SEVEN CHARGED ON FEDERAL INDICTMENTS RELATED TO SPICE SALES

On February 25, 2014, a joint task force consisting of local, state and federal authorities served multiple search warrants and arrested seven people in connection with Slipknots Trading & Tobacco, LLC.  Connie R. Bowler, 47, of Gloucester; Melody R. Green, 52, of Topping; John Rhoades, 41, of Hayes; Brandon Bowler, 22, of Gloucester; Robert Rhoades, 19, of Hayes; Harrell Stockwell, 54, of Gloucester; and Christopher Lowery, 29, of Farnham, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute and posses with the intent to distribute smokeable synthetic cannabinoids with the intent for human consumption, and drug paraphernalia.

 

Slipknots operated a store in Tappahannock in the Essex Square Shopping Center and had planned on moving the store near Wal-Mart in March.  “My office has responded to numerous incidents where people who had smoked these products were having serious medical complications and needed to be hospitalized.” says Chief James Ashworth.  “I have taken several phone calls from concerned citizens and parents who were upset about the products being sold and wanted know what to do.”  “The current state laws didn’t allow us much option in enforcement which is why I also took a position of educating the public on the dangers associated with smoking these products.”

 

The indictments allege that the store sold the synthetic cannabinoids in conjunction with items such as rolling papers and water pipes.  It is also alleged that Slipknots sold more than $3 million dollars of smokeable synthetic cannabinoids over an 18 month period at their stores.

 

This case now lies with the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. 

 

 

 

 

ESSEX GRAND JURY ISSUES 159 INDICTMENTS FOR EMBEZZLEMENT FROM ESSEX FAMILY

On January 22, 2014, an Essex County Grand Jury indicted a Northumberland man for embezzlement from his employer.  James Cox of Lottsburg was arrested on 159 felony charges including Forgery, Uttering and Grand Larceny.  It is believed that Cox embezzled in excess of $24,000 over a period of several years while employed as a property caretaker.  This case was investigated by the Tappahannock Police Department.

 

Cox is due to appear in the Essex County Circuit Court on February 4.

 

 

 

ESSEX GRAND JURY INDICTS FOR EMBEZZLEMENT FROM CHRISTMAS MOTHER ACCOUNT

 

On January 22, 2014, an Essex County Grand Jury indicted an Aylett woman for embezzlement from the Essex County Christmas Mother account.  Ellen Baker has been charged on three felony indictments alleging that she stole over $800 from the account to pay for personal items and bills in August 2011. 

 

“This kind of case is really disheartening because this involved money being taken from people who really needed it that time of year, especially children.” says Chief J.G. Ashworth, Jr.

 

Baker has yet to be arrested on these charges.  If anyone has information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Tappahannock Police at 804-443-3992.

 

 

 

TAPPAHANNOCK POLICE MAKE ARREST IN ANIMAL SHELTER BREAK-IN

 

After a 13 month investigation, an Essex County Grand Jury indicted five people in connection with a burglary and larceny of pit bulls from the Essex County Animal Shelter on Airport Rd.  Angel Milliken-Fennell, James Fennell, Ashley M. Ray, Heaven Jacobs and Deborah Cowan have all been indicted with burglary, two counts of larceny of a dog, and two counts of conspiracy to commit larceny.

 

The indictments stem from a burglary and larceny from the Essex County Animal Shelter on December 20, 2012.  The dogs in question had been declared livestock killers after attacking and killing several alpacas on an Essex County farm in August of 2012.  The dogs were court ordered to be euthanized on December 21, 2012.  It is believed the five planned a staged break-in and removed the dogs to avoid being euthanized.   The exact whereabouts of the dogs is unknown.

 

Angel Milliken-Fennell is an employee of the Essex County Animal Shelter.  Her husband James, daughter Ashley Ray, Jacobs and Cowan all have volunteered at the shelter in the past. 

 

TAPPAHANNOCK POLICE INVESTIGATING ARMED ROBBERY ON ROUZIE DRIVE

The Tappahannock Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred at approximately 12:30 AM on January 14, 2014 on Rouzie Drive near Marsh Street.  The victim was approached by the suspect just outside of his apartment.  The suspect displayed a handgun and demanded money.  The victim was unharmed during the incident. 

 

The suspect is described as a black male in his early 20’s, approximately 5’8 and 180 pounds.  He was wearing blue jeans and a black jacket.  The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle with another suspect who could not be described.  The vehicle was described as a late 80’s to early 90’s green subcompact sedan. 

 

Anyone having information is asked to call Detective R.C. Beynon at 443-3992.