Politics

Prince William Times: “A former Prince William County elections chief is no longer facing felony charges related to alleged corruption and lying in connection with her duties during the 2020 election, according a court filing.”

“Former Prince William County general registrar Michele White, 52, still faces one misdemeanor count of neglect of duty by an election officer, the only charge that remains from her September 2022 grand jury indictment, according to court records.”


Prince William

“During the encounter, the suspect implied he had a weapon and demanded property from both juveniles. The suspect then took the vehicle belonging to one of the juveniles and drove out of the area. No weapon was brandished by the suspect, only implied. While driving the stolen vehicle, the suspect rearended a Prince William County Public Schools bus stopped at the intersection of Rippon Landing Way and Blackburn Rd. The suspect then fled on foot prior to police arriving in the area. The bus driver was the only occupant on the bus at the time of the collision. No injuries were reported.”

“A police K-9 searched the area for the suspect, who was not located. Shoes and an undisclosed amount of money were reported missing. Suspect Description: A black male, about 20 years old, approximately 5’11”, and right-handed Last seen wearing a black mask and a black jacket with fur on the hood.”


Prince William

Prince William police: “Sexual Assault Investigation on School Grounds – On October 18, detectives began an investigation into a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred at Gar-Field Senior High School located at 14000 Smoketown Rd. in Woodbridge (22193) earlier that day. The investigation revealed the victim, a female student who is under the age of 18, and another student, identified as the accused, were in a restroom together when the accused sexually assaulted the victim.

“The parties eventually separated, and the victim reported the incident to a family member who contacted the police. On November 27, following the investigation, the accused, identified as Lamine MELLOUK, was charged.”


Prince William

Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth: “The commonwealth attorney’s office announces the successful prosecution of Gentil Mwenze Banze arising from the June 18, 2022, accident that killed a Lake Ridge man and his dog. On July 6, 2023, Gentil Mwenze Banze pled guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter while Driving Under the Influence. The case was heard by Judge James A. Willett of the Prince William County Circuit Court.”

“On November 16, 2023, Mr. Banze was sentenced by Judge Willett to 10 years in prison, the maximum term allowable under the law, and three years of active probation following his release from prison. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Sarah Sami.”


News

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “On November 23, at approximately 11:24 p.m. Deputy A De Hoyos and Deputy S.A. Fulford responded to a residence on Smith Street for a breaking and entering. The victim advised a neighbor was currently in her kitchen.”

“Deputies entered the residence and discovered the suspect to be wobbling as he was gobbling. The suspect had feasted not only with his eyes, but he stuffed himself with goods. He also had poured coffee grounds on some of the leftovers. The icing on the cake was in fact leftover cake. Deputies detained the mashed potato murderer before he set his eyes on the pie.”


Prince William

Sexual Assault Investigation – On November 22, detectives concluded an investigation into a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred in the Gainesville area of Prince William County between July 2021 and June 2023. The investigation revealed the victim, who was under the age of 18 during the time of the offenses, began a relationship with the accused after meeting on a social media app in July 2021. During that timeframe, the accused provided the victim with marijuana before he sexually assaulted her on more than one occasion. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Justin GARCIA, was arrested. Arrested on November 22: Justin GARCIA, 23, of 2352 Basin View Lane in Woodbridge. Charged with carnal knowledge of a child, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and distribution of marijuana to underage person. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable.”

Sexual Assault Investigation – On November 18, detectives concluded an investigation into a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred at the Melrose Apartments located in the 18100 block of Purvis Drive in Triangle on May 13. The investigation revealed the victim, an adult female, was attending a gathering at the above apartment with an acquaintance, identified as the accused. At one point during the gathering, the victim became incapacitated before being sexually assaulted by the accused. Additionally, the accused was found to have video recorded the encounter without the victim’s permission. On November 18, following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Douglas ESCOBAR SOTO, who turned himself in to police without incident. Arrested on November 18: [No Photo Available] Douglas ESCOBAR SOTO, 23, of 18155 Purvis Drive in Triangle. Charged with rape, aggravated sexual battery, forcible sodomy, and unlawful filming. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”


Prince William

Prince William Police Department: Strong-Arm Robbery *ARREST – On November 22, the suspect sought in connection to the robbery that was reported to have occurred at the Potomac Mills Nordstrom Rack located at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, suite #972, in Woodbridge on November 13, was arrested. The accused, identified as Dwayne EDWARDS, was located in the Woodbridge area and taken into custody without incident. The case remains active as officers attempt to identify the second suspect involved in the incident. Arrested on November 22: Dwayne EDWARDS, 60, of 3983 Antwerp Court in Woodbridge. Charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit a felony, and grand larceny. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable. Suspect Description: Black male, unknown age, 5’10, 180lbs with a medium build. No clothing description available.”

Strong-Arm Robbery [Previously Released] – On November 13 at 11:37 a.m., officers responded to the Potomac Mills Nordstrom Rack located at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, suite #972, to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed loss prevention staff observed a man conceal merchandise and exit the store through an employee door. The staff member confronted the man in the parking lot loading the merchandise into a vehicle. During the encounter, a second man exited the vehicle before both men struck the staff member. The suspects then got into the vehicle and fled the area. Minor injuries were reported, and various handbags were taken. During the investigation, officers identified the second man involved as Dwayne EDWARDS and obtain arrest warrants. The initial suspect who concealed the merchandise has not been identified. Attempts to locate EDWARDS have been unsuccessful.”


Prince William

a reward for information on the whereabouts of the suspect sought in connection to shooting death of a 26-year-old man that occurred in the 3700 block of Wharf Ln. in Triangle (22172) on November 14. During the investigation, the suspect involved in the shooting was identified as Tyus James TERRELL. Attempts and leads in locating the suspect have been unsuccessful. The police department is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of this suspect. The investigation continues.”

Wanted: [Photo from January 2023]


Prince William

Prince William Police Department: “On November 26, a credit card skimming device was located at the 7-Eleven located at 6865 Wellington Road, inside gas pump #7. No additional skimming devices were located at the station. If you used pump #7, please monitor your finances for any fraudulent charges.”


View More Stories