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.
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. – The FBI is reviewing the actions of one of its off-duty agents involved in a fatal shooting earlier this year in a Stafford County neighborhood. That agent now faces four separate criminal charges stemming from unrelated firearm incidents.
The shooting occurred on February 28, 2025, in the Stratford Place subdivision. Deputies from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a reckless off-road motorcyclist. Authorities say the rider fled after being confronted by Benjamin Spinale, a 43-year-old off-duty FBI agent. The motorcyclist later returned with several family members, prompting deputies to initiate a traffic stop.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the motorcyclist’s family did not comply with deputies’ commands, leading to a physical altercation that involved deputies and Spinale. During the struggle, a neighbor—61-year-old Harold Chamberlain Jr.—ran over to help law enforcement. Amid the chaos, Spinale fired his weapon, striking Chamberlain in the chest. Chamberlain later died at the hospital despite emergency efforts.
The Stafford County Commonwealth’s Attorney determined there was not enough evidence to charge Spinale in connection with Chamberlain’s death. However, the investigation uncovered other allegations: multiple individuals accused Spinale of brandishing a firearm while off-duty in separate incidents.
A Stafford County grand jury indicted Spinale in April on four misdemeanor counts of Pointing or Brandishing a Firearm (Virginia Code 18.2-282). The alleged offenses occurred on:
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October 11, 2024
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February 10, 2025
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February 28, 2025 (two counts)
All four cases are scheduled for a hearing in Stafford County Circuit Court on June 9, 2025.
When asked about the situation, FBI Public Affairs Officer Leslie McLane said the bureau could not comment on personnel matters. She confirmed the FBI’s internal review of the shooting is ongoing and declined further comment. Spinale’s current employment status with the FBI has not been disclosed.
The Stafford Sheriff’s Office thanked the public for submitting video and other evidence during the investigation and extended condolences to the Chamberlain family.
STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday took a major step toward launching a traffic camera program aimed at slowing down drivers in school zones and highway work areas.
Supervisors voted unanimously to authorize County Administrator Bill Ashton to advertise a public hearing for June 17, 2025. The hearing will give residents a chance to weigh in on a proposed ordinance that would allow speed and red-light enforcement cameras in designated areas.
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STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has kicked off a new traffic enforcement effort aimed at improving road safety ahead of Memorial Day and the busy summer season. The initiative, known as the F.O.C.U.S. Campaign, launched in early May and will run through May 11.
According to the agency’s Traffic Safety Unit, the campaign was developed based on proactive ideas from deputies and has the full support of the department’s leadership. The goal: to reduce crashes, speeding, equipment violations, impaired driving, and traffic-related deaths across the county.
While all of Stafford County will be under watch, deputies will give extra attention to crash-prone areas like Richmond Highway, Warrenton Road, Kings Highway, Courthouse Road, and Garrisonville Road. School zones and neighborhood streets will also be key focus areas, selected using crash “heat maps” from the state.
During the campaign, deputies are using radar and LiDAR devices for speed enforcement, watching for signs of impaired driving, and stepping up patrols in residential zones. Officials say campaign results will be available after May 11 to help educate the public and reinforce safe driving practices.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking drivers to do their part by obeying speed limits and traffic laws. Residents can report traffic violations online through a complaint form at staffordsheriff.com, or call the non-emergency number 540-658-4400 to report dangerous drivers.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
Parents Charged with Murder After Toddler Dies from Fentanyl Exposure
A 2-year-old girl’s death at the Red Roof Inn on April 16 has resulted in murder and drug charges for her parents, William Nathaniel Fuller, 28, and Markita Ayanna Williams, 25. The child was found to have fentanyl in her system. Police say the father removed items from the hotel before emergency services arrived. An unsecured firearm was also found in the room. Both were arrested on May 1 and are being held without bond.
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A black snake found inside the Stafford County Courthouse was safely removed Thursday morning without objection—or appeal.
Deputies discovered the snake slithering down a hallway and quickly intervened. First Sergeant E.D. Chinault apprehended the reptile, humorously dubbed “Rocky Bal-Boa,” and relocated it to nearby woods.
The courthouse remained open, and no injuries were reported during the unconventional eviction.
Woodbridge
Fatal crash in Dale City
A woman died following a two-car crash on Dale Boulevard in Prince William County.
The crash occurred at 6:57 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at the intersection of Dale Boulevard and Barksdale Street. Investigators said the driver of a 2008 Honda Civic was heading east on Dale Boulevard and attempted to turn left toward Barksdale Street while the signal flashed amber. As the car turned across westbound lanes, it collided with a 2020 Honda Civic.
The passenger in the 2008 Honda, Evangelina Castro, 32, of Woodbridge, was extricated from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital, where she later died. The driver, a 34-year-old Woodbridge man, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the 2020 Honda, a 23-year-old Woodbridge man, remained at the scene and was uninjured. Police say speed appears to have been a factor.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact Prince William County Police.
Stafford
Springfield man assaults deputy outside Stafford motel
Deputies were called to the Motel 6 on Richmond Highway around 9:36 p.m. for a report of a man sleeping on the cement outside. They found 28-year-old Jacob Jones curled in the fetal position, smelling of alcohol. Jones admitted to having “one or two drinks” before becoming combative and assaulting a deputy twice. The deputy was not injured.
Jones resisted during his transport to the magistrate and was charged with public intoxication, two counts of assault on law enforcement, and obstruction of justice. He is being held on a $10,000 secured bond.
Truck not stolen—just forgotten, say Stafford deputies
Deputies responded to a reported stolen truck on Laurel Drive at 4:13 p.m. May 1. The caller, who showed signs of intoxication, claimed his vehicle had been stolen.
Security footage later revealed the man had simply forgotten where he parked. The truck was found a short distance away. The man was charged with public intoxication and filing a false police report and held on a $1,000 secured bond.
iPad thief caught en route to court
At 9:10 a.m. May 1, a distributor at Sheetz on Wyche Road reported his iPad had been stolen. Surveillance footage helped identify a suspect who was later stopped on his way to court. The man admitted to the theft, and the iPad was recovered in nearby woods. He was charged with larceny and held without bond.
Three vehicles broken into in Stafford
Deputies responded to three separate larcenies on May 1:
Duff Park: A Ram truck’s window was broken and a wallet was stolen.
Sol to Soul Yoga: An Acura’s window was smashed and a gym bag was taken but later recovered nearby.
Meadows Farms Nursery: A Mercedes had its window shattered and a purse was stolen.
Investigations are ongoing.
Walmart employee drinks on the job, cited for shoplifting
At 10:40 a.m. on May 1, deputies responded to Walmart on Garrisonville Road, where staff reported an employee had opened a six-pack of beer in the breakroom and consumed it without paying. The employee was issued a summons for shoplifting.
Unknown suspect assaults man on Olympic Drive
At 1:22 a.m. May 1, a man reported being assaulted by a stranger on Olympic Drive. The victim sustained minor injuries. Deputies located the suspect, who was charged with assault and battery and held on a $5,000 secured bond.
Fugitive from Indiana turns himself in
A man wanted in Indiana for violating felony probation turned himself in at the Ford T. Humphrey Public Safety Building on May 1. He was charged as a fugitive from justice and is being held without bond.
Prince William County
Officer-Involved Shooting – Woodbridge:
On April 26, officers responded to Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living Home where a knife-wielding man, Joseph Anthony Cassell, 26, advanced on officers. After multiple shots were fired, the man attacked a 91-year-old female relative. Officers fired again, killing Cassell. The woman sustained serious injuries but is expected to recover. No officers were harmed. The Critical Incident Response Team is investigating.
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Prince William County
Juvenile Charged in Unlawful Filming and Sexual Battery at Hylton High:
Date: April 22–29
A 17-year-old male student at C.D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge was arrested after being found to have repeatedly filmed female students without consent and inappropriately touched one of them. The incidents occurred between March 25 and April 22. He is charged with unlawful filming and aggravated sexual battery and is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center?.
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Prince William County
Shooting Investigation – Gunfire Erupts Between Car Occupants and Pedestrians
Woodbridge (22191) – April 24, 2025
An argument escalated into an exchange of gunfire on Enterprise Ln. between individuals in a red sedan and pedestrians. A bullet struck a nearby home, slightly injuring a resident, and an unoccupied vehicle was also hit. No suspects were located.
