DUMFRIES, Va. — A judge dropped eight of 23 charges against a former police officer and current Dumfries ice cream shop owner accused of sexually abusing a minor. The accused then took to Facebook to rally support and to admit his addiction to sleeping pills.
Joseph Ruhren, 41, was arrested in March when a 27-year-old Fredericksburg man told police and the FBI that he was sexually assaulted when he was a child between the ages of 12 and 16-years-old. Police said the assaults took place between 1996 and 2001.
Ruhren was a police officer in Dumfries at the time of the alleged assaults. On Wednesday a Prince William County judge dropped 15 of 23 charges against him, Insidenova.com reported.
Afterward, Ruhren, using the name “Mr. Jo Jo,” took to Facebook.
“Since the very beginning, I have always maintained my innocence and as you can see today that the courts felt that there was lack of evidence on the commonwealth’s part to go forward with 15 of the charges brought forth. I understand that the Commonwealth may attempt to resubmit those dismissed charges at the Grand Jury hearing which is not uncommon at all. What is clear however, that eight charges are still pending, and with that, I still must prove my good name and reputation in trail (if it makes it that far),” the ice cream shop owner stated.
Following his arrest, employees at the ice cream shop asked Facebook fans of the business to write letters of support for Ruhen, and reminded them the former police officer and small business owner has been a staple in the Dumfries community.
That sparked outrage among some in the community not only because of the current charges he faces, but previous guilty convictions for prescription fraud.
“I know I’m not perfect, as many have learned of my personal addiction to my sleeping medicine, but the matter is over, I served my punishment and all I can do is simply move forward,” stated Ruhren.
It appears some residents did write letters in support of Ruhen, and he thanked his friends and customers for standing behind him. He went on to say there is no supportive evidence against him, and that he will not say why he thinks the alleged victim came forward to police.
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FREE Leadership Sessions will be conducted at the George Mason University –Arlington Campus for High School Latinas. The program runs from Monday 7/15 through Friday 7/19 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM EST each day (1-week).
Las sesiones de liderazgo GRATUITAS se llevarán a cabo en el campus de George Mason University – Arlington para latinas de secundaria. El programa se desarrollará desde el lunes 15 de julio hasta el viernes 19 de julio, de 10:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. EST cada dĂa (1 semana).
Our goal is to equip students with the fundamentals of self-promotion and guide them in shaping their personal brand for future success. What sets this program apart is its integration of self-awareness activities and mentorship by seasoned professionals.
Sessions begin with a thorough assessment of leadership dynamics on July 15th, participants delve into the intricacies of personal branding and etiquette on July 16th, followed by practical guidance on crafting compelling LinkedIn profiles and resumes on July 17th. July 18th emphasizes the art of storytelling through personal statements, while July 19th culminates in portfolio presentations, allowing participants to showcase their newfound skills. The program concludes on July 20th with a memorable graduation ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of the ELITE Academy’s graduates and their journey towards leadership excellence.
We are honored to have the Honorable Andrea O. Bailey of the Potomac District, along with the esteemed leadership of Prince William County, hosting our 4th Annual 5K Walk for Mental Health Awareness. This event is a testament to their commitment to educate, advocate for, and dispel myths and stigma surrounding mental illness.
Dust off your running or walking shoes, bring your pets, and move with us in this county-wide FREE event in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month on Saturday, May 18th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This year’s theme is Movement: Moving for Your Mental Health.
We will walk along a scenic multi-purpose trail in a wooded setting with sufficient signage to meet the needs of the walkers at Locust Shade Park, 4701 Locust Shade Drive, Triangle, Virginia 22192.
