By Charles Couch
Capital News Service
Richmond, Va. – The House of Delegates has restored funding for Alicia’s Law, a two-year-old effort targeting sexual abuse of children, after Democrats said Gov. Bob McDonnell’s proposed state budget shortchanged the program.
McDonnell planned to transfer $1.3 million from the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, a police unit created by Alicia’s Law, to the state’s general fund. But in a unanimous vote Thursday, the House approved restoration of the ICAC funding.
“This program is essential for finding and prosecuting the most horrendous crimes imaginable,” said Delegate Mark Sickles, D-Franconia, who introduced the budget amendment.
Delegate Robert Bell, R-Albermarle, offered the amendment instructing the governor to use the funds for their original purpose, Sickles said.
“It would be wrong to use this dedicated money for other purposes, and I thank my colleagues today, on both sides of the aisle, for restoring the full amount,” Sickles said.
Before Thursday’s House session, Sickles was joined by two ICAC officers and Alicia Kozakiewicz, the woman for whom the law is named, during a press conference at the state Capitol. They voiced their opposition to the lack of ICAC funding in the governor’s budget.
In 2002, a Virginia man abducted, tortured and raped Kozakiewicz, who was 13 at the time. She has since traveled across the country as an advocate for PROTECT, a nonprofit organization that seeks to protect children from physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
“If you steal this money, you are stealing hope from children who are living in absolute hell, a hell I know all too well,” Kozakiewicz said during the news conference. “What’s being done to children in Virginia and across America is a human rights atrocity.”
The General Assembly in 2010 enacted Alicia’s Law, which mandates that individuals convicted of a felony or misdemeanor pay a $10 court fee that goes directly into the ICAC fund. This money supports the technologically intensive work performed by task force officers, said Richmond Police Department Detective Kevin Hiner, who works with the ICAC.
“We are completely reliant on funding from the ICAC program,” Hiner said.
In Richmond, ICAC officers have filed more than 100 felony charges and executed more than 34 search warrants since the task force’s inception, Hiner said.
“We’ve rescued at least 10 children from active abuse,” Hiner said. “That’s 10 we’ve confirmed.”
However, ICAC task forces have a backlog of suspects who should be arrested, Hiner said. His desk alone holds roughly 50 warrants awaiting execution.
“These are offenders that may or may not be sexually assaulting children, and we’re trying to get to them as fast as we can,” Hiner said.
Recent Stories
The Manassas City Council voted to extend a lucrative tax incentive for Micron Technology Inc. through 2035, solidifying the semiconductor company’s continued presence in the city. The deal, passed during the February 10, 2025, council meeting, ensures Micron’s annual tax payments increase by 4% while maintaining a lower tax rate than other manufacturers.
However, the decision has raised questions about a potential conflict of interest involving Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. Multiple sources have indicated that Davis-Younger is in a relationship with Delbert Parks, Vice President and Site Director at Micron’s Manassas facility.
Parks is named in an official letter from the mayor, dated the same day as the vote, outlining the incentives offered to Micron. During the meeting, Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe alluded to the relationship, stating that “some of the comments floating around online are BS,” referring to speculation that the mayor’s ties to Parks influenced the tax break discussions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Unity Reed High School.
On February 4, 2025, the board approved Rezoning #REZ2024-00042, NVA05C, changing the property’s zoning from agricultural and business districts to Planned Business District (PBD) to accommodate a data center. The site, located 700 feet southwest of Freedom Center Boulevard and Wellington Road, is part of Innovation Park, an area designated for high-tech development.
The rezoning application was submitted by STACK Infrastructure, which operates data centers in multiple locations across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. Some key Northern Virginia locations include: Manassas, Ashburn, and Leesburg.
Fredericksburg is taking another step forward to become a more walkable community with the recent start of construction off LaFayette Boulevard, which is part of the city’s Twin Lake Drive and Kensington Pedestrian Connector project.
This $2.4 million project includes extending a 10-foot wide paved shared-use path along the north side of Lafayette Boulevard between Twin Lake Drive and St. Paul Street in the City of Fredericksburg. The path will be accessible, with ramps and crosswalks built where the route intersects with Twin Lakes Drive, Springwood Drive, Kensington Place, and St. Paul Street.
The project includes a paved access point to the Virginia Central Railway Trail from the cul-de-sac of Springwood Drive, and a bike repair station will be installed at Alum Spring Park.
The process Fredericksburg City Council is following to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat could conflict with state code—especially with a provision added last year that states that governing bodies must publicly announce the names of those being considered to fill a vacant seat at least seven days before the appointment is made.
? 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.
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?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
