Public Safety

LCSO names suspect in fatal carjacking in Sterling

August 3, 2024

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has charged the suspect in a fatal carjacking that occurred on July 28, at approximately 11:39 a.m., in the 21000 block of Towncenter Plaza, Sterling. The victim, Melody Waldecker, 54, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was pronounced dead on the scene after being struck by her vehicle driven by the suspect.…

Hazardous materials incident sends 33 employees to area hospitals

August 2, 2024

A failed valve was the cause of last night’s ammonia leak that evacuated a large industrial building in Sterling and sent employees to several local area hospitals. At approximately 8:36 p.m., on Wednesday, July 31, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a gas leak inside a commercial building at 22445…

LCSO Investigating Fatal Carjacking in Sterling

July 30, 2024

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal carjacking incident that occurred this afternoon in Sterling.  At approximately 11:39 a.m., deputies responded to the 21000 block of Towncenter Plaza for a report of a carjacking. The victim and owner, Melody Waldecker, 54, of Silver Spring, Maryland was struck by the vehicle as the suspect fled…

Purcellville police to host Cookies & Crafts with Cops July 16

July 9, 2024

The Purcellville Police Department is hosting a Cookies & Crafts with Cops event on Tuesday, July 16 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Purcellville Train Station located at 200 North 21st  Street. This is a family-friendly event, with community members of all ages invited to attend. Come join us for free cookies, partake in…

Aldie man charged in multi-million dollar investment fraud scheme

June 30, 2024

A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging an Aldie man with wire fraud and unlawful monetary transactions relating to his scheme to defraud dozens of investors in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Missouri, and elsewhere, causing millions of dollars in losses. According to court documents, Babu Ramaraj, 46, and his wife owned…

Purcellville man sentenced for sexual exploitation of children

June 30, 2024

A Purcellville man was sentenced on June 27 to 20 years in prison for his sexual exploitation of five children and his receipt and possession of thousands of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material. According to court documents, Raymond Lee Chavez, 70, was a consultant on issues related to climate change and served…

Colorado man pleads guilty in crypto investment fraud scheme

June 25, 2024

A Colorado man pled guilty on June 21 to wire fraud relating to his scheme to fleece investors through aseries of misrepresentations and high-pressure tactics. According to court documents, on Sept. 4, 2023, Robert Wesley Robb, 46, advertised on a social media chat an opportunity to invest in a Maximum Extractable Value cryptocurrency trading bot.…

Fire Marshal’s Office makes arrest in 2023 Ashburn incendiary fires

June 17, 2024

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office has arrested a Leesburg man for his alleged involvement in two separate incendiary fires that occurred on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in the 43000 block of Thistledown Terrace in Ashburn. Austin Bostic, 31, was arrested and charged with Burning or Destroying a Dwelling House, etc. (§…

Leesburg Police Department reinstated with accreditation

June 4, 2024

The Leesburg Police Department has been reinstated with the Virginia Law Enforcement ProfessionalStandards Commission accreditation. This milestone marks the department’s dedication to upholdingthe highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and excellence in law enforcement. The accreditation process is a comprehensive evaluation that assesses the department’s policies, procedures, practices, and operations to ensure they meet professional standards…

Rochester man sentenced for car chase through Loudoun County

May 29, 2024

On May 23, 2024, Justin Connor appeared before the Loudoun County Circuit Court, for sentencing on one count of felony eluding, one count of felony driving while intoxicated resulting in the maiming of another, one count of driving without a license, one count of falsely identifying self to law enforcement, one count of reckless endangerment,…