
Amy Ashworth


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In Prince William County, a catch-and-release style revolving justice system keeps more criminals on the street in the name of fairness.
A shooting at Manassas Mall on July 9, 2024, left two people injured, including one of five suspects in the case, underscores a more significant problem with the justice system in a much more progressive Prince William County.

Eric Ronaldo Benitez, 22, of Croce Court, near Manassas is in custody. The second suspect, Tayvion Omari Thornton, 18, of Cove Landing Drive in Woodbridge, is wanted.
Benitez is charged with two counts of malicious wounding, 1 count of willfully discharging a firearm in a public place, and one count of using a gun in the commission of a felony.

Balmore Ortiz Guardado, 36, of Dale City, will spend at least 35 years in prison after Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Kimberly A. Irving sentenced him to a life sentence. Guardado was charged with drugging and raping women and girls.
From Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth’s office:

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Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney threatens to withhold prosecution amid funding dispute

In a letter addressed to the Chair and the Supervisors of Prince William County, Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth outlined her intention to withhold prosecution of certain misdemeanor charges, effective May 1, 2024, if county leaders don’t give her more employees.
According to the letter, the Prince William County Prosecutor’s Office is operating with 26 fewer positions than required. A recent time study showed the office has a deficit of seven attorneys and 19 administrative staff, Ashworth wrote.