STAFFORD, Va. – A fake water advisory notice found on residents’ doors in north Stafford has prompted concern and an investigation by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

County officials confirmed there is no water advisory in effect, and the posted notices are fraudulent. The bogus alerts appeared on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and falsely claimed a water advisory was in place.

Stafford County Utilities responded quickly, urging customers to ignore the notices and reassuring them that official messages will only come via press releases, social media, or the county website. When necessary, real door hangers used by the county include the Stafford County logo and the Utilities Customer Service number.

The incident follows a real boil water advisory in Richmond, where thousands of residents were affected due to pressure loss at the city’s water treatment plant. That advisory ran from May 27 to May 29 and impacted several neighborhoods, including The Fan and Carytown.

While Richmond’s advisory was legitimate, Stafford officials clarified that there are no such issues locally. Investigators are looking into whether the fake notices in Stafford were meant to stir fear following media reports of Richmond’s situation.

“We take the posting of fake water advisories very seriously,” county officials said in a statement. “Residents who receive the notices are asked to call the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (540) 658-4400 to report the incident.”

So far, the fake notices have only been found in the north Stafford area.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Area residents may notice a heavy presence of emergency vehicles and personnel along the Rappahannock River this weekend, but it’s not a real emergency—it’s a planned water rescue training exercise.

RIVEREX 2025 kicks off Friday, June 6, and runs through Saturday, June 7. The large-scale drill will simulate swift water rescues across more than 20 miles of the river and include live-action scenarios designed to test emergency crews’ readiness, coordination, and response tactics.

The training comes at a time when local agencies have already been busy with river rescues. So far this year, emergency crews stationed at Falmouth Beach have responded to two water rescues and assisted in five other incidents, according to Stafford County Fire and Rescue spokeswoman Katie Brady. Earlier this year, a father and son drowned at the New Post Boat Launch, one of two fatal incidents on the Rappahannock in the region in 2025.

Participating in the exercise are fire and rescue teams from Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and King George counties, along with the Fredericksburg Police Department, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and regional emergency communications centers. In total, about 30 trained water rescuers and over 40 support staff will be involved in the 36-hour operation.

Residents can expect to see emergency crews using boats, drones, and other specialized equipment at parks, bridges, and boat landings. Officials emphasize that public safety will be maintained throughout the event and that this is a fully controlled and permitted training exercise.

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County leaders are preparing to take a major step toward easing long-standing regional traffic woes.

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Manassas suspect wanted for strangulation, assault

Police are looking for Mainor Dariel Garcia Pacheco, 19, after a domestic dispute turned violent in a Manassas parking lot. On May 28, officers responded to the 7700 block of Keara Court and found that a 33-year-old woman had been assaulted and strangled by an acquaintance. The suspect also took her phone during the altercation. The woman escaped with non-life-threatening injuries. Garcia Pacheco has not been located.

Wanted:
Mainor Dariel Garcia Pacheco, 19, of the 7700 block of Anderson Court
Charges: Strangulation, assault & battery, petit larceny
Description: Hispanic male, 5’6”, 134 lbs., curly brown hair, brown eyes

Teen, adult arrested after knife assault in Woodbridge

A 15-year-old girl and Christopher Patrick Jackson Fleming, 40, face charges following a violent domestic incident on May 26 in the Bayvue Apartments. The teen allegedly slapped a female relative, grabbed a knife, and temporarily confined her. A second adult female was later assaulted by both the teen and Fleming. The suspects fled before police arrived but were arrested on May 27 and 28.

Arrested:

• 15-year-old female juvenile, Woodbridge
  Charges: Abduction, attempted malicious wounding, domestic assault & battery
  Status: Held at Juvenile Detention Center
• Christopher Patrick Jackson Fleming, 40, of the 14900 block of Alaska Road
  Charges: Abduction, assault by mob
  Bond: Unavailable

 

Dumfries man charged with violating protective order, abduction

On May 28, officers arrested Jharron Maurice Garner, 39, at Briarwood Apartments after he allegedly prevented a woman from leaving the residence in violation of an active protective order. The woman was able to get away before police arrived. Garner was taken into custody without incident.

Arrested:
Jharron Maurice Garner, 39, no fixed address
Charges: Abduction, violation of a protective order
Bond: $1,500 secured

 

Spotsylvania man charged in vehicle abduction

Ruben Dario Guerra Cruz, 19, of Spotsylvania, was arrested on May 26 after allegedly preventing an 18-year-old woman from exiting his vehicle the previous day. The incident took place in the 3600 block of Elm Farm Road in Woodbridge. The woman was not injured.

Arrested:
Ruben Dario Guerra Cruz, 19, of 10725 Robert E. Lee Drive
Charges: Abduction
Bond: Unavailable

 

D.C. woman kicks officer during DUI arrest

Officers responding to a crash on May 26 found Anisa Joy Leonard, 25, intoxicated and uncooperative, police said. When police attempted to place her in a cruiser, Leonard allegedly kicked an officer. She was secured without further incident.

Arrested:
Anisa Joy Leonard, 25, of 1351 Taylor St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Charges: Assault & battery on law enforcement, DUI, unreasonable refusal, obstruction of justice
Bond: Unavailable

 

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office

DUI: Driver with children crashes into ditch

A Stafford woman faces multiple charges after crashing her vehicle with two infants in the backseat. On May 26 at 8:37 p.m., deputies responded to Forest Lane Road for a single-vehicle crash involving a Chevrolet in a ditch.

The driver, Oluwakemi Oredugba, 43, showed signs of intoxication and admitted she didn’t know how the crash happened. Deputies found an open bottle of Hennessy in the vehicle and confirmed she had a prior DUI. The children were unharmed and turned over to a family member.

Arrested:
Oluwakemi Oredugba, 43, of Stafford
Charges: DUI second offense in 10 years, two counts of DUI with children present, two counts of child neglect, drinking while driving, reckless driving, no inspection, refusal
Bond: Held without bond

 

DUI: Two separate intoxicated drivers arrested

• Courthouse Road and I-95 southbound, May 29, 12:51 a.m.
  Deputies found a man passed out behind the wheel of a Chevrolet with an open bottle of Jack Daniels. He admitted to drinking two beers and a shot. He was arrested for DUI and drinking while driving.
• 7-Eleven, 327 Deacon Road, May 29, 11:57 a.m.
  A vehicle struck another at the gas pump. The driver admitted to consuming a 99-proof banana drink. He was charged with DUI and held until sober.

Larcenies reported in Stafford County

• Wendy Street, May 29, 10:46 a.m.
  A woman reported her debit card was stolen from her vehicle. Fraudulent charges were later discovered.
• Walmart, 11 Village Parkway, May 29, 3:58 p.m.
  A customer forgot to take withdrawn cash at self-checkout. When she returned, the money was gone.
• Wawa, 920 Wonder Road, May 29, 5:01 p.m.
  Staff reported a group of underage-looking males filled a backpack with alcoholic beverages and left the store.

STAFFORD, Va. – Happy Last Day of School, Stafford students. As families head into summer break, school leaders are urging parents to start planning for next year, as the school day for some students will kick off earlier than usual.

The 2025–26 school year starts on Monday, August 11, with a special Transition Day for students entering kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades. All other students will return on Tuesday, August 12.

Some Elementary schools will shift to new tiered start times to improve bus reliability and help with after-school schedules. Stafford County Public Schools announced the changes will take effect in August 2025.

Here’s how the new start and end times will break down:

8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

• Falmouth
• Grafton Village
• Hampton Oaks
• Kate Waller Barrett
• Margaret Brent
• Rockhill
• Rocky Run
• Stafford
• Winding Creek

8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

• Anne E. Moncure
• Anthony Burns
• Conway
• Ferry Farm
• Garrisonville
• Hartwood
• Park Ridge
• Widewater

Middle and high school start times will stay the same. According to Stafford County Public Schools, the changes aim to reduce bus delays and make daily routines more predictable for families.

FALMOUTH, Va. – Stafford County is stepping up safety at one of its busiest riverfront spots.

Starting today and continuing through the summer, swift water rescue teams will be stationed at the Historic Port of Falmouth—commonly known as Falmouth Beach—on weekends to assist with emergencies. According to Stafford Fire and Rescue, water-related incidents and drownings are frequent along this part of the Rappahannock River.

The Historic Port of Falmouth Park is a public beach and recreation area located near the Falmouth Bridge and features sandy river access, grassy picnic areas, and views of downtown Fredericksburg. While it’s a popular place to relax and wade in the water, officials remind visitors that the river’s current can be swift and dangerous—even for strong swimmers.

Some weekends, rescue personnel will also be stationed farther upstream. Residents and visitors are urged to wear life jackets and ensure their kayaks, tubes, or other watercraft are appropriate for the river conditions.

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County will lose one of its two seats on the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board beginning July 1, 2025, after new ridership data showed other jurisdictions posted slightly greater gains in boardings.

“We literally just fell under that care,” said one Stafford representative during the FAMPO Policy Committee meeting on May 19. “Stafford's ridership still did go up, but everybody else went up just slightly more. And they have a point-on count. So that point-on count, that one day, is what they pay everything.”

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Stafford County Public Schools announced the Valedictorian and Salutatorians for the Class of 2025 today. The division will host ticketed graduation ceremonies for Mountain View and Stafford HS on Friday, May 30, at 6:30 p.m. Brooke Point, Colonial Forge, and North Stafford HS will host graduation on Saturday, May 31, at 8 a.m. All ceremonies will be available through a livestream link for those unable to attend.

The school division will graduate 2,611 seniors in total, setting them on their path to success. The Class of 2025 accumulated $10,125,381 in scholarships and will go into the workforce, serve in our military, and continue their education.

Brooke Point HS:
Olivia Holder, GPA: 4.703

Olivia has been accepted to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Alabama. Olivia participated in several organizations while at Brooke Point High School including Model UN, she was President of the German Club, and Co-Captain of the Varsity Academic Team. She was also Brooke Point’s representative for Girl’s State in 2024.

 

Karina Pacheco, GPA: 4.678

Karina Pacheco will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University with a double major in Performing Arts and Biomedical Science. She also plans on interning at the Capital and working as a paraprofessional at an elementary school. While at Brooke Point High School, Karina participated in Theatre, NHS, SSAC, HOSA, Crochet Club, Improv Art and DECA.

Colonial Forge HS:

Paulina Ilina, GPA: 4.875

Commonwealth Governor’s School senior Paulina Ilina is determined. She taught herself to swim and became swim captain two years later. She also coached younger athletes. Already bilingual in English and Russian, she earned her Seal of Biliteracy in French her junior year. She challenged herself to take a rigorous course load, including seven AP and one DE class her senior year. Outside of her classwork, Paulina has been an active volunteer with the Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Buddy Club, and served as vice president and then president of the French Honor Society and treasurer of Student Creators for Change. She has also volunteered in the community with her local swim teams, the Woodland Wahoos and the RAYs, and as part of GOYA, the Greek Orthodox Youth Association. She plans to double major in chemistry and world languages at the University of Virginia while working towards a career in pediatric emergency medicine.

Kelly Coulter, GPA: 4.859

In her four years with the Commonwealth Governor’s School, Kelly has earned numerous awards, including the CGS Math Award freshman year, and the CGS Overall Award in grades 10 and 11. She has been a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, the National Honor Society, and the vice president of the History National Honor Society. She has volunteered her time with the Red Cross Club and UNICEF, and has served as an EMT. She also participated in French Club and DECA. Kelly hopes to make a difference and plans to pursue a pre-med path at the University of Virginia in the fall.

 

Mountain View HS:

Brody Kester, GPA: 4.907

Brody is a passionate and determined student, a mock trial and debate champion, a two-time varsity cross-country runner, a three-time FBLA regional event medalist, and an imminent Eagle Scout, honored with the Senior Patrol Leader Excellence Award. Through the MVHS gifted program, Brody attended the American Legion’s Boys State, earning Best City and winning the Moot Court Championship. As Cyber Club vice president, he competed on the winning CTF team, achieving top-three state finishes in the Commonwealth CyberCup for two consecutive years. Brody is a member of the Student Council Association, National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he serves as a huddle leader and was recently awarded the Jersey Mike’s Champions of Faith Scholarship for his leadership. Every Sunday, Brody volunteers at church—either playing guitar or running the soundboard for worship. As a student leader, he heads the youth worship band with his keyboard and vocals. Informally, he enjoys reading physics and mathematics books, playing recreational soccer, and deconstructing orchestral chord progressions. This fall, Brody will attend the University of Virginia to major in computer science, pursuing a cybersecurity focal path including ethical hacking and data obfuscation, with prospective additional concentrations in law and data science.

Joline “Mei” Lee, GPA: 4.871

Mei is a dedicated and creative student, recognized as an AICE Cambridge Scholar and a U.S. Presidential Scholar semifinalist. Since moving to Mountain View, Mei has continued to pursue a rigorous academic path through a combination of IB, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses. Passionate about the arts, she has received multiple Scholastic Art Awards and previously served as President of both Art Club and National Art Honor Society. While living in Florida, Mei worked as a graphic design intern for the school district, where she discovered her passion for design and connecting with her community. At Mountain View, she has continued her involvement in community service through volunteer opportunities in the National Honor Society, Interact Club, and Bobcat Buddies. In her free time, Mei enjoys drawing, binge-watching her favorite shows, and collecting cute trinkets that make her smile. In the fall, Mei will be attending Northeastern University in Boston to study Mechanical Engineering and Design. She aims to explore the possibilities of artistic creativity with functional innovation.

North Stafford HS:

Caitlyn Spencer, GPA: 4.875

The daughter of a proud Filipina mother and a U.S. Air Force veteran father, Caitlyn has been committed to both academics and athletics. She was a part of the STAT engineering program and a proud National Honor Society member. Additionally, she participated in competitive Virginia aerospace innovation programs like the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) and the Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS). On the field, Caitlyn was a varsity cross-country runner for four years while serving as a captain for two. She was also on the varsity girls soccer team for four years, leading the team as a senior captain. In the fall, Caitlyn plans to get a degree in aerospace engineering for astronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.

 

Fabiola Rodriguez, GPA: 4.773

Fabiola is a STAT Biomedical Sciences program and the proud daughter of a Puerto Rican family rooted in service and education. Her mother is a dedicated teacher, and her father is a U.S. Navy veteran. Their values of perseverance, faith, and community have deeply influenced her journey. She served as President of the Hispanic Student Association, Vice President and Secretary of the Spanish Honor Society, and as an Officer in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, and the All-County Choir. She is recognized as a College Board AP Scholar, received the National Hispanic Recognition Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, and earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy. She volunteers as a tutor and Sunday Bible School teacher.

During her senior year, inspired by her strong commitment to the well-being of the Hispanic community, she focused her STAT Capstone project on addressing mental health disparities affecting Hispanic adults. She conducted research and led an advocacy campaign aimed at raising awareness and improving access to culturally competent mental health care. Fabiola will attend the University of Virginia to study Biology on the pre-med track, with the goal of becoming a neurologist.

Stafford HS:

Jenah Chase, GPA: 4.897

Jenah is the daughter of Tram and Julia Chase. She has been actively involved in sports, clubs, and activities over the past four years at Stafford High School. She has been a member of Varsity Field Hockey for four years, Girls’ Tennis team, and is the co-founder and co-president of Pickleball Club. Jenah is the secretary for Math National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She is also a member of National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America, and Key Club. Jenah has been a part of the Learn and Serve program for the past two years, where she has earned over 70 hours of community service each year. In her spare time, Jenah enjoys playing the piano and guitar, as well as playing board games, card games, and sports. Jenah will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall and plans to major in elementary education.

 

Rachel Kessler, GPA: 4.842

Rachel is a quadruplet born in Bethesda, Maryland to Captain and Mrs. George A. Kessler, Jr. Her father’s military career had the family move around as she grew up, which included living in Japan and Italy prior to arriving in Stafford. She has enjoyed her time at Stafford High School and was active in Key Club, National English Honors Society, Pickleball Club, and Girls Soccer. Her favorite class at SHS was AP European History. Her passions include reading, baking, and spending time with friends and family. Rachel plans to continue her academic career at Jacksonville University pursuing a degree in Nursing followed by a career in the U.S. Navy.

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County residents will see a higher tab when dining out, as the Board of Supervisors voted 4–3 on May 20, 2025, to increase the county’s meals tax from 5% to 6%. The move is expected to generate an additional $3.2 million in annual revenue, all of which will be earmarked for public schools—specifically to support salary increases for teachers and staff.

Heated Debate Over Tax Hike

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Coffee with a Cop

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office invites the public to its next Coffee with a Cop tomorrow, Wednesday, May 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Paradise Diner, 260 Warrenton Road.

Community members, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to attend for a casual conversation with deputies. Attendees can ask questions, express concerns, and get to know the deputies serving their neighborhoods. The event aims to break down barriers, build trust, and foster meaningful relationships throughout Stafford County.

Assault and Battery

Walmart, 125 Washington Square Plaza, 5/24, 10:58 p.m.
Deputy S.C. Steinway responded to a fight between employees. An investigation revealed one employee became upset after being written up and told a witness he would “deck” the victim to “teach him a lesson.” The suspect assaulted the victim as he exited the store. He was identified as the predominant aggressor and charged with assault and battery. A magistrate released him on personal recognizance.

DUI

Wendy’s, 145 Garrisonville Road, 5/25, 11:57 p.m.
While stopped at a red light at Garrisonville and Mine roads, deputies witnessed a vehicle run the red light. The driver, upon being stopped, showed signs of intoxication and admitted to having a shot and “some sips of someone else’s drink.” Field sobriety tests led to charges of driving under the influence and failure to obey a traffic light. The suspect was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Fraud

Madison Court, 5/24, 9:10 a.m.
Deputy C.D. Sullivan responded to a report of a scam. The victim received a phone call claiming fraudulent bank charges, including an Airbnb booking and Dubai amusement park tickets. After providing personal information to the caller, funds were fraudulently withdrawn from her account.

Cedarview Court, 5/24, 12:54 p.m.
Deputy N.D. Fonseca investigated an extortion scheme. The victim received threatening text messages from someone posing as a member of a cartel, demanding money via Zelle or threatening harm to the victim and his family.

Larceny

ABC, 43 Town and Country Drive, 5/24, 6:12 p.m.
Deputy C.D. Quebedeaux responded to a theft. A customer saw a man conceal a bottle of vodka and exit the store. The investigation remains ongoing.

Walmart, 217 Garrisonville Road, 5/25, 2:48 p.m.
Deputy C.D. Sullivan responded after store staff observed a 19-year-old male hiding $150 worth of jewelry in his pants. The suspect also possessed cigars. He was charged with shoplifting and underage tobacco possession. He is being held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Public Intoxication

Cross Ridge Court, 5/23, 3:56 p.m.
Deputy X.D. Bates responded to a domestic disturbance. The suspect, visibly intoxicated, argued with his girlfriend and attempted to argue that public drinking wasn’t a crime. He was charged with public intoxication and held until sober.

Sleep Inn Motel, 595 Warrenton Road, 5/24, 2:32 a.m.
Deputy M.A. Holub was called after a male guest caused issues with motel staff. The suspect was found publicly intoxicated and admitted the beverage in his hand contained alcohol. He was charged with public intoxication and held until sober.

Shoppers, 1505 Stafford Market Place, 5/24, 5:54 p.m.
Deputy X.D. Bates encountered a man sleeping in the parking lot. The suspect, previously charged for similar behavior, was once again arrested for public intoxication and held until sober.