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Police Blotter: Assault, DUI, and Vandalism Cases Reported 

[Photo: Alan Gloss]

Prince William County

MALICIOUS WOUNDING | ARMED ROBBERY
Regency Apartments, Gardenia Ln, Manassas | March 20 (Arrests on March 23 & 29)
A 38-year-old woman was lured by acquaintances, assaulted, cut with a razor, and robbed.

  • Malkia Dannelle Alexander, 40, of Fredericksburg – Charged with malicious wounding
  • Devin Edward Thompson, 38, of Haymarket – Charged with malicious wounding and robbery
    Both suspects have been arrested.

STRANGULATION [Domestic]
Deward Ct, Manassas | March 30, 9:00 p.m. (Reported March 31)
A 61-year-old woman was choked and beaten during a domestic dispute.
Otis Lee Allen, 54, is wanted for strangulation and domestic assault. He remains at large.

BRANDISHING OF A FIREARM [Road Rage]
Opitz Blvd & Gideon Dr, Woodbridge | March 28, 4:08 p.m.
A road rage incident escalated when a driver pointed a firearm at another man.
Marshad D. Ledbetter, 29, of Triangle is wanted for brandishing a firearm.

RECKLESS HANDLING OF A FIREARM
Keelingwood Cl, Woodbridge | March 31, 8:55 p.m.
Tyra Tedder, 26, fired several rounds into the air during a verbal dispute. No injuries or damage were reported. She was arrested and released on a $2,500 bond.

Stafford County

ASSAULT
Paradise Court | March 31, 1:45 p.m.
A boyfriend was charged with assault and battery after attacking his girlfriend during an argument over money. Bystanders intervened. He is held without bond.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

  • Richmond Hwy & Woodstock Ln | March 30, 7:18 p.m.
    A Dodge Ram driver with expired tags admitted to drinking “quite a few Buzz Balls.” He faces DUI (BAC over .2), open container, and registration violations. Held on a $2,500 bond.
  • Enterprise Rent-a-Car, 2875 Richmond Hwy | March 31, 12:14 p.m.
    A woman with a heavily damaged vehicle said her car was “a little wonky.” She was charged with DUI and lane violation. Held until sober.
  • Bells Hill Rd | March 31, 12:47 a.m.
    A man was caught urinating after swerving on the road. Police found an open box of wine and a fake registration. He was charged with DUI, refusal, altered plates, and other infractions. Held on a $3,000 bond.

LARCENY
Goodwill, 54 North Stafford Complex Center | March 31, 12:13 p.m.
A man’s speaker was stolen from his bike while he shopped. Video evidence led to a suspect confession. A warrant was issued.

VANDALISM

  • Giant, 35 Town & Country Dr | March 30, 7:33 a.m.
    Rocks were thrown at a woman’s vehicle during breakfast.
  • Royal Farms, 4 Commerce Pkwy | March 30, 2:55 p.m.
    A motorcyclist damaged a gas pump nozzle in frustration.
  • Coastal Ave | March 31, 10:54 a.m.
    A family woke up to find their home egged—no candy involved.

WARRANT SERVED
7-Eleven, 378 Garrisonville Rd | March 30, 5:18 p.m.
Deputy Bates spotted a wanted woman who initially resisted. A tattoo confirmed her identity. She was arrested for a probation violation, obstruction, and drug possession. Held without bond.

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Events Around Prince William, Manassas in April

[Pixabay via Pexels]
April will be a busy and hopefully dry month around Prince William County and Manassas with several budget meetings and activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings.

Tuesday (April 1)

Wednesday (April 2)

Thursday (April 3)

Friday (April 4)

Saturday (April 5)

Sunday (April 6)

Monday (April 7)

April 8

April 9

April 11

April 12

April 13

April 14

April 15

April 16

April 17

April 18

April 19

April 21

April 22

April 23

April 26

April 28

April 29

April 30

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VDOT to Close Rock Hill Church Road Overnight for Pipe Replacement in Stafford County

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will close Route 644 (Rock Hill Church Road) overnight on Sunday, April 6 for a pipe replacement project near Route 671 (Van Horn Lane).

The closure will begin at 8 p.m. Sunday and last through 6 a.m. Monday, April 7. VDOT crews will replace a drainage pipe underneath the roadway during this time. Drivers will be detoured along a 10-mile route using Route 610 (Garrisonville Road), Route 643 (Joshua Road), and Route 627 (Mountain View Road).

Once the road reopens early Monday morning, crews will return to the site at 9 a.m. to apply new asphalt. One-way, alternating traffic will be directed through the area during the paving work, with a flagging crew managing the flow of vehicles.

The work is part of a larger infrastructure improvement project to widen the Rock Hill Church Road bridge over Aquia Creek and upgrade the surrounding roadway. VDOT began preliminary work in 2023, with full construction expected to begin in spring 2025. The project is designed to enhance safety and mobility in the area and is projected to be completed by 2026.

The pipe replacement and paving are early steps in preparing the roadway for more extensive construction in the years ahead.

The work is weather-dependent, and electronic message boards will be installed to alert drivers of the planned closure and detour.

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Police Blotter: Assaults, Armed Robbery, DUI Arrests, Break-In, and Reckless Driving Crash

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]
Prince William County

Domestic Dispute Turns Violent in Coverstone IV Apartments
At 10:10 p.m. on Friday, March 29, police were called to the Coverstone IV Apartments on Cass Place for a domestic incident. A 27-year-old woman told officers that her acquaintance, Micah Emmanuel Ragin, 30, of Kannapolis, N.C., assaulted and strangled her during an argument. The man also allegedly threatened her with a knife. Police obtained warrants for Ragin, who remains at large. He is wanted for strangulation, attempted malicious wounding, and domestic assault and battery.

Instagram Sale Leads to Armed Robbery
Early Saturday morning, March 30, a 21-year-old man reported being robbed at gunpoint during a meet-up to sell clothing through Instagram. The robbery occurred on Croce Court, also in the Coverstone IV Apartments. The buyer pulled a firearm and, with the help of an accomplice, stole clothing, money, and a firearm. No injuries were reported. The suspects fled before police arrived.

Driver Brandishes Gun at Group
Just before 10:40 p.m. on March 28, officers responded to Sudley Road, where the driver of a white BMW allegedly pulled a gun on a group of people during an argument in a parking lot. A 23-year-old man approached the vehicle and was threatened with the weapon. The suspect fled the scene. No injuries were reported.

Gunfire in Two Neighborhoods
Officers also investigated two separate reports of gunfire in Manassas on Sunday, March 30:

Around 4:47 p.m., multiple shots were heard on Twin Rivers Drive. A red sedan was seen fleeing. Shell casings were recovered, with no injuries or damage reported.
At 5:33 p.m., more shots were reported on Duvon Place. A vehicle sped away, and shell casings were found nearby on Evans Ford Road. No injuries or damage were reported.

Stafford County

Chess Match Escalates into Assault
On March 29 at 6:46 p.m., deputies responded to a home on Puri Lane where an intoxicated man allegedly assaulted another person after a dispute during a chess game. The suspect also attempted to retrieve a firearm. Deputies arrested him after a brief struggle. He was charged with assault and battery, public intoxication, and obstruction of justice.

Ramoth Church Rider Charged
On March 28 just before 10 p.m., deputies were called to the 1000 block of Ramoth Church Road for a vehicle crash. A Toyota traveling at high speed left the roadway and slammed into a parked pickup truck, pushing it approximately 175 feet into a neighbor’s home. The driver, a 29-year-old man, was injured and showed signs of intoxication. Deputies found numerous bottles of alcohol in the car. The man was charged at the hospital with DUI, driving without a license, no insurance, and reckless driving. No one inside the home was injured.

DUI Arrests

Washington Square Plaza (3/28, 12:20 p.m.): A man was found intoxicated behind the wheel of a Jeep in the Sheetz parking lot. He admitted to drinking “a lot” and had open containers. He was charged with DUI and driving on a revoked license.

Richmond Hwy & Courthouse Rd (3/29, 2:22 a.m.): A woman driving 50 mph in a 35 mph zone was pulled over. She had open containers and failed sobriety tests. She was charged with DUI, speeding, and refusal.

George Mason Road (3/29, 6:27 p.m.): A woman driving a Mercedes was stopped after tailgating. She admitted to drinking five glasses of wine and claimed her “bubbly personality” could be mistaken for intoxication. She was charged with DUI and released to a responsible party.

Fraud Alert
A resident reported receiving a scam phone call from someone posing as a sheriff’s deputy demanding a gift card to avoid arrest for missing jury duty.

Thefts and Larcenies

Ulta Beauty (3/28): Three suspects stole over $5,000 in high-end cosmetics and hair care products.
America’s Best Value Inn (3/29): A man not staying at the hotel was caught stealing towels for the second day in a row.
Walmart (3/29): A man was cited after stealing oral care products and leaving in a Chevy Malibu.
Public Intoxication Calls

Town Center Blvd (3/28): An intoxicated woman trying to walk to Woodbridge was taken to the hospital.
Garrisonville Road (3/29): A man walking with his pants falling down was arrested for public intoxication.
Warrant Arrests

Raynar Court (3/28): A woman wanted in Pennsylvania was arrested without incident.
Garrison Woods (3/29): A man wanted in Stafford, Caroline County, and Maryland was arrested and held without bond.

Fredericksburg

Home Invasion and Aggravated Assault Under Investigation
Fredericksburg Police are investigating a violent breaking and entering that occurred around 10:40 p.m. on March 29 in the 1000 block of Hotchkiss Place. A masked man dressed in all black forced his way through a basement door and assaulted a female resident, strangling her until she lost consciousness. The victim later regained consciousness and struggled with the intruder, possibly breaking his arm before he fled on foot toward the Snowden Hills area.

Despite searches by the Fredericksburg Police Drone Team and a K9 unit from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect remains at large. He is described as a heavier-set man, approximately 6’2”, wearing all-black clothing and a black balaclava. Anyone with information is asked to contact Fredericksburg Police at 540-373-3122.

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Girlfriend’s Taphouse Opens in North Stafford with Comfort, Class, and a Killer Porterhouse

A familiar spot on Garrisonville Road has a fresh new vibe, a new name, and a menu worth talking about.

Girlfriend’s Taphouse opened its doors Friday, March 29, 2024, at 225 Garrisonville Road, in the space formerly occupied by Fatty’s Taphouse. General Manager Robert Shaw, along with partners Jen and Joe, completely reimagined the space — investing more than $200,000 into a full renovation that includes everything from new floors to fresh fixtures.

“We’re an upscale casual restaurant — not a dive bar, not corporate — something Stafford doesn’t have,” Shaw said.

The menu is rooted in American classics with a touch of elegance. Shaw recommends the Maple Bacon Porterhouse, a standout 16oz bone-in pork chop that delivers both a hearty chop and a tender loin cut. Pan-seared with bacon, molasses, and maple, the dish balances sweet and savory in every bite. The bacon? A delicious touch.

Start your meal with the crab cakes — generously packed with meat and lightly crisped on the outside — a solid pick for any seafood lover. If you’ve got room after dinner, don’t skip dessert. The fried cheesecake and brownie are indulgent and memorable.

While the restaurant is still waiting on its ABC license, a full bar is planned, including 24 beers on tap, bourbons, wines, and more. Shaw is sourcing beer from local favorites like Six Bears and a Goat and hopes to add Stafford-based Barley Naked Brewing Co.

The restaurant currently has a staff of over 20 — many with long-standing ties to Shaw from previous kitchens. “We’re a family, and we treat our guests like family too,” he said. “We want to know your name, your favorite dish, and your drink before you sit down.”

Girlfriend’s Taphouse is aiming to be Stafford’s go-to place for families, professionals, and anyone looking for good food in a warm, welcoming space.

Just don’t expect $1 beers and dive-bar energy. This is something new — and something better.

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Goat Yoga, Raptors, and Riverfront Fun: Fredericksburg Gears Up for Earth Day Festival at Old Mill Park

One of Fredericksburg’s most popular parks will transform into an eco-celebration zone on Saturday, April 26, as the city hosts its annual Earth Day Festival at Old Mill Park.

Now in its 20th year, the festival draws thousands of attendees and celebrates environmental awareness through hands-on activities, live entertainment, and eco-friendly vendors.

“The Earth Day Festival is really all about helping the community get excited about our planet and excited about taking care of it,” said Callie Brown, Superintendent of Recreation for Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is expected to draw between 2,000 and 5,000 people — and potentially more if the weather holds out. The largest turnout to date reached nearly 8,000 attendees.

A Park Fit for the Planet

Old Mill Park, located along the Rappahannock River and the Heritage Trail, is the city’s most-used green space. Its open fields, tree cover, and riverfront access make it a perfect venue for the festival.

“This is a really great location,” said Brown. “It’s a scenic and central space that’s easy to access, especially for those who want to walk or bike in.”

Festival organizers encourage attendees to use alternative transportation such as walking, biking, or carpooling. There is no public parking on-site except for those with handicap permits. Shuttle service will be available from nearby satellite parking lots.

What to Expect

  • The day will be packed with activities for all ages:
  • Live music throughout the event.
  • Earth Quest Raptor Show at 1 p.m., featuring live birds of prey.
  • Interactive vendor booths promoting sustainability and education.
  • Rock climbing wall and tree climbing challenges.
  • Paddling pool, presented by the Virginia Outdoor Center, where attendees can try kayaking and canoeing in a controlled environment.
  • And perhaps the most anticipated: Goat yoga and a live demonstration of how goats will be used to mow grass at the park.

“We’re starting a new initiative at Old Mill where they’re gonna be bringing in goats to mow some of the grasses,” said Brown. “The goats will be on site, and there will even be baby goats doing goat yoga.”

Months in the Making

Planning for the Earth Day Festival begins as early as November. Brown leads a team that organizes vendor applications, logistics, entertainment, sponsorships, and promotions.

“Our staff divides into teams — attractions, sponsorship, parking — and we meet regularly to bring it all together,” said Courtney Merzowski, Superintendent of Special Events. This will be Merzowski’s first Earth Day Festival in her new role.

All vendors are required to include interactive elements at their booths, such as educational displays, hands-on activities, or demonstrations.

“We don’t want people to just come and buy things. We want them to engage with Earth Day themes and learn something new,” Brown said.

A detailed schedule and shuttle information will be posted online ahead of the event. Visitors are encouraged to check the site before attending.

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Youngkin Touts Virginia’s 250,000 Job Openings at Stafford Tech Firm

SimVentions President Joe Caliri said the company currently has nearly job openings.

Governor Glenn Youngkin visited Stafford County on Friday, highlighting more than 250,000 open jobs across Virginia—even as concerns mount over federal job cuts. Speaking at SimVentions, an engineering and technology services firm in Stafford, Youngkin told the crowd, “Virginia has jobs. Lots of jobs.”

The event, hosted at SimVentions’ headquarters, was organized with the help of State Senator Tara Durant (R-28, Fredericksburg, Stafford), who said the initiative behind the state’s jobs rollout has been years in the making.

Youngkin praised the Commonwealth’s momentum in job growth, citing key statistics.

“We’ve had over 260,000 more people working today than just three years ago,” said Youngkin. “And that has translated into over $100 billion of investment committed to plants, to expansions, to R&D centers, to new headquarters, and very importantly, to new power supplies across all of Virginia.”

Youngkin also pointed to four consecutive years of budget surpluses totaling nearly $10 billion. “We’ve been able to return a substantial amount of money in tax relief to our owners, the people of Virginia. $8 billion by the time we’re done,” he said, noting the number could reach $9 billion under the current budget negotiations.

The governor emphasized that investment has extended to education, with “Virginia investing 50% more in education than we did just five years ago.”

SimVentions President Joe Caliri said the company currently has “27 or 29 job openings,” with most roles focused on “high-tech secure type work—software engineering, system engineering, modeling simulation, cyber security, and then all the analytics that come along with that.”

Caliri said SimVentions has grown from just three employees to more than 400. “It’s been a challenge to grow the business at the right level, at the right pace. But hiring the right people makes a big difference. So we’re really picky about who we hire and make sure we keep them once we get them.”

Although SimVentions has not been directly impacted by the federal job cuts, Caliri said the ripple effects of federal job losses are being felt.

“It affects me watching the patriots who are federal employees kind of get shoved aside a little bit,” he said. “So if our customers aren’t being successful or don’t have an opportunity to be successful, by definition, we can’t be successful.”

Durant said the virginiaHasjobs.com initiative wasn’t a reactive move—it’s been long in development.

“They started this out of necessity even before we started to see this whole new conversation from a different perspective that some people may be looking for work,” she said. “So I think that’s why the website and the rollout has been so phenomenal because clearly you can tell they’ve been working on this for a decade.”

Asked if the region is prepared for more federal layoffs, Durant said, “In our family, we’re walking through this with our family and friends too. My husband is a federal employee. Everybody’s affected. Yeah, we’re walking through this together.”

Still, she expressed hope that Stafford County and surrounding areas may weather the storm better than others. “Considering this region has been so vibrant and we’ve been growing so fast, I think we’re going to, you know, hopefully we will land better than maybe some other parts,” she said.

Youngkin urged those impacted by federal cuts—or anyone seeking a new opportunity—to visit virginiahasjobs.com, where more than 250,000 jobs are listed.

“The second most powerful three words in the English language are, ‘You are hired,’” said Youngkin. “They express so much. I value you, and therefore want you to be part of our team. You will have a future, and therefore you don’t hire a person. Oftentimes, you hire a family.”

 

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Youngkin Blasts Local Leaders on Immigration Policy After MS-13 Arrest

SimVentions President Joe Claire and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) in Stafford County.

Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) visited Stafford County today, urging Northern Virginia officials to reinstate cooperation with federal immigration authorities following the high-profile arrest of a suspected MS-13 gang leader in Dale City.

“It is not rocking the boat. It’s collaborating to keep communities safe,” Youngkin said, referencing renewed calls from residents to restore Prince William County’s participation in the controversial 287(g) program. The program allows local jail officers to identify and refer undocumented immigrants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for possible removal.

On March 26, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested Wilmer Ernesto Canales-Rodriguez, 31, in Dale City. Authorities describe him as a “high-ranking leader of the MS-13 street gang” linked to violent criminal activity, including drug and human trafficking along the East Coast. He is being held without bond at the Prince William–Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center, pending extradition on federal charges.

Youngkin said the arrest was the result of “a four-week process” in which federal cooperation helped “unpick networks” of gang activity in the region. “Yesterday, we were able to arrest the East Coast leader of MS-13, living right here in Prince William County,” he said. “Elected leaders who are resistant to collaborating with federal resources… aren’t taking into consideration the well-being of their own constituents. They need to get with it.”

He cited a 500% increase in the number of arrests of violent undocumented criminals compared to the same time last year, attributing the spike to renewed collaboration with federal law enforcement. “What was going on before was wonderful police work by local folks, but it pales in comparison to what we can do now,” he said.

Community Push to Reinstate 287(g)

The governor’s remarks follow community outcry at a March 19 meeting of the Prince William–Manassas Regional Jail Board. Manassas resident Ben Walters told Potomac Local News he was turned away from the meeting along with others who hoped to voice support for reinstating 287(g).

“I submitted written comments well in advance, but they were not made available at the meeting. And since I wasn’t allowed in, I also had no opportunity to present them verbally,” Walters wrote.

Jail Board Chairman and Prince William County Sheriff Glendell Hill acknowledged the limitations of the small meeting space and a failed livestream QR code. He said future meetings may be moved to larger venues if public interest continues.

Hill emphasized that reinstating 287(g) was not on the March agenda.

“The public does not set the board’s agenda… To make changes based on speculation is unwise,” Hill said.

He also clarified that while the jail continues to house ICE detainees and receives revenue for doing so, staffing shortages limit further cooperation. Prince William County ended its 287(g) agreement in 2020 following public protests and concerns about trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.

Local Reactions Divided

Elected officials offered mixed responses to the arrest and the renewed debate over 287(g).

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-10, Manassas) praised law enforcement but criticized the handling of the announcement.

“There is no home for MS-13 or any group that wants to engage in violence, drug trafficking, or human trafficking in Virginia. I commend the brave law enforcement officers… but the Trump Administration seems to prefer to turn serious law enforcement action into political theater,” Subramanyam said.

“Violent gang members have no place in our Commonwealth or Prince William County… Their bravery has made us all safer,” said Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R-Bristow).

Prince William County Supervisor Tom Gordy (Brentsville District) said his office was not informed before the arrest or the press conference but voiced support for interagency cooperation.

“The majority of violent crimes, outside of domestic violence, is gang and/or drug related,” Gordy said. “I support any measure which would increase local cooperation with federal authorities who are working to make Prince William safer.”

The next Jail Board meeting is scheduled for May. Sheriff Hill said public comments may still be submitted in writing under existing bylaws, though verbal comments remain optional.

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FredNats to Celebrate 2024 Carolina League Championship with Ring Ceremony at Riverfront Park

(Photo | Facebook: Fredericksburg Nationals)

Fredericksburg is getting ready to paint the town red, white, and blue to honor its hometown heroes—the Fredericksburg Nationals—after their 2024 Carolina League Championship victory.

Fans are invited to join the Carolina League Championship Celebration and Ring Ceremony on Monday, April 7, at noon at Riverfront Park in downtown Fredericksburg. The event will honor the FredNats’ thrilling 2024 season and their second league title since the team’s arrival in the city.

Players from the championship roster, including those who have since been promoted to the High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks, will return to Fredericksburg for the festivities. The celebration will feature remarks from FredNats manager Jake Lowery, team owner Art Silber, and Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine.

In a symbolic nod to the city’s baseball traditions and hometown pride, one player will ceremoniously throw a silver dollar across the Rappahannock River—a playful tribute to the team’s bold spirit and the community’s support.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone with the entire city,” said FredNats manager Jake Lowery in a previous statement. “The fans were with us every step of the way during our championship run, and this celebration is as much theirs as it is ours.”

Attendees are encouraged to wear their FredNats championship gear, arrive early, and be ready to kick off the 2025 season with the reigning champs. The celebration also marks a connection between the team and Fredericksburg, where downtown has become a gathering place for fans and families since the team relocated from Woodbridge in 2020.

The FredNats’ 2024 victory was a hard-earned triumph, capping off a stellar season that included standout pitching performances and a late-season surge that secured a playoff spot. In the championship series, they faced off against the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and emerged victorious, sweeping the playoffs and clinching the title in front of a packed home crowd.

The win ignited a wave of excitement across the region and cemented the FredNats’ place in Fredericksburg sports history.

Stay with Potomac Local News for continuing coverage of the FredNats and community events around Fredericksburg.

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Vacancy Report Reveals Staffing Challenges in Prince William County Government

Prince William County is grappling with dozens of long-term staff vacancies, prompting concern among officials about recruitment, retention, and the impact on services.

During the county’s first Finance and Budget Committee meeting on Tuesday, David Sinclair, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, delivered a detailed vacancy analysis at the request of the Board of County Supervisors. The analysis focused on county government positions that have remained unfilled for 270 days or more.

According to Clare, 56 roles, totaling 45.82 full-time equivalent (FTE), remained vacant as of February 1, 2025. The combined value of the salaries, benefits, and taxes associated with those vacancies was $4.6 million.

“Some of these positions have been vacant for over a year. And while there are cost savings, they often come with service disruptions,” Sinclair told the committee.

The Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center (ADC) had the highest long-term vacancies. The facility has 15.6 FTE jail officer positions that have been unfilled for more than nine months. Last year, the county eliminated 23 jail officer positions from the budget, citing staffing shortages and a lower average daily jail population.

Supervisor Andrea Bailey (Potomac District) and others expressed concern that jail staffing issues may affect safety and morale.

“Our law enforcement community deserves support, especially in retention and competitive pay,” said Bailey.

In response to continued hiring challenges, Sinclair noted the ADC’s salary and benefit savings have been falling into the jail’s fund balance—now totaling around $22 million. These funds, he said, could be used to support retention bonuses or strategic hiring initiatives.

Other hard-to-fill roles include nurses, clinical case workers, IT professionals, and planners.

After multiple failed recruitment attempts, the Department of Information Technology has turned to contractors to fill critical tech roles. Contract workers often cost more than full-time employees, but officials said it’s the only option in some cases.

“We’ve seen three, four, even five rounds of recruitment for a single IT position,” Sinclair said. “It’s not just a vacancy—it’s an operational gap.”

Recruitment and retention are also challenging in public health and mental health services. The Department of Social Services and Community Services reported long-term vacancies for case workers and psychiatrists, including one child psychiatrist position that has remained open for nearly a year.

“These aren’t just administrative roles,” said Supervisor Victor Angry (Neabsco District). “We’re talking about nurses in our jail, mental health professionals, and people who directly serve our most vulnerable residents.”

Sinclair reminded supervisors that not all vacant positions are funded by the county’s general fund. Some are covered by state reimbursements, development fees, or enterprise funds like solid waste or stormwater management. The county also loses the associated revenue when a state-reimbursed position goes unfilled.

The report also examined salary lapse savings, a budgeting technique in which agencies assume several vacant positions annually. For the fiscal year 2026, the county budget includes $22.3 million in salary lapse savings, the equivalent of about 250 vacant positions.

However, Sinclair warned that the county overspent its salaries and benefits budget by $3.7 million in FY24, meaning that actual vacancies didn’t generate as much savings as expected.

Supervisors expressed mixed reactions to the data. Bob Weir (Gainesville District) questioned whether departments intentionally keep positions open to hit their budget targets.

“We should be clawing back more of this funding,” said Weir. “If we don’t do something about long-term vacancies, we’re not being honest about our staffing reality.”

Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin (Woodbridge District) wants to see more effort in understanding what’s working in hiring and retention.

“We always hear what’s not working. But what’s helping us reduce turnover? What are we doing right?” she asked.

According to Sinclair, the county’s turnover rate improved in FY24, dropping to 7% without retirements, down from double-digit levels during the pandemic. However, she cautioned that one year of improvement isn’t enough to declare a trend.

The committee agreed to revisit the issue after updated data is available and potentially recommend policy changes, including reevaluating the county’s salary lapse methodology.

“These are the discussions this committee was created for,” said Chair Kenny Boddye (Occoquan District), elected chair of the Finance and Budget Committee, during the meeting. “Let’s dig in now so we’re not scrambling during budget markup.”

To help address ongoing staffing shortages across departments, Prince William County Government will host a countywide Career Expo on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. More than 20 agencies will participate, offering full-time, part-time, seasonal, internship, and volunteer opportunities across various fields—from public safety, engineering, and criminal justice to parks and recreation, elections, and human services.

Entry-level to professional positions will be available, with on-site interviews and contingent job offers for some roles. Registration is not required, but attendees can skip the line by using Express Check-In. More information is online.

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