Category: Caroline County Sheriff’s Office

Busy Week: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending January 12, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending January 12, 2008:

On January 6, 2008, Deputy S. Mullane stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. After a narcotics canine alert and further investigation, Latoya A. Price, 27, of Landover, MD was charged with possession with intent to distribute Ecstasy. She was ordered held under a $3500 bond and an arraignment date of January 9, 2008 was set.

On January 7, 2008, Deputy T. J. Ketchem stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Kevin L. Gray, 46, Georgetown, SC was charged with possession of marijuana -2nd offense and driving on a revoked driver’s license. He was ordered held under a $1600 bond and an arraignment date of January 9, 2008 was set.

On January 7, 2008, Deputy C. S. Wooldridge stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Randolph V. Liles, 30, of Bowling Green was charged with driving on a revoked driver’s license – 8th offense. He was ordered held without bond and an arraignment date of January 9, 2008 was set.

On January 8, 2008, Deputy J. K. Miller stopped a vehicle fro a traffic infraction. After investigating, Paul E. Barnett, 42, of Ruther Glen was charged with being a fugitive from South Carolina. He was ordered held without bond to await extradition.

On December 27, 2007, Deputy J. K. Miller handled a breaking and entering. After investigating, Jermaine T. Brown, 20, of Ruther Glen was charged with breaking and entering and grand larceny on January 9, 2008. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and an arraignment date of January 16, 2008 was set.

On January 9, 2008, Deputy C. M. Polliard stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Allyson B. Durham, 24, of Stafford was charged with driving on a suspended driver’s license, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Also charged was Daniel M. Fallon, 33, of Ruther Glen. He was charged on a probation violation, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and obstruction of justice. Both were ordered held without bond and a court date of January 11, 2008 was set for both.

On January 9, 2008, Deputy C. A. Heywood responded to a residence in Ruther Glen for a reported disturbance. After investigating, Lindsay A. Stanley, 50, of Ruther Glen was charged with brandishing a firearm. She was ordered held without bond and a court date of January 11, 2008 was set.

On January 10, 2008, Deputy M. M. Ellett stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Brian K. Hopson, 36, of Madisonville, TN was charged with felony driving under the influence – 5th offense; refusing to submit to a chemical test and drinking while driving. He was ordered held without bond and an arraignment date of January 11, 2008 was set.

On January 12, 2008, Deputy F. L. Brennan responded to a disturbance at a business in Carmel Church. After investigating, Terrance Mosley, 42, of Ruther Glen was charged with trespassing. He was released on a personal recognizance bond. Imed Chama, 43, of Brooklyn, NY was charged with trespassing and resisting arrest. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of January 16, 2008 was set for both.

On January 12, 2008, Deputy G. J. Hamilton stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Andre During, 19, of Ruther Glen, was charged with possession of marijuana. He was released on a summons and a court date of January 23, 2008 was set.

On January 12, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb responded to a Bowling Green residence for a domestic. After investigating, Dana C. Bailey, 41, of Bowling Green was charged with domestic assault and battery. She was ordered held under a $1500 bond and an arraignment date of January 15, 2008 was set.

On January 12, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Judy F. Thompson, 52, of Fredericksburg was charged with driving under the influence – 2nd offence and refusal to submit to a chemical test. She was ordered held under a $1500 bond and a court date of February 21, 2008 was set.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending January 5, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending January 5, 2008:

On December 29, 2007, members of the Caroline Sheriff’s Office under the supervision of Sergeant S. L. Cary held a checkpoint to remove impaired drivers from our highways. A total of 56 summonses were issued and 3 criminal arrests were made. Sheriff Lippa commends all personnel involved for their dedication to making our highways safer.

On December 30, 2007, Deputy C. S. Wooldridge responded to a domestic in Dawn. After investigating, warrants were obtained. On January 2, 2008, Deputy K. H. Eichenmiller served the warrant on Angela M. Brown, 41, of Dawn. She was charged with malicious wounding and ordered held without bond. Her arraignment date was srt for January 3, 2008.

On December 31, 2007, Deputy F. L. Brennan encountered a vehicle at a traffic checkpoint. After investigating, William C. Herndon, Jr., 20, of Ruther Glen was charged with underage possession of alcohol. He was released on a summons and a court date of February 6, 2008 was set.

On December 31, 2007, Deputy D. W. Mundie encountered a vehicle at a traffic checkpoint. After investigating, Octavio E. Martinez, 28, of Fredericksburg was charged with driving under the influence and driving with no driver’s license. He was ordered held under a $3000 bond and an arraignment date of January 2, 2008 was set.

On December 31, 2007, Deputy W. M. Jones stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Andrew N. Taylor, 30, of Ruther Glen was charged with driving under the influence. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and an arraignment date of January 11, 2008 was set.

On January 1, 2008, Deputy R. L. Hixson stopped a vehicle fro a traffic infraction. After investigating, Michael D. Carpenter, 20, of King George was charged with driving under the influence and underage possession of alcohol. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date was unavailable.

On January 1, 2008, Deputy F. L. Brennan encountered a vehicle at a traffic checkpoint. After investigating, Reinaldo R. Moreno, 53, of Ruther Glen was charged with driving under the influence and driving on a revoke license. He was ordered held under a $2000 bond and an arraignment date of January 2, 2008 was set.

On January 4, 2008, Deputy K. H. Eichenmiller responded to a traffic crash in Ruther Glen. After investigating, Parish D. Freeman, III, 27, of Ruther Glen was charged with leaving the scene of a crash, driving under the influence, failing to submit to a chemical test, and failure to wear a seat belt. Also, Tracy F. Carter, 41, of Ruther Glen was charged with obstruction of justice. Both were released on personal recognizance bonds and an arraignment date of January 11, 2008 was set.

On January 5, 2008, Deputy G. J. Hamilton stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, a male juvenile was charged with possession of marijuana. He was released on a summons and his court date information was unavailable.

Major Hall, Captain Moser promoted!

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: Veteran Deputies Promoted:

Sheriff A. A. “Tony” Lippa, Jr. is pleased to announce the promotion of Major M. W. Hall to the position of Lieutenant Colonel/Chief Deputy and the promotion of Captain C. S. Moser to Major.Both promotions are effective immediately.

Hall, a former Virginia State Trooper and Special Agent, was hired as Major/Chief Deputy when Lippa initially took office in January of 2004.Hall, 42, is married and lives in the county with his wife and child.

Moser, 44, has spent his entire career with the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office.During his tenure, he has held the position of jailer, road deputy, corporal, investigator, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain.

Sheriff Lippa stated, “As our county has grown, the need for effective law enforcement services has grown as well.Both of these individuals are highly qualified, motivated, dedicated appointees. I know they will do well as they take on their new responsibilities.”

Caroline man’s trial in manslaughter case expected to be postponed

From The Free Lance-Star: Caroline man’s trial in manslaughter case expected to be postponed:

The two-day jury trial of a Caroline County man charged with manslaughter scheduled to start today is expected to be postponed until next year.

According to a court order last week, Commonwealth’s Attorney Harvey Latney asked the court to appoint a “substitute attorney” in the case of John Wayne Peck, 27, because “it would be improper for him to act.”

Judge Horace Revercomb then appointed Spotsylvania Commonwealth’s Attorney Bill Neely to the case and the jury was called off.

Neely said yesterday the reason Latney asked to be excused from trying the case was because of complaints.

“Apparently, the victim’s family was upset in the handling of the case,” Neely said.

Latney’s motion came before he lost last week’s race for re-election to Tony Spencer, who takes over the office in January.

Latney refused to talk about why he would not prosecute Peck.

Neely said that after the election, he called Revercomb and asked if Spencer could be put on the case. There should be a decision in Circuit Court today.

Peck was charged with first degree murder in October 2006 after his hunting buddy, Jerry Curtis Beverly, was fatally shot in the chest. Latney later reduced his charge to manslaughter.

Sheriff Tony Lippa said Peck and Beverly had been hunting and drinking before getting into an argument. Beverly was later found dead.

Comment that was left:

Lesa said,

November 14, 2007 at 1:48 pm

I am the victim’s daughter in this case. I want to first say Thank you for your concern for my family. We are not at all disappointed about having to wait until next year to have the case tried. We fought hard to get Mr. Latney off my father’s case. So today was a bittersweet day. We were happy to have Mr. Latney off the case, but never the less it does not change the fact that my father is not here.
I feel strongly that with Mr. Spencer as Commonwealth victim’s rights will no longer be trampled on.

No bond for Lashawn Monroe

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch: No bond for slaying suspect:

Lashawn Monroe, 22, accused in the slaying of a 16-year-old Saturday outside a Ruritan clubhouse in Caroline County, will stay locked up at least until he gets a lawyer.

At a hearing yesterday morning on charges of murder and illegal use of a firearm in Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, Judge Phillip U. Fines ordered Monroe held without bond at least until he is represented by a lawyer.

The next scheduled hearing for Monroe is Jan. 15.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Weise said the state will oppose any bail for Monroe.

The body of the victim, Raquel Hunter, was found on the ground outside the Madison Ruritan Club hall in Ladysmith about 11 p.m. Saturday. The hall had been rented for a birthday party for another teen. That party started about 7 p.m. and was just ending when the shooting occurred.

Monroe and a juvenile who was injured were later located by police at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg and Monroe was arrested, authorities said.

Monroe told an investigator that he fired shots during the incident, according to a court affidavit filed yesterday in connection with a search warrant issued in the case.

Authorities searched a 1993 Dodge minivan that they say Monroe was riding in when he arrived at the birthday party. Investigators were looking for cartridge casings, gunshot residue, DNA, fingerprints and other potential evidence.

They seized several clothing items and a front passenger-seat headrest cover.

“Monroe also told [an investigator] that he had a firearm on his person while in the vehicle and did fire shots during the time of the incident,” an investigator wrote in the affidavit, which also revealed that Hunter had apparently been shot in the head.

After talking with Monroe, who had sought medical treatment at the Fredericksburg hospital for what police described as a grazing gunshot wound, authorities stopped the Dodge minivan with two other people inside it. Court papers described the occupants as possible witnesses or accomplices.

Caroline Sheriff Tony Lippa Jr. said Monday that Monroe was the only suspect at that time. Lippa could not be reached for additional information last night.

Also yesterday, Caroline Commonwealth’s Attorney Harvey Latney Jr. said he decided in 2005 not to prosecute Monroe on a concealed-weapons charge because “the evidence wasn’t there.”

And it only took you five hearings and 228 days to figure it out…

Great lawyering there…

That charge arose from a 2004 Labor Day weekend melee at the Dawn Progressive Center. Several suspects were charged in that incident, in which eight people were shot and two stabbed.

“If I could have prosecuted, I would have,” Latney said.

Just like you would have prosecuted Irvin Stevens, Saleem Stevens, Sherenda Stevens, Edward Arrington, Jermaine Shepherd, ad infinitum and ad nauseam.

Also according to records from Caroline General District Court, Monroe was charged in March with trespassing, was subsequently found guilty and fined $50 plus court costs of $76.

Latney lost his campaign for another term in last week’s election to Anthony G. “Tony” Spencer, who accused Latney of dropping too many charges and making too many plea deals.

NBC 12 is still a bunch of idiots…

From NBC 12 in Richmond, Virginia: Following shoot-out rumor, extra security still on hand at Caroline High:

The man accused in a deadly shooting at a birthday party in Caroline County will be arraigned today.

Lashawn Monroe is accused in the weekend shooting death of 16-year-old Raquel Hunter.

Meanwhile, extra security will be on hand again today at Caroline High School.

Yesterday, more than 200 students were pulled from class by lunchtime after rumors circulated about a shootout on campus.

There was no shoot-out.

Wait a second. Yesterday, you reported that “classes were nearly empty by fifth period” and that 80% of the students had left. Now it’s only 16.4% of the students that had left. Which one is it NBC 12? Or did you just bother running a story with no official comment (except for two seconds of video from Sheriff Lippa after you criticized the Sheriff for half a minute for increasing security of all things)? If you’re going to fearmonger, at least get your facts straight. Maybe you should leave the real reporting to WTVR next time. You freakin’ mooks.

The Caroline Sheriff’s Dept. wants parents to know that deputies are only on campus as a precaution, not because they’ve heard anything reliable about a plot for revenge.

What a joke you guys are as a news station…

From NBC 12 in Richmond, Virginia: Security, tensions run high at Caroline County school :

Parents pulled their children from classes at Caroline High School after a student was gunned down at a weekend party. Fear about retaliation for that deadly shooting prompted some parents to pick their kids up from school early Monday.

Saturday night, 16-year-old Raquel Hunter was shot and killed outside the Madison Ruritan Club. The building was rented for a 16th-birthday party and had adult chaperones.

Lashawn Monroe, 22, is charged with murder. Another teen is being investigated for possible involvement.

Raquel Hunter was a student at Caroline County High School. On Monday, fear of more violence overtook the campus.

The rumor mill started Monday morning, when someone said there was a shooting at the high school. It did not happen — neither did the teaching of hundreds of students, because of the rumor.

Parents started driving up to campus once rumors began that something had happened.

When they found out nothing had occurred, there was already another rumor running rampant: there was supposedly going to be a shootout after school.

That was the last straw for Roy Gray, who picked his daughter up from school.

“You definitely get nervous, worried,” he said.

Shannon said her classes were nearly empty by fifth period. Seeing all the sheriff’s deputies on campus may have triggered some parents’ fears once they arrived.

The sheriff said the extra security was meant to be a precautionary measure as a result of the weekend violence.

“We care about our children,” Sheriff Tony Lippa said. “That’s why we did what we did.”

There is a perception that the weekend shooting was the result of some deep-seated rivalry between two Caroline County communities: Dawn and Bowling Green.

[googlevideo=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2434304036206046469]

Uh, NBC 12, are you a bunch of idiots?

You have rumors going around that there is going to be a shootout after school and you wouldn’t increase security?

Jesus Christ, Lord Almighty, I’m surrounded by idiots…

One Teen Fatally Shot – Another Teen Injured, Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Perpetrator

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: One Teen Fatally Shot – Another Teen Injured, Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Perpetrator:

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, at approximately 11:06 pm, last night November 10, 2007 the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Madison Ruritan Club, 18206 Timothy Drive, Ladysmith, in reference to a shooting. The Ruritan Club was rented for a 16th birthday party celebration. Sgt. Lambert was the first unit to arrive at approximately 11:12pm, along with Caroline County Fire and Rescue, 12 other Sheriff’s Office personnel, and approximately eight Virginia State Police Troopers and one Sergeant.

Investigator J. W. McCarty is the lead investigator and upon consulting with the Caroline County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Mr. Harvey Latney, warrants were obtained. Subsequently, Lashawn Montque Monroe, 22, of 12438 Golansville Road, Ruther Glen, VA, was charged and arrested for:

  1. Murder
  2. Use of a firearm in the connection of a felony

Monroe is being held without bond in the Pamunkey Regional Jail until 11/13/07 for a bond hearing in the Caroline County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim, a 16 year old, was lying on the ground of the parking lot approximately 30 yards from the front door. The perpetrator(s) left the scene. Another teen arrived at Mary Washington Hospital with an apparent gunshot wound. This other teen is 15 years of age and the shootings are related. This is an extensive on-going investigation and no further details will be released at this time,” according to Sheriff Lippa.

UPDATE: From The Free Lance-Star: Sweet 16 party turns deadly:

The suspect arrested—Lashawn Montque Monroe, 22, of Ruther Glen—also was charged the last time a party erupted into violence in Caroline.

That was in September 2004, when eight people were stabbed and two were shot during an early morning gathering at the Dawn Progressive Center.

In 2004, Monroe was charged with having a concealed weapon, but the charge was later dropped.

UPDATE #2: From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: *UPDATE* One Teen Fatally Shot – Another Teen Injured, Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Perpetrator:

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, at approximately 11:06 pm on November 10, 2007 the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Madison Ruritan Club building on Timothy Drive in Ladysmith for a reported shooting. The building had been rented for a 16th birthday party with adult chaperones present. 12 Sheriff’s Office deputies and one sergeant responded along with approximately eight State Police Troopers and one State Police Sergeant.

Lead Investigator J. W. McCarty has obtained and served warrants on Lashawn Montque Monroe, 22, of Golansville Road in Ruther Glen. The charges are:

  1. Murder of Raquel Hunter, 16, of Ruther Glen
  2. Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony

Monroe is being held without bond in the Pamunkey Regional Jail until his arraignment in the Caroline County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on November 13th.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was lying on the ground outside the building. The suspects were not on scene. Based on a lookout issued by Caroline, officers from Fredericksburg and the State Police detained 2 subjects as they arrived at Mary Washington Hospital seeking treatment for apparent gunshot wounds. The suspect and a juvenile were turned over to Caroline investigators and the warrants were served. This is still an active investigation and no further details will be released at this time,” according to Sheriff Lippa.

UPDATE #3: From the Richmond Times-Dispatch: Caroline slaying suspect faced weapons charge in ’04:

A Caroline County man charged with murder in the weekend shooting of a teenager at a Ruritan clubhouse was arrested three years ago in a melee at another civic organization.

Lashawn Monroe, 22, was one of several people arrested after a Labor Day weekend shoot-up during a late-night party at the Dawn Progressive Center in September 2004. Eight people were shot and two were stabbed, but no one died in that incident.

Then 19, Monroe was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, but Caroline Commonwealth’s Attorney Harvey Latney Jr. told a judge several months later that he had decided not to prosecute.

Now, Monroe is charged with murder in the slaying of Raquel Hunter, 16, at the Madison Ruritan Club on Saturday about 11 p.m. Monroe was being held at the Pamunkey Regional Jail pending an initial scheduled appearance in Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court today.

Caroline Sheriff Tony Lippa Jr. said yesterday that the event Saturday, a birthday party for another 16-year-old, was being chaperoned by adults. “Good, church-going people,” he said.

Ladysmith Elementary evacuated after bomb threat

From NBC12 News: Two schools threatened with violence :

A Caroline County elementary school was evacuated Thursday morning due to a bomb threat. County deputies were called to Ladysmith Elementary around 9:20 a.m. because of a written bomb threat inside the school.

All the children were taken outside while the state police bomb squad went through the building with bomb-sniffing dogs. Less than two hours later, everyone was allowed back inside.

Ladysmith Elementary is working with deputies to find the culprit.

Stafford County deputies also are investigating a threat against one of the county’s schools.

Deputies searched the home of a 16-year-old student from Mountain View High School.

They received reports that the teen threatened several other students last Friday and talked about shooting up a class. Deputies recovered a BB gun and a knife at the home.

So far no charges have been filed against the teen.

[googlevideo=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7841140039410378636]

Caroline county couple remembered

From NBC 12 in Richmond, Virginia: Memorial service to honor deputy and girlfriend :

A memorial service on Friday night in will honor the lives of a Caroline County sheriff’s deputy and his girlfriend.

Authorities say 23-year-old Leonard Reel took his own life on Wednesday, just days after arriving at the scene of a deadly car crash, only to discover the victim was his girlfriend, 23-year-old Elizabeth Ryan.

The combined memorial service begins at 7 p.m. at the Bowling Green United Methodist Church.

[googlevideo=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8819286613838011159]

From NBC 12 in Richmond, Virginia: Caroline county couple remembered :

A somber ceremony last night in Caroline county where dozens of people gathered to remember Deputy Leonard Reel and his fiancé Elizabeth Ryan.

Elizabeth was killed in a car crash on Monday; Reel was one of the officers called to the scene.

He was so overcome by the tragedy, that he took his own life two days later.

Last night’s service honored the lives of the young couple, on the verge of starting a new life together.

It’s a loss Elizabeth’s sister says she can’t make sense of.

“I truly don’t know where to begin,” she said “Your death has left me go numb so much. you truly were my best friend.”

Elizabeth Ryan leaves behind a three year old daughter.

In lieu of flowers, the sheriff’s office is asking the public to donate to a special fund set up to care for the child.

Donations can be sent to Union Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 220, Ladysmith, Virginia 22501.

[googlevideo=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8265628563877809778]

Some pictures:

Reel_memorial

092807_18342

092807_18351

More pictures at the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office website.