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After large seizure of explosives in Smithfield, Feds trying to block suspect’s release
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After large seizure of explosives in Smithfield, Feds trying to block suspect’s release

The US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) is working to keep 36-year-old Brad Kenneth Spafford in custody after claiming the search of his farm in Smithfield led to what may be “the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history.” Spafford was arrested on December 17 and charged with a single count of possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle. However, federal court documents show, in addition to that gun, the FBI located more than 150 homemade improvised explosive devices deemed as pipe bombs. Some were “preloaded into an apparent wearable vest.” Most of the devices were found in a detached garage but some were in bedroom in the house Spafford shared with his wife and two children in a completely unsecured backpack labeled “#nolivesma...
16-year-old allegedly caught trying steal 23 guns after Virginia Beach break-in
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16-year-old allegedly caught trying steal 23 guns after Virginia Beach break-in

A 16-year-old from Chesapeake was caught allegedly trying to steal 23 guns from a firearms dealer in Virginia Beach. At approximately 1:16 a.m. on December 14, the firearms dealer called in to report a burglary in process at his business in the 900 block of Reon Dr., Virginia Beach Police Dept. stated. When officers arrived at the scene, they caught the teenager still inside. VBPD is applauding the business owner’s decision to install surveillance cameras. “We are incredibly thankful the owner implemented surveillance cameras in his business,” said VBPD Chief Paul Neudigate. “As a result, he was able to discover the crime in progress and quickly alert law enforcement. Our officers were able to immediately respond and arrest the subject. In doing so, they prevented 23 firearms that...
Public aids Suffolk police in arrest of most wanted & alleged church shooter
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Public aids Suffolk police in arrest of most wanted & alleged church shooter

Within days, Suffolk Police arrested suspects in two unrelated shootings, and both arrests were made possible due to help from the community. Micheal McKinley Jr. who Suffolk Police Department as its “#1 most wanted” was arrested on December 11. Suffolk Police named the 22-year-old as the suspect in a shooting incident that occurred on November 29 in the 100 block of Kennet Drive. SPD alleges he shot at two people in a vehicle and an occupied dwelling. No one was injured during this incident, but McKinley already had numerous active violent felony warrants including charges of attempted murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, the department announced. SPD described McKinley as armed and dangerous and called on the public for assistance locating him. After hi...
Jury acquits one of two brothers charged for murdering Westmoreland, VA teacher
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Jury acquits one of two brothers charged for murdering Westmoreland, VA teacher

One of the two brothers accused of murdering a teacher in Westmoreland County, VA was acquitted Dec 5. Demetri Raymond Gardiner, 30, of Leonardtown, MD faced charges of 2nd degree murder, arson of an occupied dwelling, and 3 counts of animal cruelty causing death. Those charges stemmed from the murder of Taylor Wood, his brother’s 29-year-old girlfriend, and the burning of her house with her body and three dogs inside. Need to Catch Up? See… 2 men held in MD accused of murdering Westmoreland, VA school teacher Brothers returned to Virginia to face murder charges in Westmoreland According to testimony from forensic expert Dr. Jennifer Bowers, of the VA Medical Examiner’s Office, Wood’s death was caused by stab wounds to her neck area. Bowers testified that her finding...
Police claim to have recording of Ridgeway woman discussing murder-for-hire plot
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Police claim to have recording of Ridgeway woman discussing murder-for-hire plot

A 44-year-old Ridgeway woman is being held at Henry County Adult Detention Center with no bond after being arrested for a murder-for-hire plot. A confidential informant, who was working with law enforcement, met with Gennevieve McGhee at her residence on Chestnut Knob Rd. on Nov. 26., Henry County Sheriff’s Office reported. That informant used “a recording device” during the encounter, and McGhee allegedly outlined “detailed plans” for a robbery and murder, including the payment arrangements and detailed instructions of how she wanted it carried out, HCSO said. The recording device captured video and audio, and "McGhee was positively identified as the individual speaking with the source," HCSO also stated. McGhee was taken into custody by Henry County deputies on Nov. 27 and i...
Montross man in Gloucester turn-over crash had no license & list of charges
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Montross man in Gloucester turn-over crash had no license & list of charges

The Montross man charged for the overturned log truck crash that shut down Rt. 33 in Gloucester on Nov. 21 didn’t even have a driver’s license, according to Virginia State Police. At around 1:30 p.m. on that Thursday afternoon, 56-year-old Arthur W. Cardell was driving a 1998 International truck from Robinson's D & B Logging in the 12000 block of History Land Hwy in Warsaw, according to the report from VSP. Cardell was traveling southbound on Rt. 17 and when he turned onto Rt. 33 westbound, the truck turned over and logs spilled onto both sides of the highway. Both the eastbound and westbound lanes were closed. VDOT reported that multiple wreckers were called to the scene as well as VDOT crews from the Middlesex and Gloucester headquarters. Cardell was transported to the ho...
2 Fairfax men arrested for shooting 2 teens in Alexandria
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2 Fairfax men arrested for shooting 2 teens in Alexandria

Two Fairfax men have been arrested and charged for the previously reported shooting of two teens in a car at N. Fayette and Wythe Streets in late September. Alexandria Police Department said Fitzhugh Godwin, IV, 22, is charged with two counts of malicious wounding and one count of use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Marcus Elliott, 28, is charged with two counts of malicious wounding, two counts of use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, one count of conspiracy to commit malicious wounding, one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle, and one count of violent felon in possession of a firearm. Neither of the juveniles died, according to APD. WATCH: Live Footage of Burglary at Burberry Follow the Watchful Eye on Twitter, Faceboo...
Caesar’s Virginia casino resort opening in December
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Caesar’s Virginia casino resort opening in December

Caesars Virginia casino resort in Danville will open its doors to guests on December 12 at noon. Caesars Virginia says the property will include over 90,000 square feet of gaming space, including nearly 1,500 of the “newest” slots, 79 live-action table games, 48 electronic table games, a WSOP poker room and Caesars Sportsbook. There will also be a 320-room hotel tower and 50,000 square feet of meeting and convention space that will also serves as 2,500-seat live entertainment venue. Other amenities include a full-service spa and pool. (Photo: Caesar's Virginia) (Photo: Caesar's Virginia) Ceasar Virginia says there will be bars, lounges, and a wide variety of dining options, noting that Ramsay’s Kitchen, the restaurant concept of chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay ...
Stafford awarded custody of 80 chickens seized in cockfighting case
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Stafford awarded custody of 80 chickens seized in cockfighting case

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office announced animal control was granted custody of all 80 chickens seized from an illegal cockfighting ring at a residence on Norman Rd. The alleged cockfighting operation was discovered on November 7 when SCSO went to execute a search warrant at the Norman Rd. property for a stolen property report, the Sheriff’s Office explained. The cockfighting issue had already been reported to the Special Problems Unit, and when officers executed the stolen property warrant, they saw the large number of chickens on the property and obtained a second warrant related to the cockfighting allegations, SCSO explained. In addition to 80 game fowl chickens, SCSO reported finding controlled substances, equipment, and weapons directly related to cockfighting. (Photo: S...
Patrick County, VA man accused of trying to set his father on fire
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Patrick County, VA man accused of trying to set his father on fire

A 28-year-old Stuart man in Patrick County was arrested after allegedly attempting to set his father on fire. It was after 1 p.m. yesterday, Wednesday, Nov. 6, when a 911 call came in reporting a disturbance at 3243 Clark House Farm Road in Stuart. According to Lieutenant Steve Austin, when deputies, arrived Eric William Walker was outside of the residence subject to the call. The preliminary investigation revealed that Walker and his father got into argument that escalated into a physical altercation, police say. Walker allegedly went outside got a bottle of “suspected lighter fluid” and poured it on his father. Walker then attempted to ignite it, according to the police account. The father was able to escape and ran to a neighbor’s house. The Sheriff’s Office said Walker ...