An Augusta County sheriff’s deputy is facing two assault and battery charges from an Aug. 31, 2022, incident in the City of Staunton.

An Oct. 11 hearing date has been set in Staunton General District Court for CJ Taylor on the charges, both Class 1 misdemeanors that come with them exposure for the deputy to jail terms of up to 12 months and fines of up to $2,500.

According to criminal complaints filed against Taylor, two local men – Antwhon Suiter, the president of the Shenandoah Valley chapter of Black Lives Matter, and Christopher Shifflett, a police auditor – were recording a traffic stop in Staunton involving Taylor with their mobile phones when the deputy approached them, “talking aggressively,” according to Shifflett’s complaint.

“I backed up. He then grabs my wrist and slammed me to the ground,” Shifflett wrote in his complaint.

Taylor, according to the complaint, “applied pressure, saying I was resisting,” and smacked the phone that Shifflett had been using to record the traffic stop out of his hand “and broke the screen.”

Suiter’s complaint also alleges that Taylor grabbed the phone out of his hand during the interaction.

Information on the case posted on the Staunton General District Court Online Case Information System reports that the charges against Taylor were filed formally on Thursday.

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A passenger in a vehicle on northbound Interstate 95 in Hanover County has died after the driver ran off the road and struck a tree.

The front seat passenger, Tasha Green, 50, of Henrico, died at the scene. She was not wearing a seatbelt.

Virginia State Police responded to the single-vehicle crash on Saturday at 2:51 p.m. at the 91-mile marker.

According to VSP, the 2013 Chevrolet sedan was driven by Sierra Todd-Winkler, 30, of Raleigh, N.C. Winkler was transported by ambulance to VCU Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Winkler has been charged with reckless driving.

The crash remains under investigation.

The post Virginia State Police: Henrico woman dead after single-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

Updated, Sunday, 3:03 p.m.

The Staunton Police Department has identified the victim of the Gypsy Hill Park accident as a Churchville man.

The operator of the vehicle, a 2004 Toyota Tundra, was Dakota P. Humphries, 20. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

No further details are available.

Original post, Sunday, 10:58 a.m.

An adult died in a single vehicle traffic crash Saturday night at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton.

The Staunton Police Department responded to the report of the crash at 10:20 p.m.

An adult was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other information has been released at this time.

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Richmond Police have identified the victim of homicide in an apartment on Phaup Street Friday night.

Antione Christian, 23, of Richmond, was found in the apartment unresponsive from an apparent gunshot wound. Life-saving measures were attempted by officers and units of the Richmond Ambulance Authority but Christian was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police were called to the 2100 block for the report of a shooting at approximately 9:39 p.m.

The body was sent to the Medical Examiner to determine the cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes Detective A. Darnell at (804) 646-3927 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

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Updated, 9/16, 9:49 a.m.

James Lee Huffman was arrested early this morning by the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office without incident, according to the Waynesboro Police Department.

Huffman is being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail.

Original story posted on 9/15 at 9:31 p.m.

A suspect in a shooting in Waynesboro is wanted by police and considered armed and potentially dangerous.

On Wednesday, James Lee Huffman, 28, from Waynesboro, allegedly fired several shots in the direction of an adult victim. There was no reported physical injury, however, there was damage to a building at the scene. The shooting took place just before 7 p.m. in the 700 block of 2nd Street, according to the Waynesboro Police Department.

Huffman is currently wanted for the following alleged offenses stemming from the incident:

• 18.2-53.1 (F) – Use or attempt to use, or display in a threatening manner a firearm while committing or attempting to commit aggravated malicious wounding.
• 18.2-308.2 (F) – Knowingly and Intentionally possess or transport a firearm after having been convicted of a violent felony.
• 18.2-26/18.2-51.2 (F) – Attempt to maliciously shoot, stab, cut, or wound with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or kill.

The investigation is on-going, but the incident appears to be an isolated incident arising from an underlying matter and not made toward the general public.

If anyone has information concerning the investigation or the location of Huffman, call the Waynesboro Police Department at (540) 942-6675 or Crimestoppers at (800) 322-2017. Callers may remain anonymous.

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The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a 17-year-old juvenile.

Leanna Payton Blankenship was last seen in Franklin County on Thursday. Blankenship has a medical condition that requires medication.

She may be in the Roanoke area, and it’s possible she’s trying to reach Tampa, Fla.

Blankenship has tattoos of a butterfly on her right foot, bells on her left chest, and a butterfly on the right side of her neck.

If you have any information on her whereabouts, contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 483-3000.

The post Franklin County teen missing; could be in Roanoke or Tampa area appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

An indictment was unsealed charging 26 defendants, mostly from the Hampton Roads area, with drug trafficking, possessing a firearm during drug trafficking, money laundering and other charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

These charges were brought as the result of Operation Lights Out, an FBI-led investigation in partnership with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

“The unsealing of this indictment reflects months of incredible efforts by law enforcement. We are able to bring these charges because of the effective cooperation and collaborative effort of our local, state and federal partners on this case,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “I am grateful to all our attorneys, agents and officers who work diligently every day to take massive amounts of illegal guns and drugs off of our streets.”

Newport News Police Chief Steve R. Drew said it is a top priority of the department to take illegal drugs and guns off the streets.

“Our community and surrounding jurisdictions are not immune to the violence stemming from illegal drug trafficking,” said Drew. “It has become a top priority to take illegal drugs and guns off our streets and holding those accountable for endangering our communities. We are proud to have been part of this proactive approach and are honored to have served with the U.S. Attorney’s office, and other federal and local agencies to combat this issue. We believe that together we can make a difference and create a safer environment for our community.”

Chief of Portsmouth Police Stephen Jenkins said the arrests are a clear demonstration of cooperation among law enforcement in the Hampton Roads area.

“It exemplifies the effectiveness of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies who have united to combat a suspected violent drug trafficking organization. This operation not only underscores the commitment of both federal and local law enforcement but also highlights their unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety of our community,” said Jenkins.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt is prosecuting the case.

Indictments and charges

Cortez Dayshawn Bumphus, aka “Co”, 34, Newport News

• Continuing Criminal Enterprise
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Felon in possession of Firearm
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking
• Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Dontae Lamont Dozier, aka “2 Chains”, 35, Chesapeake

• Continuing Criminal Enterprise
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money;
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking
• Maintaining Drug Involved Premise
• Use of a Communications Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Zuri Anthony Dre-Oliver Reeves, aka “Zu” or “ZuWaap”, 26, Spotsylvania

• Continuing Criminal Enterprise
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Amanda Bell, 22, Chesapeake

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Dilquon Best, aka “Quon” or “DQ”, 31, Atlanta, Ga.

• Continuing Criminal Enterprise
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Stephon Lamount Bumphus, aka “Fon”, 34, Newport News

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Damian Deshawn Gay, aka “Hatch”, 25, Hampton

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
• Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking
• Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering

Andrea Hunt, 28, Hampton

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
• Obstruction of Justice

Ervin Orlando Linares, aka “Ery”, 23, Los Angeles, Calif.

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Brandon Lamar Martin, aka “Lil B”, 37, Hampton

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
• Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering
• Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking

Carl Eugene Mitchell, Jr., aka “Lil Man”, 27, Newport News

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
• Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering

Earvin Jerome Moore, aka “Gooch”, 43, Newport News

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
• Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises

Freddie Jamaul Moore, aka “Goons”, 37, Portsmouth

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Dominique McKenzie Osborne, 24, Hampton

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Rahkim O’Neil Perry, aka “Rahk”, 25, Newport News

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering

Graciela Ruiz-Bernabe, aka “Grace”, 33, Los Angeles, Calif.

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering

Nathan Caleb Schlosser-Goodson, aka “Nasty”, 25, Yorktown

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Possession of Firearm During Drug Trafficking

Camille Lache Smith, 30, Los Angeles, Calif.

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Anastasia Suyas, 25, Newport News

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Nyra Taylor, 23, Hampton

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
• Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering

Christina Michele Thompson, 26, Spotsylvania

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Terrance Leonard Vick, aka “V”, 36, Rio Linda, Calif.

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Thaddeus Williams IV, aka “Thad”, 31

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
• Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering

Korea Woods, 26, Irvine, Calif.

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana

Guang Yang, aka “Ryan”, 26, Rosemead, Calif.

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana

Alicia Zamora, 22, Chesapeake

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone and Cocaine Base
• Conspiracy to Launder Money
• Distribution of Fentanyl and Marijuana
• Use of a Communication Facility in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
• Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering

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A 19-year-old Albemarle County resident has been taken into custody on charges related to Wednesday’s shooting at Fashion Square Mall.

Jalontae Truriel Percer has been charged with two charges of shooting with the intent to maim, kill; and two charges of use of firearm in the commission of a felony.

Two shooting victims were treated at the University of Virginia Medical Center and have been released from the hospital. An injured dog also received veterinarian care related to the shooting and has also been released.

On Thursday, the Albemarle County Police Department executed a residential search warrant in the 900 block of Upper Brook Court in Albemarle County. While executing the search warrant, Percer was taken into custody. A firearm was recovered during the search of the residence.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Andrew Holmes with the Albemarle County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at at (434) 296-5807 or Crime Stoppers at (434) 977-4000.

Related story

Developing: Two shot at Fashion Square Mall, sent to hospital, police investigating

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An Albemarle County man has been charged with 10 counts of possessing child pornography.

Christopher Neill Moore, 23, was arrested on Sept. 5 by members of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Albemarle County Police Department. He was initially charged with five counts.

However, on Monday, Moore was charged with an additional five counts after further investigation, according to ACPD

The Albemarle County Police Department opened an investigation in August after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who may information on Moore is asked to call Detective Michael Wells with the Albemarle County Police Department at (434) 296-5807.

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Statewide technology upgrades to the Virginia State Police emergency dispatch telephone systems have resulted in the non-emergency phone numbers for each of the department’s seven field divisions to change.

The new phone numbers are being phased in by division now through the end of October 2023.

Virginia State Police Emergency Dispatch Center non-emergency contact numbers:

• Wytheville Division IV: 1-540-444-7788 (Effective week of Sept. 11, 2023)
• Culpeper Division II: 1-804-750-8778 (Effective week of Sept. 18, 2023)
• Chesapeake Division V: 1-804-750-8788 (Effective week of Sept. 25, 2023)
• Salem Division VI: 1-540-444-7798 (Effective week of Oct. 2, 2023)
• Appomattox Division III: 1-540-444-7778 (Effective week of Oct. 9, 2023)
• Fairfax Division VII: 1-804-750-8798 (Effective week of Oct. 16, 2023)
• Richmond Division I: 1-804-750-8758 (Effective week of Oct. 30, 2023)

The communications transformation will generate approximately $250,000 in savings annually for state police.

“The technology change moves state police from an antiquated analog telephone system to a digital system that will allow integration between all seven emergency dispatch centers across the Commonwealth and two additional disaster recovery sites,” said Captain Thomas A. Bradshaw, Division Commander of the Virginia State Police communications division. “The transition to the new phone numbers will be seamless, and we have built in an overlap period that allows the old phone numbers to still accept calls. Those calls will automatically forward to its corresponding new number for up to 30 days, then an announcement will advise the caller of the updated phone number.”

The upgrade does not impact #77 or the toll-free numbers assigned to each state police field division.

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