Stafford County Supervisor Monica Gary, who represents the Aquia District, was formally censured by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, for her role in the removal of Mary Becelia from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees. The board accused Gary of providing misleading information that led to the unjust ousting of Becelia and violating the board’s Code of Performance. As part of her punishment, Gary was removed from all board assignments and committee appointments.
The censure resolution, passed by a 5-0 vote with one abstention, stated that Gary’s actions were “political in nature” and aimed at securing support from the Stafford Democratic Committee for her 2025 re-election bid. Gary, a one-term supervisor who ran without political affiliation, has announced her intention to seek another term representing the Aquia District.
Gary has yet to announce a re-election bid.
During the meeting, Gary defended herself, accusing her colleagues of retaliation and alleging violations of federal and state laws. “This is retaliation, it is illegal under federal law as it was when I was removed from the library board for making my colleagues look bad,” Gary said. “This is an abuse of power, and if I have to be the only person to stand up here and deal with it, I’m happy to do that.”
Gary further accused the board of damaging public trust. “The public doesn’t trust because this board is not trustworthy and has shown themselves not to be so. What we’re witnessing right now is an abuse of power,” she stated.
Dr. Pamela Yeung, who abstained from the censure vote, expressed regret over the entire situation. “Two wrongs don’t make one right,” Yeung said. “I regret that this mistake happened, but I’m not voting to remove Supervisor Gary because I believe that was a necessary decision to remove her from the library board itself.”
“I sincerely apologize to you. We made a mistake, and I just think that maybe we can correct it and not let it happen again in the future,” said Hartwood District Supervisor Darrell English.
“We are sincerely apologetic for any personal harm or distress we may have caused Ms. Becelia and her family, and we hope that the county can move forward and learn from this,” said Griffis-Widewater District Supervisor Tinesha Allen.
Community Outcry in Support of Mary Becelia
Residents strongly supported Mary Becelia, who had been accused of misconduct and removed from the library board in July. Several residents used the public comment period to call for accountability and to express their dismay at the treatment of Becelia, a long-time volunteer in Stafford County.
Becelia, speaking during the meeting, reflected on the ordeal: “This is about how a political body can go behind closed doors and recklessly accuse a citizen volunteer of wrongdoing without one shred of evidence and then double down when offered the chance to set things right.” She added, “Tonight, I was told there would be an apology. There was not an apology. There was a statement. And I add this to the long list of disappointments that I have suffered at the hands of this board.”*
Howard Rudat, a resident of the Rock Hill District, sharply criticized the board’s actions, saying: “You trusted, and by doing so, you became judge, jury, and executioner of Mary Becelia’s good name and reputation.” He called on the board to implement measures to ensure similar incidents don’t occur in the future. “Had you applied those same standards during the July 10th special meeting, no one would have ever heard of Mary’s name outside of her family, friends, and colleagues,” Rudat said.
The controversy stems from July 2024, when Becelia was removed from her role as a trustee. Becelia said Gary contacted her, requesting her position on a hiring committee tasked with finding a replacement for the library’s executive director. Becelia declined, stating that it was not her decision to relinquish the seat.
At Thanksgiving, Gary apologized for her role in Mary Becelia’s removal from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) Board of Trustees earlier in July.
Gary stated on Facebook that Becelia’s removal stemmed from misunderstandings, poor judgment, and deliberate actions by the board. She admitted to motioning for Becelia’s removal, which the board unanimously approved, and later described the action as unjust and illegal. Gary’s statement acknowledged that misconduct is the only legal basis for removing a trustee and that Becelia’s actions did not meet that threshold.
Before the Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted on the censure of Gary, Bohmke read the following statement for the record, summarizing the findings of the board’s investigation and highlighting the basis for the censure:
“Before we cast our vote today on the censure of Supervisor Gary, I believe it is imperative for the community to understand the results of the investigation and information that was provided to our board in July and again in September.”
“Supervisor Gary provided misleading information to the entire board. Upon further investigation, it was brought to the board’s attention that Supervisor Gary reached out to the chair of the Stafford Democratic Committee asking for a new appointee recommendation to the library board before the Board of Supervisors took any actions on the removal of Ms. Becelia in July. Shortly after our board was provided misleading and inaccurate information from Supervisor Gary and the board voted to remove the library appointee, the Democratic Chair [Howard Rudat] notified Supervisor Gary that the library board member removed was in fact a Stafford Democratic Committee member.”
“Based on the investigation, this notification to Supervisor Gary is essentially what led her to changing her mind and requesting the board to reappoint Ms. Becelia in September’s closed session. The board clarified with Supervisor Gary and asked if her actions had changed from what she shared in July, and she said no. That behavior shared with the board can be characterized as disrespectful and unprofessional behavior. Based on that information, the board still felt what was being told to the board by Supervisor Gary was in fact misconduct and were unwilling to overturn the previous decision.”
“It wasn’t until a couple of weeks ago that the board’s continued investigation uncovered these motives from Supervisor Gary were political in nature and related to her upcoming re-election and gaining support from the Democratic Committee in her upcoming election. The misconduct she previously shared with the board, in fact, was a fabrication from Supervisor Gary.”
“Appointments to committees and commissions should never be made based on political affiliation requirements or traded for support.”
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) Board of Trustees oversees the policies, strategic planning, and overall governance of the regional library system, which serves Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, and Fredericksburg. The board is composed of citizen appointees and elected officials nominated by participating local governments, tasked with ensuring the library system operates effectively and meets the needs of the community.
Trustees work to approve budgets, guide library programs, and oversee library leadership. Their decisions shape the library’s services and ensure accessibility for regional residents.
*This article was updated to state Gary has not announced her intention to seek re-election.
At 1 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, Fredericksburg Police responded to reports of gunfire in the 400 block of William Street in Downtown Fredericksburg. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds on the adjacent Charles Street and provided aid until rescue personnel arrived.
The victim, identified as Tyler Lee Jones, 23, of Fredericksburg, was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The shooting occurred near two popular Downtown restaurants, Castiglias Italian and Fahrenheit 132, in a bustling area typically frequented by locals and visitors alike.
The investigation is in its early stages, and police are urging anyone with information or video footage related to the incident to come forward. Those with information can contact Fredericksburg Police at 540-373-3122. Anonymous tips can be submitted by texting “FPDtip” followed by the information to “847-411” or by using the FPD Tip app, available for download on Android and iPhone devices.
The Stafford and Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Offices assisted Fredericksburg Police in the investigation.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to report suspicious drone activity after reports of unidentified drones flying over parts of Stafford County, King George County, and Spotsylvania County. The nighttime sightings, reported on December 11, 2024, were made to Stafford’s emergency dispatch center.
Stafford County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ryan Wilbur stated that federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have been informed and are working with local authorities to investigate the incidents. However, descriptions of the drones or their operators have not been provided.
Neighboring jurisdictions have reported little or no drone-related activity. Major Elizabeth Scott of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office told Potomac Local News that their 911 dispatch center had not received any reports of suspicious drones. Similarly, a report of a drone sighting near the Lake Anna Nuclear Power Plant in Louisa County, made on December 12, was determined to be unfounded. A deputy dispatched to investigate found nothing in the sky.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about suspicious drone activity to contact the FBI 1-800-225-5324 or online. Residents can also report incidents to the FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Support Center by calling (844) 359-6982 or emailing [email protected].
On December 5, 2024, deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash on Patriot Highway, involving a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and a 2005 International flatbed truck. The driver of the Chevrolet was pronounced dead at the scene, and the incident is under investigation by the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Traffic Reconstruction Unit.
Press Release from Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office:
On December 5, 2024, at approximately 1:40 pm, deputies with the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Patriot Highway and Orchard Ridge Drive for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Traffic Reconstruction Unit responded to the crash scene. Preliminary investigation shows that a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado operated by William Aimino was traveling north on Patriot Highway, and crossed over the centerline of the roadway into opposing lanes of traffic, causing a head-on crash with a 2005 International flatbed truck. Mr. Aimino was pronounced deceased on the scene and was found to be wearing his seatbelt. Mr. Aimino’s next of kin has been notified. The case is still under investigation by the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Traffic Reconstruction Unit. Sheriff Roger Harris and the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office extend their condolences to Mr. Aimino’s family and friends for their loss.
A fire at the Eagle Village Shopping Center yesterday damaged two businesses and disrupted several others. Play It Again Sports and A Stitch in Time sustained significant fire damage, while adjacent businesses, including the U.S. Post Office, a laundromat, and Perfect 10 Nail Salon, experienced smoke and heat exposure but no flames. The fire, reported at 12:43 p.m., was controlled in approximately 35 minutes by a team of 50 firefighters.
Crews from the Fredericksburg Fire Department, Spotsylvania County Fire, Stafford County Fire-Rescue, King George Emergency Services, and an ambulance from the Naval District of Washington worked together to extinguish the blaze. The cold, brisk wind spread the flames across the roof, which had a styrofoam insulation and rubber membrane structure that complicated firefighting efforts. Firefighters had to cut through the roof membrane over five stores to ensure the flames were fully extinguished.
The shopping center, located at 1281 Emancipation Highway, was formerly known as the Park & Shop Center. A prominent fixture in the Fredericksburg community, Eagle Village hosts a mix of retail and service-oriented businesses.
No injuries were reported among firefighters, though a few civilians were treated for minor smoke inhalation. The Fredericksburg Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire’s origin and cause, with a report expected in the coming days. Utilities to affected businesses were disconnected to prevent further hazards.
Update 9 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024 — Fire crews monitored the scene overnight and will continue overhaul operations with daylight to fully extinguish the fire, as Fire Marshals investigate the cause. Both structures sustained major damage, and one employee of Kid’s Choice Sports Center was treated for a non-life-threatening injury; no firefighters were injured.
From fire and rescue:
Units remained on the scene overnight continuing to monitor the scene for hot spots that needed extinguishment. With daylight it will be easier to conduct overhaul operations to complete extinguishment. Fire Marshals will be returning to scene to continue the cause and origin investigation.
Both structures involved in the incident sustained major damage.
Injury Update- Earlier reports indicated there were no injuries. It was confirmed one employee of the Kid’s Choice Sports Center was transported to a local medical facility with a non-life-threatening injury. There were no injuries to firefighting personnel.
Additional updates will be provided as warranted.
Update 5:45 p.m. — Firefighters are battling a three-alarm fire that began as an exterior blaze near a single-family home on Devil’s Reach Road and spread to the Kids Choice Sports building on Sport and Health Drive in Woodbridge.
The building was not heavily occupied, no injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Under normal operation, the Kid’s Choice Sport and Fun Center in Woodbridge spans 56,000 square feet and offers a range of activities and programs for children and adults. The center features swimming, laser tag, bounce houses, basketball, soccer, volleyball, football, and a dedicated area for younger children called Toddler Town.
Recently the center launched indoor high school soccer leagues starting. The leagues are designed to prepare players for the high school season. In addition to the leagues, the center will hosted Nova FC Soccer Fall Classes in October. These five-week indoor soccer clinics are aimed at children aged 6 to 11 and focus on grassroots soccer fundamentals and fun, competitive activities.
The loss of the center will mean parents will be scrambling to find alternatives for their children to play indoor sports. Earlier this year, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors backed off a plan to build an indoor sports center near Potomac Mills mall.
More from Prince William County Fire and Rescue:
Units are on the scene of 3 alarm warehouse fire in the 13000 blk of Sport and Health Drive (Woodbridge). The incident began as a fire on the exterior side to a single-family dwelling on Devil’s Reach Road. Crews arrived on the scene and requested a 2nd alarm because of the advancing fire. A 3rd alarm was request shortly thereafter. Brush and other combustibles had ignited and spread to the Kids Choice Sports building located in the 13000 blk of Sport & Health Drive. The Kids Choice Sports building was not heavily occupied at the time of the incident. No injuries have been reported. Firefighting operations are still underway. No cause has been determined at this time.
Original post — Prince William County fire crews are responding to two major fires, one at a large gym complex in Woodbridge and the other at an adjacent house.
The house fire broke out 3:52 p.m. in the 1405 block of Devils Reach Road in Woodbridge. The fire has rung two alarms, according to initial information.
The second is at the large gym complex in the 13000 block of Sport and Health Drive, prompting a three-alarm emergency response. Kids Choice Sport & Fun Center, Prince William Athletic Center, and Overtime Fitness are some businesses listed as tenants.
Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Matt Smolsky confirmed the incident in a statement, describing it as a “warehouse fire.” The specific details of the fire’s cause and extent are still under investigation. “As soon as information is confirmed, more will be provided,” Smolsky said.
There is no word yet on potential injuries or the impact on nearby businesses and residences. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Residents are advised to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to manage the situation safely.
More as we have it.
A fire broke out at the Eagle Village Shopping Center, located at 1245 Emancipation Highway in Fredericksburg, at 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
The Fredericksburg Fire and Rescue Department responded to the scene, with additional assistance from Stafford County Fire and Rescue, Spotsylvania Fire and Rescue, King George Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management, and Naval District Washington (NDW) Dahlgren.
According to a statement from Fredericksburg Fire and Rescue, personnel remain on-site and are expected to operate for an extended period. The Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Company and the Salvation Army have provided support to the crews during the response.
The Eagle Village Shopping Center, a 127,788-square-foot complex, houses businesses including Giant Food, Planet Fitness, and the Salvation Army. It is located near Mary Washington University and Mary Washington Hospital.
There are no reports of injuries at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials have asked the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to continue their work.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Photos from the Fredericksburg Fire and Rescue Department.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene to find the female suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and, according to a release from the Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, provided “immediate medical attention.” Fire and Rescue transported the female to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition.
The case is currently being investigated and does not appear to be a random act of violence, according to the Thursday release. Those with information can contact the Sheriff’s Office by calling 800-928-5822 or 540-582-5822 and visiting them online.
Update 7:50 p.m. — Prince William County police have identified Michael David Burke, 58, as the man who died in an officer-involved shooting on December 5 in Woodbridge.
Police did not say where the man was from.
Prince William police:
Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation *DECEASED IDENTIFIED – Prince William County police have identified the man who died during an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the 5000 block of Davis Ford Rd in Woodbridge (22192) on December 5. The deceased was identified as Michael David BURKE, 58. The investigation into the encounter between the officer and the deceased before the shooting remains active and led by the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.
Update 12:45 p.m — Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham held a press conference today following a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred near the Central District Police Station in Woodbridge. Chief Newsham expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and outlined preliminary details of the incident.
“This morning, an adult white male, believed to be in his 50s, arrived at the joint fire and police department complex. He entered the rear parking lot of the fire station, armed with a knife,” Newsham said. “One of our officers, who was at a nearby gas pump, was alerted to the man’s presence and responded to the scene.”
The armed individual confronted the officer and advanced toward him. Despite commands to drop the knife, the subject continued moving forward, prompting the officer to discharge his firearm. The man was struck, and officers attempted to render aid before he was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not yet been confirmed.
Investigation Underway
Prince William County’s Critical Incident Response Team is handling the investigation, which will be reviewed by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Afterward, the department will conduct an administrative review to determine whether the use of force complied with department policies.
Body camera footage of the incident exists but will not be released until the investigation is complete. Surveillance footage from the area is also being reviewed.
Officer’s Status
The officer involved is a two-year veteran of the force. “This incident is very impactful for the officer, who is understandably shaken but physically uninjured. He will receive support at our resiliency center,” Newsham added.
Witness Accounts and Questions
According to Chief Newsham, a witness observed the man in the fire station parking lot and alerted the officer. The suspect’s motives for being at the complex remain unclear. Investigators are exploring whether the individual was experiencing a mental health crisis, as initial evidence suggests.
When asked if less-lethal force, such as a Taser, could have been used, Chief Newsham stated that it remains unclear whether the officer was equipped with such a device at the time. The timeline of events, from the officer being alerted to the confrontation, was described as very brief, with the situation escalating rapidly.
Community Impact
The shooting occurred during a shift change for fire department personnel. “The fire chief expressed gratitude that the officer placed himself between the individual and the firefighters, ensuring their safety,” said Chief Newsham.
The investigation will continue, with updates provided as more details are confirmed. Authorities emphasized the importance of patience as the process unfolds.
Below is the full transcript of Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham’s remarks following an officer-involved shooting near the Central District Police Station:
Chief Peter Newsham:
Good morning, everyone. I’m Pete Newsham, Chief of Police here in Prince William County. I’m here to speak about a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred this morning.First, I want to express my condolences to the family of the decedent. In policing, when we come to work, our goal is to help people. Unfortunately, there are times when we are forced to use force, and in some instances, that force results in the loss of life. That’s what happened here this morning.
The information I have right now is preliminary because this just occurred a few hours ago, and more details will emerge as the investigation progresses. Here’s what we know so far:
An adult white male, appearing to be in his 50s, arrived at this joint fire and police department complex. He entered the rear parking lot of the fire department. One of our officers, who was at a nearby gas pump, was alerted to the man’s presence and the fact that he was armed with a knife.
The officer approached the man, who confronted the officer with the knife. The man advanced toward the officer, prompting the officer to discharge his firearm, striking the individual. Officers immediately attempted to render aid, but the individual was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
We have not yet identified the individual. Once we confirm their identity, we will release that information.
Investigation Process:
The investigation is being handled by the Critical Incident Response Team, which will present its findings to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will determine if there is any prosecutorial merit to the case. Afterward, the Police Department will conduct an administrative investigation to determine whether the officer’s actions were consistent with department policies.Questions from the Press:
Reporter: Was the man observed by someone at the fire station?
Chief Newsham: Yes, a witness in the area alerted the officer to the man’s presence and his possession of a knife.Reporter: Is this individual known to your department?
Chief Newsham: Until we have a full identification, I don’t want to speculate.Reporter: Could this person have been suffering from a mental health crisis?
Chief Newsham: That is one of the things we will investigate. Initial information suggests that the individual may have been in crisis.Reporter: Was there any de-escalation or commands given?
Chief Newsham: The officer retreated and gave commands for the man to drop the knife.Reporter: Was there body camera footage?
Chief Newsham: Yes, there is body camera footage. We will determine whether to release it after the investigation is completed.Reporter: Could less-lethal force, such as a Taser, have been used?
Chief Newsham: I don’t know at this point whether the officer was equipped with a Taser. That will be part of the investigation.Reporter: What do we know about the officer?
Chief Newsham: The officer is a two-year veteran, a male, who will be placed on leave and will receive support at our resiliency center. He is understandably shaken but physically unharmed.Reporter: Was the area well-lit?
Chief Newsham: The area has lighting. I wouldn’t characterize it as dark.Reporter: How quickly did this situation unfold?
Chief Newsham: It happened very quickly, in less than 10 minutes.Reporter: Was there a threat made toward law enforcement?
Chief Newsham: If someone advances toward an officer with a knife, that is considered a threat.Reporter: How close was the individual to the fire station?
Chief Newsham: He was in the back parking lot, close to the fire station.Reporter: How many shots were fired?
Chief Newsham: That will be part of the investigation.
Original Post 8:40 a.m. — On December 5, a Prince William County police officer fatally shot a man who advanced toward them with a knife at the Department of Fire & Rescue Station 26 and Central District Police Station in Woodbridge. The man, who ignored commands to drop the knife, was transported to a hospital, where he died; no officers or others were injured, and the Critical Incident Response Team is investigating.
From Prince William police:
Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation – On December 5 at 5:06AM, a Prince William County police officer was involved in an officer-involved shooting on the grounds of the Department of Fire & Rescue Station 26 and the Central District Police Station located in the 5000 block of Davis Ford Rd in Woodbridge (22192) during an encounter with a man on the property.
Preliminarily, a uniformed police officer was completing their work shift when the officer received information about a man in the rear parking lot of the fire station. As the officer made contact with the man, a knife was seen in the man’s hand. The man began approaching the officer, waving the knife in front of him and towards the officer. The officer gave several commands to the man to drop the knife. The man did not comply and continued advancing towards the officer.
At one point, the officer discharged their service weapon, striking the man in the upper body. Additional officers arrived on the scene soon after, and immediate first-aid was administered by officers and fire & rescue personnel from the nearby fire station. The man was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries. No officers, fire & rescue personnel, or other community members were injured during the incident, which remains contained to the grounds of the property.
There is no active threat to the surrounding community. The identity of the deceased, preliminarily identified as an adult man, is pending and will be released once confirmed and a next of kin is notified.
The Prince William County Police Department, at the request of Chief Peter Newsham, has requested the regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to oversee the investigation as an independent body.
The involved officer will be placed on routine administrative leave. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.
