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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Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting today, Tuesday, February 18, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.
The board requested an additional consideration that County employees would be required to take leave for any board activities, work meetings, or constituent outreach. Those leave requests would be submitted to the County Administrator for public review. This rule would likely have the most impact on the new Chairman of the Board, Deuntay Diggs, who is also a Deputy with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The agenda states the requests will be considered and a new draft presented at a future meeting.
The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.
The board requested an additional consideration that County employees would be required to take leave for any board activities, work meetings, or constituent outreach. Those leave requests would be submitted to the County Administrator for public review. This rule would likely have the most impact on the new Chairman of the Board, Deuntay Diggs, who is also a Deputy with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The agenda states the requests will be considered and a new draft presented at a future meeting.
The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.
The Occoquan Town Council is set to hold its first FY2026 budget work session on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
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