Greetings, Prince William: Mark Your Calendars for Volunteer Prince William’s Fall Reverse Raffle & Dinner in support of Untrim-A-Tree, October 19, 6:30pm at Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas 20112. Doors open at 6pm, the raffle begins at 7pm. Your $100 donation includes dinner for 2, two drink tickets per ticket and the opportunity to win prizes leading up to the Grand Prize of $10,000! It should be a fun evening of good food, networking, and a chance to win the Grand Prize, all to support a cause which will guarantee vulnerable children in our community will have a Merry Christmas on December 25! Please email [email protected] for more information.

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In Prince William County, a catch-and-release style revolving justice system keeps more criminals on the street in the name of fairness.

A shooting at Manassas Mall on July 9, 2024, left two people injured, including one of five suspects in the case, underscores a more significant problem with the justice system in a much more progressive Prince William County.

At odds are those who want to reform the judicial process to make it more fair for criminals and those who wish to prosecute crime to get them off the streets for a determinate period. Caught in the middle are county residents.

Revolving Justice System and Its Implications

In a July 10 letter to her constituents, Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega, whose district borders the Manassas mall, highlighted two cases where individuals previously accused of felony offenses were released from custody and re-offended. In the mall shooting, she highlighted that 18-year-old Daevon Russell, one of the individuals involved in the gun battle that left a shooter and a bystander wounded, had been previously arrested after an August 2023 shooting for reckless handling of a gun causing permanent bodily severe injury, a felony.

Court records show Russell went to a classmate’s house and shot the cousin of the classmate, who was also inside the home, without provocation. Russell ran from the home, leaving the victim there to bleed. The victim went into cardiac arrest several times on the life flight to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where doctors were able to stop the bleeding and save his life.

Controversial Decisions and Judicial Diversion

When the case went to court, Judge Petula C. Metzer, on a recommendation from county Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth, released Russell with nothing more than a promise to appear and the stipulations that he “not consume intoxicants and have no contact with the victim.” Ashworth claimed her office argued for no bond at a previous hearing, but she could not produce the bond document to prove her claim.

There was no stipulation in Metzler’s order to not possess or carry a firearm. Russell is now accused of going to the mall armed and getting into an altercation in the food court that escalated to shots fired between the two groups.

In a separate case in her letter, Vega highlighted Arial Moya Claros, who has 11 previous charges involving alcohol and family violence over the last two years, before his arrest on July 7, 2024, for felony abduction by force and misdemeanor domestic violence assault and a second driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge.

Six months earlier, in a January 2024 case, Claros’ landlord sought a restraining order against him after the landlord claimed Claros “took the eviction process personal” and claimed Moya Claros was caught on camera attempting to damage the landlord’s vehicles. A verbal confrontation ensued, and the police responded. The landlord also claimed in his petition for a restraining order that Claros followed his pre-teen daughter home, and she had to hide and call her parents because she was scared.

Claros’ case was adjudicated in a family court diversion program in the two earlier domestic violence instances. Had he been convicted in either of the other domestic violence cases, he would be facing a Class Six felony charge for the Domestic Violence assault, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in jail.

Now, he faces only a misdemeanor assault charge because there were no convictions in the earlier cases, for which carries a much lighter potential sentence. Despite his history of violence and the escalation of violence with this same victim, Claros was released within hours of his arrest on a simple promise to appear.

Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth points to Virginia law that judges only consider convictions, not pre-trial adjudications, when making bail decisions. This requirement by the code to only consider convictions and Ashworth’s focus on diversionary programs sidesteps the more intense consequences convictions provide for re-offenders.

Citing a long-standing prohibition on making statements about open cases, Ashworth said that her office “takes domestic violence cases very seriously and would never agree to a bond if [her office] believed the accused was a danger to anyone or there was a risk the accused [would abscond].” She also said that her office makes good faith recommendations to the judges regarding bail and diversion, but “the Judges unfortunately do not issue reasons for the decisions that they make.”

Diversion Programs vs. Public Safety

Diversion is a broad term referring to alternatives to prosecution that minimize an offender’s exposure to the criminal system by offering an alternative to prosecution and incarceration. These programs bank on an offender’s desire to stay out of jail, to get them on a path to not re-offend.

Diversion programs can help first-time offenders, but experts warn that overusing them for repeat offenders could weaken domestic violence prosecutions. This overuse might unintentionally support the ongoing cycle of violence that victims experience.

Elisa Castillo, director of domestic violence services at Action in Community Through Service (ACTS) in Prince William County, said, “Diversion programs have their place, but some people, for whatever reason, don’t take the chances they are given seriously and jail has to be part of the equation.”

With Ashworth’s election in 2019, county prosecutors shifted focus from a reputation of being tough on crime to a more diversionary justice system that incarcerates fewer criminals and focuses prosecutorial efforts on programs to rehabilitate criminals before they go to jail. The result is a record-low incarceration population in the county lockup and a heavier workload on the probation office.

Prince William County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Terry Fearnley said the jail population hovers around 540 and represents only the worst of the worst offenders. That number is about half of the jail’s average under former county prosecutor Paul Ebert, who retired after 50 years. Under Ebert, the jail averaged 1,000 inmates.

The jail population is not a bellwether of a healthy justice system but can indicate problems. According to Steve Austin, the county’s director of criminal justice services, referrals from the courts to his pretrial release program have risen nearly 19% during Ashworth’s tenure. Yet, recidivism rates, or the number of accused who commit additional crimes, in his programs have increased by two percentage points in the same period.

Ashworth has said that she does not maintain recidivism statistics, so we are unable to compare how many times people not involved in pre-trial supervision re-offend on her watch. In a statement to Potomac Local, Austin said he could not pinpoint why the recidivism rate in his program has increased despite increased staffing and budgeting.

Community Impact and Political Reactions

Supervisor Vega, reserve Prince William sheriff’s deputy, has been critical of Ashworth’s soft-on-crime policies for some time. She highlighted the two cases because they are “but two examples of the catch and release justice system she sees under Ashworth’s watch.” Vega said she has a unique vantage point of the justice system, previously as a patrol cop and now in her reserve capacity working in the courthouse. “I hear complaints from law enforcement officers telling me that they are dismayed how quickly people they arrest for serious crimes are back on the streets within hours of their arrest and back re-offending, and I hear from constituents that are worried about how unsafe our community has become.

Ashworth is a founding member of the Virginia Progressive Prosecutors for Justice (VPPJ), a left-leaning political activist group. VPPJ has been a leading proponent of justice reforms in Virginia that make crime less detrimental for criminals in the name of equal justice.

VPPJ has called for the state legislature to end mandatory minimum sentences and cash bail. A 2021 letter to the General Assembly argued that these reforms would make it more fair for poorer Virginians. Ashworth does not think making the accused put up collateral to leave jail will help criminals return to court, “Requiring a cash bond punishes people for being poor, and it makes bail bond companies rich,” she said.
With the largest prosecutorial team in the commonwealth, Ashworth has made headlines for prosecuting significantly fewer cases and instead focusing on diversionary efforts as an alternative to prosecution. On average, Ashworth’s predecessor, Paul Ebert, prosecuted 350 felony cases monthly. Ashworth comparatively averages to indict 75 125 felonies per month despite a massive influx in funding and personnel.

Her opponents have blamed the lack of prosecutions as the reason for the county’s alarming 70 percent increase in violent crime between 2019 and 2023. In an unsuccessful bid to unseat Ashworth in 2023, Matt Lowery held a press conference highlighting the rise in violent crime last year. “Ms. Ashworth has charted a course virtually identical to the ultra-liberal prosecutors all around us, and Prince William County residents have paid the price with their property, with their health, and even sometimes with their lives,” Lowery said.

In a 2019 interview with Potomac Local News, Ashworth stated that the fair handling of domestic violence cases was one of her top three issues when running for office. “I will assign a senior attorney to exclusively handle domestic violence so we can pay more attention to the serious domestic violence cases and sort out the minor ‘push-and-shove’ cases,” Ashworth said.

According to The National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic abuse almost always escalates to something bigger without intervention. This escalation appears to be present in the Moya Claros case, where he is now accused of abducting his victim by force- a felony- in his current case.
Russell’s trial on the December charges is set for August 5, 2024. He remains at the Prince William Adult Detention Center with no bond after his arrest for the Manassas Mall incident. He’s scheduled for a preliminary hearing on the mall charges on September 19, 2024.

Moya Claros’ case is set for another adjudication hearing on November 19, 2024. He remains free on a promise to appear.

*This story has been corrected.

Greetings, Prince William – The Prince William Area Continuum of Care needs donations of $10 gift cards for the Point in Time Count (PIT) taking place January 24. PIT is a literal count of persons experiencing homelessness that occurs in January and is a requirement for agencies receiving federal funding for programs serving homeless persons. Gift cards allow surveyors to say “thank you” to people for providing their time to be surveyed and ensures they have a hot meal soon. While Dollar Tree gift cards are preferred, gift cards from Burger King, McDonalds, Subway and Taco Bell are also welcome. Gift cards should be delivered by January 23 during the day. Please contact Samantha Biller at [email protected] to coordinate pick up/drop off and to learn more.

· You can help cancer patients access their lifesaving treatments! The American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery program urgently needs Volunteer Drivers age 18+ in Prince William County and surrounding areas to take patients to their appointments. Must have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and pass a background check. Please learn more about how you can become a volunteer driver by visiting www.cancer.org/drive or email [email protected].

· BEACON for English Language & Literacy is recruiting Volunteer Teachers for their spring classes, March 18–June 6. Volunteers are provided with a formal textbook curriculum that incorporates listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Volunteers use the textbook to develop a lesson plan that provides additional opportunities for practice that emphasizes conversation practice and student engagement. You’ll feel great as you help adults gain the confidence and learn the language skills needed to get a job, communicate with their children’s teachers, talk with their doctor, or pursue higher education! Apply today – please visit https://bit.ly/3vyTJ73 or email [email protected] for more information.

· The wonderful folks at Capital Caring Health realize winter weather can show its face any time! With that in mind, they’re looking for Snow Team Drivers age 21+ who can transport staff to care for patients whose health care needs don’t take a break for inclement weather. A safe, reliable 4-wheel drive vehicle is needed to provide transportation, even during a blizzard. You’ll feel fantastic knowing that you are helping nurses, social workers and other clinical staff continue to provide critical services for their clients in the middle of winter! Please visit https://bit.ly/4824M6W for more information, email [email protected] to learn more.

· If you’re interested in helping refugees, here’s something for you! Catholic Charities’ Migration and Refugee Services will be holding their next monthly Virtual Volunteer Information Session on February 7 at 5:30 p.m. Sessions are held the first Wednesday of each month, last one hour, and you’ll learn more about how to help newly-arrived families thrive in Northern Virginia, volunteer opportunities and the volunteer onboarding process. Registration is required, please visit https://bit.ly/40pcwwH to sign up for a session. Please email [email protected] or call 703.851.6388 to learn more.

· The City of Manassas Park still needs volunteer Actors age 18+ to support their second Active Shooter Drill at Manassas Park Elementary School, 9298 Cougar Court, Manassas Park on January 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Actors are needed for this drill in order to make it as realistic as possible. Please note you may be exposed to loud noises such as gunshots, may be lying on the floor and may be asked to have moulage applied. To sign up, please visit https://bit.ly/4af5U8V. Please contact Francis Rath at 703.366.3858 or [email protected] with any questions.

· It may be chilly outside, but Girls on The Run Northern Virginia is already preparing for their Spring season March 4 – May 19! Girls on the Run is more than a running program; it’s also a positive youth development program that teaches key life skills like confidence and teamwork through various activities. They’re looking for volunteer Coaches to coach teams in greater Prince William County for the session. No running experience is needed; just have a desire to support and encourage the next generation. Must commit to 2-3 hours a week for the season with a few additional hours required for Coach Training and the GOTR NOVA season ending 5K celebration. Coaches receive all the tools and support they need and find that they get as much out of coaching as they give. You’ll feel awesome as you help young girls gain confidence in themselves and their abilities! Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3tD9md1. Please email [email protected] to learn more.

· The Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center in Woodbridge needs volunteers age 21+ to assist their residents in finding jobs, including jobs which allow for remote work. Meetings would be held with shelter residents at Hilda Barg any day and time that will fit the volunteer’s schedule. Volunteers must successfully complete a background check; computer and job searching experience is a must. You’ll feel great as you help a resident get back on their feet by helping them find steady employment and become independent again! Please email [email protected] to learn more.

· Give Blood, Save a Life! The Joe 15 Blood Drive in memory of Joseph “Joe” Page and Michael Page will be held January 27, 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Manassas Church of the Brethren Fellowship Center, 10047 Nokesville Road, Manassas 20110. Schedule your appointment here: www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive; search by Zip Code (20110) or “Joe 15” to register. Learn more about the history of this blood drive by visiting windriverchimes.com/blogs/news/make-every-day-count. Please email [email protected] for more information.

· If you enjoy admin work, we have a wonderful opportunity for you! Lake Ridge Fellowship House, 12800 Harbor Drive in Woodbridge, needs an Administrative Volunteer to help sort, label, and file. If you love office work, this is the perfect role for you! Flexible schedule during working hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. M-F), and they’ll work with what works best for you! Please email [email protected] for more information.

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.

–Information submitted by Volunteer Prince William

Greetings, Prince William – Are you looking for a project to do with the kids during their holiday break? Manassas City Animal Shelter is in urgent need of donations of items such as dog/cat food, dog/cat treats, dog/cat toys, cat litter, bleach, wipes, Dawn dish soap, trash bags and more! You can collect these items and drop them off at the shelter, 10039 Dean Drive, Manassas 20110. What a wonderful way to being 2024, knowing you’re providing homeless animals with much-needed supplies! Please call 703.257.2420 to learn more.

· You can help fight food insecurity! The hard-working staff at ACTS is in Urgent need of volunteers to support their Food Donation Center, 17958 Dr. David Cline Lane, Dumfries 22026 on weekdays. Flexible schedules! Jobs include accepting and weighing donations and complete receipts when requested. Volunteers will also shelve donations, pre-fill grocery bags, and assist NOVA Food Rescue Heroes with loading their vehicles for Home Deliveries. You’ll feel awesome knowing you’re helping this organization provide food to over 2,000 people each month! Please fill out an online volunteer application at www.actspwc.org, be prepared to download proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Questions? Please email [email protected] to learn more.

· Help low-income children get seasonal clothing! Boxes of Basics has released their volunteer schedule for January, and volunteers age 12+ are needed to help sort and shelve donations, pack Boxes of Basics and assorted other tasks. All volunteer activity is held at their warehouse, 9239 Mike Garcia Drive, Manassas 20109. It’s a terrific opportunity and will help vulnerable children get the clothing they need to get through the winter months! Please visit their Sign Up Genius page at https://bit.ly/3t6kj6b.

· It’s going to be mild weather on Christmas Day, but the folks at Capital Caring Health realize winter weather can return any time! They’re looking for Snow Team Drivers age 21+ who can transport staff to care for patients whose health care needs don’t take a break for inclement weather. A safe, reliable vehicle is needed (think 4-wheel drive) to provide transportation, even during a blizzard. You’ll feel fantastic knowing that you are helping nurses, social workers and other clinical staff continue to provide critical services for their clients in the middle of winter! Please visit https://bit.ly/4824M6W for more information, email [email protected] to learn more.

· You can make a difference in the life of a child! CASA Children’s Intervention Services needs volunteers age 21+ who care about children growing up in a safe, permanent and loving home. The staff will hold their next Virtual Information Sessions on January 3, 2024, and again on January 17, 2024, 6pm-7pm each date. Learn how you can help protect abused and neglected children in your community by becoming a volunteer advocate. Please email [email protected] or call 703.330.8145 to receive the link to the meeting or to inquire about alternate dates.

· If you’re interested in helping refugees, here’s something for you! Catholic Charities’ Migration and Refugee Services will be holding monthly Virtual Volunteer Information Sessions the first Wednesday of each month, beginning January 3, 2024, at 5:30pm. Sessions last one hour, and you’ll learn more about how to help newly-arrived families thrive in Northern Virginia, volunteer opportunities and the volunteer onboarding process. Registration is required, please visit https://bit.ly/40pcwwH to sign up for a session. Please email [email protected] or call 703.851.6388 to learn more.

· The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta invites children in grades K-12 to participate in the 2024 MLK Community Choir! The choir is scheduled to perform at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Program on January 15, 2024. It’s not too late to join – interested Prince William County, Manassas City, and Manassas Park youth can register at https://bit.ly/3sQ7PQu. Rehearsals have started, other dates are January 12 and January 15. Please email [email protected] for more information.

· The City of Manassas Park needs volunteers age 18+ to assist with their Active Shooter Drill at Manassas Park Elementary School, 9298 Cougar Court, Manassas Park on January 13, 2024, and January 20, 2024, 10am-5pm each day. They need 40-50 volunteers each day to be Actors for this drill in order to make it as realistic as possible. Please note you may be exposed to loud noises such as gunshots, may be lying on the floor and may be asked to have moulage applied. To sign up, please visit https://bit.ly/4af5U8V. Please contact Francis Rath at 703.366.3858 or [email protected] with any questions.

· If your office or group is looking for projects in 2024, here’s a great one to consider! The SERVE Family Shelter in Manassas has released its 2024 schedule of shelter meals, and groups of 5-7 volunteers age 18+ are needed to provide home-cooked meals to their residents on weekends and holidays. Volunteers will provide, prepare and deliver nutritious meals for about 60 guests. Groups have the option to prepare the meal offsite and do a drive-by drop-off delivery of the meal to the shelter or to prepare and serve onsite in the shelter kitchen. You’ll feel great as you provide the warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal to those experiencing homelessness! Please contact Karen at [email protected] or call 571.748.2626 to learn more.

· If you enjoy helping people with their finances, Virginia Cooperative Extension has a terrific opportunity for you! They’re in need of volunteers to go through their Master Financial Educator Certificate Program – once completed, volunteers will educate participants on topics such as Debt Management, Credit Management, Spending Plans and more. The $80 registration fee covers a background check, USB drive containing training materials and polo shirt. Training is provided which runs February 19-March 25. Volunteers must commit to the full 6-week program. You’ll feel great as you share your financial expertise to help local residents navigate their way out of debt to financial freedom and solvency! Please email [email protected] or call 703.792.5943 for more information.

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.

-Information submitted by Volunteer Prince William

Action in Community Through Service: “(ACTS) has received $2,000 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to help feed neighbors in their time of need. ACTS will use this gift to help feed over 700 families a month.”

“This donation from Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation gives ACTS a significant boost in our ability to feed over 700 families a month and continue our mission to help our neighbors in crisis. Thank you very much, Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation,’” said David Strand, ACTS Interim CEO.

“This donation will provide ACTS the opportunity to better serve the food needs of the community by purchasing milk, cheese, yogurt, butter and other perishable dairy products. This donation enhances ACTS’ partnership with its local Food Lion stores. The local Food Lion stores play a significant role in helping ACTS nourish neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Local Food Lion stores provide ACTS Hunger Prevention Center with weekly donations of produce, meat and pastries. This partnership helps ACTS successfully carry out its mission to “foster Hope, provide Relief, and promote Self-sufficiency for Prince William area neighbors in crisis.”

“The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting families facing food insecurity across its 10-state footprint. Established in 2001, the foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to feeding local neighbors in the communities it serves. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $17.8 million in grants.”

The ACTS Crisis Helpline will cease operation on June 30, 2023.

The Dumfries-based non-profit announced the closure of the 41-year-old telephone helpline on Thursday, March 30. During its time, staffers at the helpline took 500,000 calls from Prince William County residents and calls from across the U.S. as part of the National Suicide Hotline Network, said ACTS Interim CEO David Strand.

Last year, the helpline fielded more than 11,800 calls. With the launch of the National 988 services and the Virginia Regional Crisis Center, the ACTS crisis line duplicated services already offered by others, said Strand.

More in a press release:

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Steven Liga will become of the Potomac Health Foundation.

Potomac Health Foundation was established 2009 as a result of the merger between Potomac Hospital and Sentara Healthcare, Inc. to establish Potomac Health Foundation to promote wellness and prevent disease in communities historically served by Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge.

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