Elder Abuse Awareness month

Virginia State Police, VSP, Used by permission of VSP

Virginia State Police is recognizing June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and encouraging residents to remain vigilant against scams and fraud schemes that often target older adults and other vulnerable individuals.

According to state police, scammers frequently use tactics that create a sense of urgency, fear, or excitement to pressure victims into making quick decisions.

Fraudsters may pose as government officials, financial institutions, businesses, or even family members in distress to obtain money or personal information.

Authorities urge residents to independently verify any unexpected request involving financial accounts, passwords, gift cards, money transfers, or sensitive personal information before taking action.

Virginia State Police recommends slowing down before making financial decisions, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and discussing common scam tactics with family members and loved ones.

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

Culpeper County Sheriff’s makes an arrest in fraud case

The Culpeper County Sheriff’s office reports the arrest of a suspect after reports of fraud involving an elderly victim within the county.

Detectives received assistance in locating the suspect by Chester County Police Department in Pennsylvania.

Yordanys Rodriguez residing from the Bronx in New York was identified as the suspect.

After authorities spoke to the fraud victim it was discovered that over the past few days Rodriguez claimed to be an attorney who was representing their son on a criminal offense and was requesting over 20,000.00 in cash in order to help.

There were schemes used like having a male subject crying in the background telling the victim that their son is facing severe criminal charges.

Detectives also learned that Rodriguez was using the name Harvey Goldman who is deceased and other false and misleading information in order to scam the victim.

Detectives were able to convince the suspects into picking up the suspected money which was transported to Chester by a ride share individual not involved with the scam and assisted authorities.

Rodriguez was arrested on October 7th and is being held in Pennsylvania until he can be transported back to Culpeper.

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

Domestic Violence Awareness: Know the signs, find help

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Page County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind you that domestic violence affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Remember, abuse isn’t always physical; it can take many forms.

Knowing the warning signs is the first step toward saving a life.

Warning signs of abuse may include: Controlling finances or restricting access to money; constantly checking your phone, messages, or location; isolating you from family, friends, or community; verbal abuse such as insults, humiliation, or threats; and physical harm, intimidation, or destruction of property.

No one deserves to feel unsafe in their own home or relationship.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, you are not alone, and help is available.

Please reach out for confidential support:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • Text Support: Text “START” to 88788
  • Online Help: Visit https://www.thehotline.org

Together, we can raise awareness, support survivors, and work to break the cycle of violence.

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

RSW employee arrested for narcotics

Used by permission by the Warren County Office employee Sergeant Terry Fritts

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) has arrested former Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren (RSW) Regional Jail employee Brady D. Neary of Strasburg.

Neary, a five-month employee, faces felony charges for delivering drugs to inmates and bribery.

The arrest followed an anonymous tip and a joint investigation between WCSO and the RSW Regional Jail.

Neary allegedly smuggled narcotic drugs into the jail in exchange for money.

He remains in custody without bond, with a court date set for January 21st.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office.

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

FCSO warns of impersonation

Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) warns they are receiving reports in our area of
individuals impersonating “Sgt. Cunningham” and “Lt. Gosnell,” claiming they need funds to resolve legal or court issues.

Please be aware that no member of the FCSO, or any legitimate law enforcement agency, will ever call to solicit money, gift cards, or other valuables in exchange for stopping legal proceedings.

If you receive such a call, it’s important to protect yourself—never provide personal information and simply hang up.

Stay vigilant!

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

 

FCSO warns of new scam

Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) would like to remind residents that at no time will the Sheriff’s Office ask for money over the phone, nor will they ask for a gift card for payment.

If you receive a call from someone stating they are Chris Peterson with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office stating you have a warrant, this is a scam.

If you have any questions about a call you received from someone stating, they are with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office
please hang up and call the office directly to verify.

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

Investigation and trial ends in multiple counts of fraud

The Page County Sheriff Department and the Circuit Court of Page Country have concluded a three-year investigation and the five-day trial of Wayne and Sabrina Knott.

Under the business name of Knott Roofing, they took advance down payments for new roofs.

After several months of receiving complaints that roofs had not been completed and the Knotts would not communicate with them, the Sheriff’s Department opened an investigation.

They were convicted of nearly 100 felony counts of construction fraud, obtaining money by false pretenses, conspiracy to obtain money by false pretenses, and conspiracy to commit construction fraud.

Sentencing will begin February 14, 2024.

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

Scam Alert for the area

Used by permission by the Warren County Office employee Sergeant Terry Fritts

The Warren County Sheriff’s Department is advising citizens of a telephone scam that is reaching as far as North Carolina.

The caller is stating that he is “Captain Steven Owens” with Warren County/Front Royal calling people and stating that a warrant has been issued for missing jury duty.

He states that they must bring their driver’s license and money to the Sheriff’s Office.

This individual has a very southern accent, and the background noise sounds like a “police radio”.

Warren County Sheriff’s Office will not call you if you miss jury, nor ever ask you to bring money.

If you receive one of these calls, please hang up and do not engage. Notify the Sheriff Office immediately, 540-635-4128.