Author: Potomac Local News

Prince William

Five Defendants Make Initial Court Appearance in Dumfries Trafficking Case

By Potomac Local News
Police outside the Red Carpet Inn near Dumfries on Jan. 16, 2026. [Submitted photo]

“Our office is committed to dismantling criminal enterprises that profit from human suffering.” “These arrests stem from a joint investigation between the FBI, the Prince William County Police Department, and the Virginia State Police,” U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia said.

Following a raid yesterday, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, federal authorities allege that since May 2023, Kosha and Tarun Sharma, who operate the Red Carpet Inn in Dumfries, took a cut of profits from illegal activity on the motel’s third floor. Between May and December 2025, law enforcement conducted controlled buys of fentanyl and cocaine and prostitution encounters tied to the location. Four other individuals — Margo Waldon Pierce, Joshua Reddick, and Rashard Perrish Smith — were arrested on related charges. All defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, facing a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted.

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Stafford

Stafford County to host public listening session on proposed Kraken Loop transmission line

By Potomac Local News

Stafford County residents will have a chance to weigh in on the controversial North Anna–Kraken Loop Electric Transmission Project during a public listening session on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Brooke Point High School, 1700 Courthouse Road. The session begins at 6:30 p.m. and is intended to provide information on the project’s regulatory process while gathering community feedback.

The evening will feature two identical presentations—one at 6:30 p.m. and another at 8 p.m.—to accommodate more attendees. Following the presentations, attendees can visit interactive stations organized by the five proposed transmission line segments located within Stafford County. County officials will be on hand to answer questions, collect feedback, and share large-scale maps to help residents understand how the project may affect their neighborhoods.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Winter Restaurant Week returns with new flavors and digital perks

By Potomac Local News
A fresh take on winter dining: Mason-Dixon Cafe's Italian Chicken Salad, part of Fredericksburg Winter Restaurant Week 2026.

Fredericksburg Winter Restaurant Week kicks off Friday, January 16, and runs through Sunday, January 25, 2026, bringing deals and special menus to diners across the city. The event features local restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and specialty food spots offering a wide range of price-friendly options.

This year’s Restaurant Week welcomes first-time participants including Locavore, Smugglers Cafe, and Fearless Gluten Free Cafe. Their addition brings new energy and flavors to the event, which has become a popular tradition in Fredericksburg’s food scene.

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Prince William

FBI, Prince William police raid Red Carpet Inn in Dumfries in trafficking investigation

By Potomac Local News
[Submitted Photo by: Betty Amanda Murray, used with permission]

Federal and local law enforcement conducted a joint operation at the Red Carpet Inn on Dumfries Road on January 15, targeting suspected drug distribution and sex trafficking activity.

The FBI and Prince William County Police Department executed multiple search warrants at the motel, located at 17005 Dumfries Road in Dumfries. Authorities say the action stems from a multiyear investigation focused on criminal activity at the location. Several arrests were made, though officials did not immediately release the number or names of those taken into custody.

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Politics

Democrats win two Virginia House seats in special elections

By Potomac Local News

“Voters in two Virginia House of Delegates districts elected Democratic candidates Tuesday in special elections prompted by lawmakers leaving the General Assembly to join Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s administration,” The Center Square reported. “In House District 11, voters elected Gretchen Bulova, who won 68.8% of the vote, or 5,599 ballots cast, according to unofficial results from the Virginia Department of Elections.”

“Voters also decided a separate special election in House District 23, [Woodbridge and North Stafford,] where Democrat Margaret Angela Franklin won with 77.2% of the vote, or 2,773 ballots, according to unofficial election results,” The Center Square reported.

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Stafford

Stafford School Board elects new chair and vice chair for 2026

By Potomac Local News
Warner

Dr. Elizabeth Warner has been elected chair of the Stafford County School Board, and Dr. Sarah Chase will serve as vice chair. The unanimous vote took place during the board’s annual organizational meeting on January 13, 2026.

Warner represents the Griffis-Widewater District and has served on the board for six years. She will take on roles in several committees this year, including the Joint School Working Committee and the Finance and Budget Committee. Chase, who represents the Falmouth District and has served for nine years, will also hold committee assignments including Governance, Legislative, and Head Start.

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News

Prince William Chamber CEO Says Departure Is Voluntary, Unrelated to Investigation

By Potomac Local News

Prince William Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Robert “Bob” Sweeney is leaving the organization after choosing not to renew his contract, a move that follows a period of leadership turnover and reporting about an internal leadership investigation that Sweeney now disputes.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.

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Publisher's Post

Help Us Spot What’s New in Your Neighborhood

By Potomac Local News
Photo: Alex Knight/Unsplash

One of my favorite things to do at Potomac Local News is tell stories about what’s popping up around the corner — new restaurants, new shops, “coming soon” signs, and even businesses quietly closing their doors.

Those stories consistently do well, and there’s a simple reason why: people love knowing what’s changing in their community.

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Politics

Voters head to polls Tuesday in House District 23 special election

By Potomac Local News

Voters in parts of Prince William and Stafford counties will head to the polls Tuesday, January 13, to decide who will represent them in the Virginia House of Delegates’ 23rd District in a special election.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in both counties. Voters who are in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.

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