince William County,” Hartwell warned, “for the excesses of some inside the federal bureaucracy who threw our money away.”

The Prince William Committee of 100 is a non-partisan educational forum dedicated to studying essential interests, problems, and goals of the people of Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. The committee brings together diverse leaders from business, civic, and government communities to explore issues and foster common understanding. Membership is open to individuals living or working in the Prince William area engaged in civic, business, cultural, humanitarian, or similar activities.

The Committee generally offers programs on the third Thursday of every month except for June, July, August, and December. Forums typically feature panels of experts discussing current issues of importance to the community.

The Committee of 100 will continue hosting public forums on key regional issues throughout the year.

 

A paraprofessional at Conway Elementary School was arrested following an investigation into inappropriate conduct involving students, according to information from the Stafford Sheriff’s Office posted on March 20, 2025.

The sheriff reports that the investigation began on March 18 after a student alerted school officials that a male staff member was misbehaving toward a female student. A School Resource Officer immediately began an investigation, and the case was referred to detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit.

The suspect was arrested at the school, 105 Primmer House Road. Detectives say Van Orden had taken inappropriate photos and videos of unsuspecting juvenile students.

He has been charged with 19 felony counts and one misdemeanor count of unlawful creation of the image of another.

Detective B.E. Abramaitys is leading the investigation and is working to identify and notify the victims. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with Stafford County Public Schools to ensure all affected students receive appropriate support services.

“We understand parents and members of the community will have many questions, and our office will work to get those answers,” a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

Eric Van Orden, 56, of Stafford, is being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

The Sheriff’s Office commended the student who came forward with the report and said plans are underway to formally recognize the student’s bravery.

“This young man’s actions helped uncover a serious crime, and we are extremely proud of him,” the statement said.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Abramaitys at 540-658-4400.

A small group of demonstrators gathered outside the Prince William County Judicial Center in Manassas on Friday afternoon to protest President Donald Trump’s alarming consolidation of executive power.

The protest, organized by Will Stewart of Indivisible NoVA West, drew about 10 attendees. The group selected the courthouse as a symbolic backdrop to highlight what they described as the judiciary’s critical role in holding the executive branch accountable.

“This was a local protest to spotlight how Trump has sidelined or removed officials and agencies meant to keep him in check — from military legal advisers to election watchdogs,” Stewart said in an email. “The Judicial Center represents one of the three pillars of government that is still pushing back.”

Stewart said his group plans to organize more demonstrations across Prince William County in the coming months and encourages others to get involved via their Facebook page.

But Friday’s protest came as data shows growing support for Trump in the same community. In the November 2024 general election, Prince William County experienced a 3.7-point shift toward Republican candidates compared to the 2021 election, according to an analysis published by Virginia nonprofit Cardinal News.

Though Prince William remains a Democratic-leaning locality, the data suggests Republican turnout efforts outperformed expectations, especially in suburban areas where Democrats typically enjoy more substantial margins.

The protestors, however, focused less on polling data and more on policy decisions, accusing Trump of installing unqualified loyalists in key federal positions and dismantling independent oversight mechanisms.

In a lengthy statement, Stewart accused the administration of firing inspectors general, whistleblower investigators, and top military legal advisors, while weakening agencies like the Federal Election Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“His actions have effectively dismantled the guardrails of our democracy,” Stewart said.

While the group’s turnout on Friday was modest — just four individuals were photographed outside the courthouse — Stewart attributed the low numbers to a technical glitch that prevented their rally notice from being widely shared.

In previous events held in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, Stewart said the group had drawn more than 60 people.

As the 2025 campaign season heats up, Prince William County may once again become a key battleground — not just at the ballot box, but on the sidewalks where protestors and political movements seek to sway public opinion.