Prince William

Suspected pedophile arrested after Food Lion bathroom incident

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William Police Department: “Sexual Assault Investigation *ARREST – On December 14, the suspect sought in connection to the sexual assault that was reported to have occurred at the Food Lion located at 12420 Dillingham Square in Woodbridge on December 8, was arrested. While investigating the incident, detectives identified the suspect as Diego Honorato VALENCIA and on December 14, following the investigation, he was arrested. Arrested on December 14: Diego Honorato VALENCIA, 43, of 12351 Midsummer Lane in Woodbridge. Charged with sexual assault. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

“Sexual Assault Investigation [Previously Released] – On December 8 at 8, officers responded to the Food Lion located at 12420 Dillingham Square in Woodbridge to investigate an assault. The investigation revealed the victim, a 15-year-old male juvenile, was inside the restroom when he was approached by an unknown man. Without provocation, the man inappropriately touched the victim and made hand gestures before leaving the restroom. The suspect was last seen leaving in a newer model Toyota Camry. The victim reported the incident to a family member who notified the police. No injuries were reported.”

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‘First Day’ hikes planned at Leesylvania, Widewater state parks

By Uriah Kiser
"First Day" Hike at Sky Meadows State Park in Fauquier County [Photo: Virginia State Parks]

At Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge, “Journey back in time on the Lee’s Woods Trail to discover hundreds of years of human history. Follow a range or volunteer on this guided hike to learn about the people, places, and events that make Leesylvania State Park unique. Expect a moderate walk of about 2 miles. The trail is not stroller-friendly. Meet at the trailhead for the Lee’s Woods Trail. Wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget a reusable water bottle! Children’s Discovery Hike at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm – Potomac Trail. Families join us on an nature adventure through our most popular trail. We will have binoculars, magnifying glasses, bug catching tools and more gear to help children connect to nature and discovery the fun of being outdoors. “The trail is stroller friendly. Please meet at the visitor center and wear comfortable shoes and and don’t forget a reusable water bottle!”

At Widewater State Park in Stafford County, “Begin your new year journey with a Ranger-led hike on Holly Marsh Trail! Starting at the Visitor’s Center, a Ranger will talk to your group about the local wildlife and their winter habitats while guiding you through the forest, past wetlands, and down to the Potomac River; and back again! The hike is 1.8 miles round-trip and the trail is easy-going for children and adults. Be sure to dress warmly, wear the appropriate shoes, and don’t forget to pack water and snacks. “There are three start times available for this hike: 9:00am, 11:00am, and 1:00pm. Registration is FREE, but space is limited to 15 participants per hike. You can sign up for one of the three hike times here.”

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Spanberger touts passage of National Defense Authorization Act

By Uriah Kiser
Spanberger

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D, Va. 7th) press release: “U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to authorize U.S. Department of Defense funding levels, increase troop pay, and help set the nation’s defense priorities.”

“The House-passed fiscal year 2024 (FY24) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a 5.2 percent pay increase for U.S. servicemembers. Additionally, the bill includes two Spanberger-led provisions to crack down on dangerous fentanyl trafficking by transnational criminal organizations and modernize the United States’ security classification system.”

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School board members hopeful for cooperation at induction ceremony

By Sarah Romero
Prince William County School Board Chairman At-large Dr. Babur Lateef swears in for a third term on December 14, 2023. [Photo: Sarah Romero]

New and returning Prince William County School Board Members took an oath of office at a ceremony held at the Kelly Leadership Center on Thursday, December 14, 2023.

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Pr. Wm. Chamber seeks business awards nominees

By Uriah Kiser
Freedom Property Management and Sales, winner Excellence in Small Business 2023 [Photo: Prince William Chamber]

The Prince William Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are held annually to celebrate the exceptional businesses in our local community. The chamber has held the ceremony since the Prince William Chamber of Commerce was formed in 2010 from the Region’s Chamber in Woodbridge and the Greater Manassas-Prince William County Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber will honor businesses in the following categories:

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NFL star ‘Lucky’ Whitehead Jr. headlines Parks Foundation fundraiser; touts new pump track

By Sarah Romero
Rodney Darnell "Lucky" Whitehead Jr. at the Prince William County Parks Foundation fundraiser on Dec. 11, 2023 [Photo: Sarah Romero]

NFL star Rodney Darnell “Lucky” Whitehead Jr. headlined the Prince William County Parks Foundation fundraiser for a Bicycle Pump Track on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at Cedar Run Brewery.

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State wins conviction in 2018 Haymarket death case

By Uriah Kiser
The Judicial Center for Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

Prince William County Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney: “Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth announces the successful prosecution of Jacob Belotti arising from the February 2018 death of Dustin Lueker in Haymarket, Virginia. Mr. Belotti pled not guilty to three charges and after a three-day jury trial, was convicted of Felony Murder and Distribution of a Schedule I/II Controlled Substance.”

“On the afternoon of Sunday, February 25, 2018, Prince William County Fire and Rescue and Police responded to Youngs Drive in Haymarket for a 911 call regarding an unresponsive individual. Dustin Lueker was found dead on the living room floor of Mr. Belotti’s residence. Mr. Belotti claimed the two had consumed alcohol and gone to bed the day before and that when he awoke, his friend was dead. One eyewitness later came forward to challenge Mr. Belotti’s version of events and eventually police determined that multiple individuals had partied with Belotti and Lueker, initially at Mr. Lueker’s apartment and then at Mr. Belotti’s house.”

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More on Freedom-Woodbridge’s 42-34 win over Highland Springs

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William County Public Schools: “The Freedom High School football team secured the second state title in school history with its 42-34 win over Highland Springs High School on Saturday [December 9, 2023] in the VHSL Class 6 state football championship. The game took place at 11:30 a.m. at the University of Virginia Scott stadium. This caps off another undefeated season for the Eagles with a 2022 season at 15-0 and the 2023 season 14-0.”

“Both teams in this year’s final competition were state champions last year; the Highland Springs Springers were the VHSL Class 5 champions, and the Eagles were Class 6.”

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