Publications by Amy Burns

Court News: Sex Offender Enters Guilty Plea

Jose Francisco Calix Garcia, 22, entered a guilty plea to Carnal Knowledge of a Minor in Loudoun Circuit Court. Garcia’s charges stemmed from a December 2008 incident related to his involvement with a then 14 year old girl. Garcia will be sentenced on May 8, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. A federal immigration detainer has been placed on Garcia who is originally from Honduras, so Garcia will not be allowed out of custody before his sentencing.

Court News: Man to be Sentenced for Abduction, Breaking and Entering

A man armed with a shotgun was apprehended shortly after without incident after he entered the home of his estranged girlfriend and her child. Richard Sylvester Pearson pled guilty to Abduction and Breaking and Entering related to the January 26, 2009 incident. Pearson is currently being held without bond and will be sentenced in Loudoun Circuit Court on June 30, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

Court News: Writing Checks He Can’t Cash

Lansdowne Murder Investigation

Authorities are hard at work searching for those responsible for the murder of 59 year old William Bennett and the attack on Cynthia Bennett, 55,leaving her in critical condition. A Sheriff's Deputy pulled over this white box truck, similar to one described at the murder scene, Wednesday morningon Ashburn Village Blvd, close to Lansdowne. Sheriff Steve Simpson has assured the public every lead will be investigated.

Wanna-Be Police Officer Enforces Law and Breaks It

Drew Alexander Drakeford used a fake badge and a holstered sidearm to gain entrance to the Sterling Price Costco located off Cascades Blvd.

Drakeford was seen shoplifting three DVDs, but did manage to pay for a piece of pizza at the food court before leaving the store. Drakeford was not approached because a pistol was observed holstered to his side.

What Went Wrong?

Arnold Mancia-Morales currently sits in a jail cell, convicted on March 12, 2009 of rape, breaking and entering, abduction and assault.

Loudoun County is safer. Our families are safer. The system worked.

Or did it?

The Bravest Woman You Will Never Know

“And how long did the incident last, from the time he broke in until the time he put you in the tub?” asked Commonwealth’s Attorney James E. Plowman.

“Forever,” she answered.

The word hung in the air of the courtroom as the victim calmly answered the questions.

Judge Rules: Prosecution or Persecution?

In a packed Loudoun County courtroom last Wednesday, Judge Jonathan Thacher ruled that Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney James E. Plowman had not displayed bias in the prosecution of Freedom High School Vice Principal Ting-Yi Oei.

Oei faces multiple indictments, including a felony charge of Possession of Child Pornography and two misdemeanor counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. Defense attorney Steven David Stone filed a motion in September 2008 to prevent Plowman from trying the case, citing as an example Plowman calling the possession charge “not true porn, but it fits.”

Trump Shows His Cards

Eric Trump may have large shoes to fill, but one gets the impression he has no desire to try. It would be easy to stay in the shadow of his famous father, a man who was dealt a good hand and made it a winning one by developing New York real estate brick by brick. In an interview with the Loudoun Independent, the second son of Donald Trump, 25-year old Eric Trump, proves his vision and determination make him remarkable in his own right, an asset to a family already rich with talent.

The Last Obstacle

The HCA proposal to create Broadlands Regional Medical Center (BRMC) in Ashburn has been a source of controversy in Loudoun for several years.

On Jan. 14, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, met to discuss the HCA application with planning staff and the applicant in front of a packed audience of supporters, those opposed, elected officials, residents and hospital employees.

Trump Still in the Game

Donald Trump

Sources from within the 40,000 square-foot clubhouse told the Independent the first visit from son Eric Trump and executive George Ross actually came in the fall of 2008, soon after the 465-acre property was put up for sale by Chevy Chase Bank. Chevy Chase was once the largest landowner in Loudoun County, having acquired most of the building lots in Cascades, Ashburn Farms and Ashburn Village.

Facebook