Publications by Amy Burns

Testing the Waters Part II

Complaints of air quality at Claude Moore Park Recreational Center started in July 2007 and largely revolved around the competition pool, used by area swim teams paying big dollars and feeding the local revenue base. After countless complaints by swim coaches and parents, the swim center began to address the issue. In part II of the series, the Loudoun Independent looks at the results of November and March reports from Healthy Buildings International, Inc. (HBI), a third party hired to assess and advise on the alleged problems. We will also examine steps taken by Loudoun County Parks and Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) staff to address complaints and tangible issues found by HBI, the Health Department, and staff on premises.

Loudoun's First Annual Earth Day

Clydes Willow Creek Farm in the Broadlands provided the perfect backdrop to Sunday’s Loudoun’s Earth Day celebration, complete with the National Aquarium Show sponsored by the National Aquarium in Washington, DC, a live reptile show from the Leesburg Animal Park Petting Zoo, and a live raptor display and show put on by The Raptor Conservancy of Virginia.

Ting-Yi Oei Returns to Freedom High School

Assistant-Principal Ting-Yi Oei returns to the very school he left, one year ago, after allegations of Possession of Child Pornography forced Oei into a year long high-profile legal battle to clear his name. After a full dismissal last month by the courts, Oei will return to Freedom High on Monday.

Testing the Waters, Part I

“We are killing these kids,” one concerned parent said, speaking of unsafe conditions at Claude Moore. “The rumor going around is that Claude Moore is a gas chamber. Parents are telling each other not to send their kids there or they’ll get gassed.”

Claude Moore Park Recreation Center opened April 1, 2007. The first documented complaint concerning air quality at the indoor pool arrived only months later in July 2007.

Trumps Visit Lowes Island

International businessman Donald Trump and his son and right-hand man Eric arrived at Lowes Island Golf Club at approximately 10:45 a.m. last Friday. They were joined by Logan Fazio, who will be working with his father, revered golf course architect Tom Fazio, on the course renovations. The Trumps and Fazio negotiated golf carts around the club’s two courses on Friday afternoon, with community leaders and consultants in tow.

The Oei Case: Closing the Curtain

While “Closing the Curtain” may be premature, it is a fact that the child pornography charges against Ting-Yi Oei have been dismissed, and his life can begin again. This case will be spoken of in school board meetings, political campaigns, and in the halls of justice for years to come.

Air Force Colonel Faces Child Pornography Charges

With the trial date set, Defense Attorney Nina Ginsberg is quick to say she is yet to know what she’s dealing with in the case of Charles William Westrip, who has been indicted on 25 counts of felony Possession of Child Pornography. The only thing she is sure of is that he’s not guilty.

What Went Wrong? Part II

Having faced charges in three counties—Loudoun, Clarke and Greene—Arnold Mancia-Morales was leading a life of crime without a care in the world. His crimes continued to escalate. Until Mary.*

Letter from Donald Trump

A letter from Donald Trump arrived in the mailboxes of his newest clients—members of the Lowes Island Golf Club—announcing dues will be $560 per month. "These dues will include the current activity fee so as not to 'nickel and dime' our members, and make the billing process simpler and far more transparent," wrote Trump.

The Oei Case: Pulling Back the Curtain, Part III

Ting-Yi Oei, an assistant principal at Freedom High School, faces a charge of Possession of Child Pornography. In the final installment of a three-part series, the Loudoun Independent continues an examination of the Oei case, concluding with an analysis of three motions filed by defense attorney Steven David Stone—including motions which allege misconduct by Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Plowman related to a personal bias, discovery issues concerning the photo at the center of it all, and failure to provide Oei with a preliminary hearing.

The Oei Case: Pulling Back the Curtain, Part II

In the second of a three-part series, the Loudoun Independent examines the case of Ting-Yi Oei, an assistant principal at Freedom High School, charged with Possession of Child Pornography.

Summary of Part One (available online at www.loudouni.com): Principal Oei obtained a non-nude but suggestive photo from a student cell phone while in the course of a school investigation. The photo featured only a torso and was not readily identifiable.

The Oei Case: Pulling Back the Curtain, Part I

Questions have arisen after the August indictment of Freedom High School assistant principal Ting-Yi Oei, who is alleged to have had in his possession an inappropriate cell phone photo of a juvenile female Freedom High School student. Originally charged in March with a misdemeanor, Oei now faces a Possession of Child Pornography charge. According to Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kraig Troxell, Oei obtained the photo from another student at Freedom during the course of a school investigation, but never informed the child’s parents, Child Protective Service, or the on-site Sheriff’s Office deputy.

Dismissal in Oei Case

“I am very relieved and very very grateful to everyone-family, friends and colleagues-for their comfort and support these many months. I am especially thankful for the unwavering support of the Loudoun Education Association and the Virginia Education Association. I just regret that the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office ever thought to bring these charges in the first place,” said Ting-Yi Oei.

Defense Calls for Dismissal in Oei Case

As the Ting-Yi Oei case has now drawn on for more than a year, it’s fitting there was no decision today by Judge Thomas D. Horne to the defense motion for dismissal. Although a decision was not reached, further details of the case were disclosed.

Home Invasion in Lansdowne

A home invasion robbery in Lansdowne on Friday night adds to current fears and unease already existing in the neighborhood after last weeks murder of William Bennett and brutal beating of wife Cynthia Bennett. The scene of the crime was in the apartments on Harbor Hills Terrace. Two residents returned from a shopping trip, according to the Sheriff’s Office, when multiple robbers entered their apartment. Robbers stole a laptop and video game equipment.

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