Multiple indecent exposures lead to arrest

Front Royal Police Department seal used by permission

The Front Royal Police Department received multiple reports of indecent exposures between the dates of March 18th and 24th, 2026.

During the investigation the three reports, in which all witnesses described the same suspect and review of surveillance footage. James C. Hall, II of Front Royal was arrested.

Hall was arrested and charged with three counts of indecent exposure. He is currently being held at the RSW Jail without bond.

Anyone with any additional information please contact C.R. Gibson at 540-635-2111.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

VSP seize firearms and narcotics

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

 

The Virginia State Police (VSP), in coordination with federal and local law enforcement partners, reported significant criminal interdictions across the Commonwealth from Feb. 18 through Feb. 24, 2026.

The activity was part of ongoing crime suppression initiatives.

According to the agency’s weekly report, troopers and task force members recovered firearms, seized substantial quantities of narcotics, confiscated U.S. currency, and investigated a range of criminal offenses, including human trafficking.

During the weeklong enforcement effort, Virginia State Police recovered seven firearms with an estimated total value of $3,500.

Authorities reported the seizure of more than 150 pounds of narcotics during the operation.

State police and state task force partners confiscated approximately 116.8 pounds of narcotics.

Federal task forces that include Virginia State Police personnel, working alongside other law enforcement agencies, seized an additional 34.6 pounds.

The estimated denied revenue from the seized narcotics totaled $1,003,474.

A breakdown of the drugs recovered includes:

  • 2.9 ounces of cocaine
  • 1.2 ounces of crack cocaine
  • 134.5 pounds of marijuana
  • 10 pounds of methamphetamine
  • 1 ounce of fentanyl
  • 6.6 pounds of THC consumables

In addition to narcotics, authorities seized $250,000 in U.S. currency.

Virginia State Police stated that the enforcement actions are part of broader, ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime and dismantling criminal enterprises throughout the Commonwealth.

“The Virginia State Police remain steadfast in their mission to enhance public safety and uphold the laws throughout the Commonwealth while supporting the Governor’s initiatives on violent crime,” the agency said in a statement.

VSP emphasized that close coordination with local, state, and federal partners remains critical in targeting narcotics distribution networks, firearms violations, and related criminal activity.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Winchester EDA launches website with potential casino analysis

Winchester EDA

The City of Winchester Economic Development Authority recently launched a website regarding the potential addition of a casino and event center with information from a commissioned quantitative finance analysis on the financial and social impacts.

On the website, the EDA states that the project could bring high paying jobs, new tax revenue and economic activity to the city.

The Authority also notes that an event center without a casino would require significant taxpayer subsidies and highlighted the city already heavily relies on property taxes for current services.

The casino would provide additional tax dollars from nonresidents for the construction with an estimated out of area visitor spending at $409.1 million per year locally with $88.2 million outside the casino.

The projected annual local tax revenue was estimated at $27.6 million which would represent 23% of the city’s current budget.

The analysis also stated the proposed spending priorities from the tax benefit would include $950,000 to $3.8 million annually for:

  • Education
  • Infrastructure
  • Economic development
  • Long-term financial stability
  • Public Safety
  • Quality of Life
  • Remainder (General Fund)

Employment opportunities in the study estimating an annual ongoing operational benefit of 2,400 local jobs with associated wages and benefits equaling $147.6 million.

Opponents to the casino highlight the concern for increased crime, contributing to gambling addiction, and the impact on traffic.

For more information from the Winchester EDA on the potential casino, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

FRPD arrests Front Royal man for taking unauthorized photos

Front Royal Police Department seal used by permission

The Front Royal Police Department reports response to an incident of a male subject recording an individual in a fitting room.

The incident was reported from the Blue Ridge Hospice Thrift Store in the Royal Plaza Shopping Center on South Street.

A suspect identified as 20-year-old Front Royal resident Yahir Alan Duran was detained in the store when officers arrived.

During questioning Duran admitted to recording a female in the fitting room.

The female victim was interviewed and reported that while using the fitting room she saw a cell phone held over the door with the lens pointed at her.

Duran’s cellphone was confiscated as evidence, and he was arrested.

Duran has been charged with unlawful creation of image of another.

Duran was transported to Rappahannock Shenandoah Regional Jail where he was later released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to call the Front Royal Police Department.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

New VA law creates crime for distributing Fentanyl that leads to death

In Richmond on Friday, June 13th, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a new law aimed at curbing the deadly impact of fentanyl in Virginia (VA).

Senate Bill 746, sponsored by Senator Ryan McDougle, creates a new crime of involuntary manslaughter for anyone who knowingly manufactures, sells, or distributes drugs containing fentanyl, if that sale results in someone’s death.

Governor Youngkin called it a “crucial step” in Virginia’s effort to hold fentanyl dealers accountable. The new law is part of a larger four-part strategy by the Youngkin administration to combat the opioid crisis.

That plan includes:

  • Disrupting drug trafficking operations.
  • Increasing penalties for dealers.
  • Educating communities about the risks of fentanyl.
  • And providing tools like naloxone to reverse overdoses

Through Operation FREE, authorities have already seized nearly 800 pounds of fentanyl, with a street value approaching $4 billion.

And since 2022, more than 388,000 doses of naloxone have been distributed across Virginia, along with training for nearly 100,000 people on how to use it.

Senate Bill 746 officially takes aim at those profiting from fentanyl and the lives lost in its wake.

Virginia’s message is clear: if you sell fentanyl and someone dies, you’ll face serious consequences.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

FCSO warns public of brushing scam

What could be better than finding an unexpected package on your doorstep at this time of year?

We all love surprises and gifts, but when these unrequested items come from a retailer, they might carry a hidden cost.

In many cases, what seems like a harmless gift could be part of a larger scam known as brushing, which is illegal in the U.S. and many other countries.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office explains how it works: You receive a package containing items you didn’t order.

The package may not have a return address or could list a retailer’s address.

The sender is usually an international third-party seller who has found your address online.

Their goal?

To create the illusion that you’re a verified buyer who left a positive review, except, it’s a fake review, written in your name.

These fraudulent reviews are used to inflate product ratings and boost sales, ultimately tricking consumers into buying low-quality items.

Since these products are often cheap to ship, scammers profit by manipulating the system.

While it might seem like a harmless crime the reality is much darker.

Scammers may have accessed your personal information and could use it for future scams or other illegal activities.

Your fake review could also mislead others into buying worthless products.

And in some cases, scammers may use your address and account details to have merchandise shipped to you, then steal the items before you ever receive them.

It’s a reminder to stay vigilant and cautious about unsolicited packages arriving at your door.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Governor Youngkin proposes “No Sanctuary Cities”

Governor Glenn Youngkin unveiled a “No Sanctuary Cities” budget proposal aimed at strengthening cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The proposal mandates that local law enforcement, sheriffs, and jail officials fully comply with ICE detainers and notify ICE at least 48 hours before releasing any undocumented immigrant who has committed a crime. Furthermore, the plan includes withholding funding from localities that declare themselves “sanctuary cities” or implement practices that hinder collaboration with ICE.

This budget proposal reflects Governor Youngkin’s ongoing dedication to reducing crime and fostering safer communities. It builds on initiatives such as signing Executive Order 41, launching Operation Bold Blue Line (OBBL), and supporting the Attorney General’s Ceasefire Virginia Initiative. These efforts have already shown significant results, with OBBL cities experiencing a 34% decrease in murders and a 12% reduction in violent crimes this year. Every category of violent crime in OBBL cities has seen a double-digit percentage decline, contributing to an overall 11% drop in violent crime across the Commonwealth.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Front Royal police warn of phone scam

Front Royal Police Department seal used by permission

The Front Royal Police Department is warning of a phone scam in which the caller uses Capt. Brian Whited’s credentials and claims to be the Front Royal police.

The caller demands money and threatens arrest if the person does not comply. Caller ID may show the name and phone number of a legitimate law-enforcement agency.

The Front Royal police will never call someone demanding money, police said, adding that these scams are designed to get people to panic. Police remind residents never to provide or confirm personal information to the scammers.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Triad hosts Spring conference

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Triad is hosting it’s Spring Conference on Tuesday, May 7th.

Triad is a joint effort between the Page County law enforcement community (fire/police/sheriff) to aid senior citizens and their
organizations in reducing crimes against them.

This conference is a time for seniors to share their concerns and questions.

The First Responders will have presentations and publications.

The conference will be held at Rileyville Baptist Church on US 340 from 9 am to 1:30 pm.

or more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

 

Page County Triad announces spring conference

Page County Triad, a cooperative effort of law enforcement agencies, senior citizens and senior organizations, will hold its spring conference May 7 at the Rileyville Baptist Church on U.S. 340.

The session will include presentations and opportunities for seniors to share concerns about crime and safety.

Check-in will run from 8 to 9 a.m., with the conference running from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The event is open to the public..