From The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia:
Two executives at a contractor for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) pled guilty to theft of government property after diverting over $12 million from an Air Force contract to pay for unrelated personal and business expenses.
According to court documents, Thomas D. Burns, 74, of Gainesville, and Daniel B. Tolley, 63, of Purcellville, founded SP Global, Inc. (SPG) in 2012. Burns served, at various times, as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, and President. Tolley served, at various times, as Chief Technology Officer, President, and a member of the Board of Directors. In 2016, SPG incorporated SPG Institute, Inc. (SPGI).
On Dec. 20, 2017, the United States Air Force (USAF) issued a Request for Information to initiate a collaborative research consortium for developing autonomy technologies, the Autonomy Research Collaboration Network (ARCNet). SPGI bid on and was ultimately awarded the project for over $196 million.
The National Capital Chapter of the Construction Management Project Achievement Awards Program (CMAA) awarded the project this honor following its completion in late April.
CMAA recognized the project for its “innovative construction management” and collaboration between Prince William County’s Department of Transportation and ATCS, an engineering consulting firm, over the several years it took to finish the project.
“The Department of Transportation is ecstatic to receive this recognition, which reflects not only our collaboration with ATCS, P.L.C. and Lane Construction, but also the strong partnerships we maintained with our funding partners,” Rick Canizales, Director of the Department of Transportation said. “These partnerships were the cornerstone of this successful and award-winning transportation facility.”
The 1.2-mile improvement not only widened the road, but added a 16-foot-wide grass median, a 10-foot-wide shared-use path and a concrete sidewalk. Completing this stretch of road is set to improve commerce in the industrial area.
The total cost of the project was $109 million and it was funded by a Virginia Department of Transportation project, Transform 66 Outside the Beltway.
On Tuesday, October 1 at 2:11 p.m., crash investigators responded to a fatal accident on the I-66 express exit ramp near University Blvd. in Gainesville.
A 2023 Audi Q5, driven by a 75-year-old man from Sterling, failed to slow down or turn while exiting toward University Blvd., leading the vehicle to cross all lanes and crash into a concrete barrier. Both passengers, Alfredo Rodolfo Sobrero, 90, from Sterling, and Liliana Nora Loschiavo Sierra, 67, from Woodbridge, succumbed to their injuries after being taken to local hospitals. The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing, and witnesses are urged to contact the police.
Press release:
Double Fatality Crash Investigation – On October 1 at 2:11PM, investigators with the Crash Investigation Unit responded to the westbound I-66 express exit ramp near University Blvd. in Gainesville (20155) to investigate a single-vehicle crash. The investigation revealed the driver of a 2023 Audi Q5 was traveling westbound on I-66 in the express lanes and took the exit towards University Blvd. As the vehicle neared the end of the ramp, the driver failed to slow or turn onto University Blvd. The vehicle continued straight through the intersection, crossing all travel lanes before colliding with the concrete barrier. Both passengers in the vehicle were transported to area hospitals where they died from their injuries. The driver of the vehicle was treated at an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Both the driver and the front passenger were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. The cause of the crash is still underway. Investigators with the Crash Investigation Unit are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police. The investigation continues.
Identified:
The driver of the 2023 Audi Q5 was identified as a 75-year-old man of Sterling
The deceased front passenger in the 2023 Audi Q5 was identified as Alfredo Rodolfo SOBRERO, 90, of Sterling
The deceased rear passenger in the 2023 Audi Q5 was identified as Liliana Nora Loschiavo SIERRA, 67, of Woodbridge
The dogs had bitten two people and attacked another man despite police commands. An officer discharged their firearm, grazing one of the dogs, which then fled with the other dog. Both were later contained at Hillwood Camping Park, where they and their owner were found. Animal Control took custody of the dogs pending further investigation. Minor injuries were reported in the incidents.
From Prince William police:
Vicious Dog – On September 28 at 12:04PM, officers responded to the 7500 block of Brunson Cl. in
Gainesville (20155) to investigate the report of two loose dogs in the area. The investigation revealed the
dogs, described as German Shepherds, had bitten two separate people. Officers located the two dogs which
ignored commands and attacked another man before charging at the officers. One of the officers discharged
their firearm, grazing one of the dogs. Both dogs then ran off before being contained. Later that day, the
dogs and their owner were located in the Hillwood Camping Park. Animal Control Officers responded to the
scene and took possession of the dogs pending further investigation into the initial bites. Minor injuries were
reported.
Updated 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 — In a significant shift aimed at enhancing commuter services along the I-66 corridor, the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) has approved a plan to introduce new state-funded bus routes and eliminate the underused Gainesville-Reston commuter bus route 618. This decision comes after thorough studies identified the need for expanded services and better resource utilization.
The new routes, proposed to serve Front Royal and Warrenton, are designed to support the recently expanded I-66 express lanes and introduce new commuting options for residents. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Long-Distance Commuter Bus Study and the Shenandoah County Public Transit Feasibility Study identified these routes as necessary.
“These new routes will utilize the expanded roadway and commuter lot infrastructure, providing critical connectivity and enhanced travel options for our community,” said Perrin Palistrant, Director of Planning and Service Delivery at PRTC. The services are slated to begin mid-December 2024, just in time for the holiday season, promising a smoother and more efficient commuting experience.
Concurrently, PRTC plans to discontinue the Gainesville-Reston Bus Route 618 due to persistently low ridership. Despite multiple marketing efforts and collaborations with transportation partners, the route has failed to attract sufficient commuter interest, typically hovering in the low single digits. The service has been in place since 2022.
The proposed changes are expected to be funded entirely by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), reflecting a strategic redirection of state resources towards more heavily utilized routes. Public hearings on these proposed changes are scheduled for mid-October, offering a platform for community feedback before final recommendations are presented in November.
“The reallocation of resources towards more viable commuter routes reflects our commitment to efficient and effective public transportation,” said Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission Director Dr. Robert A. “Bob” Schneider. “We encourage all affected and interested parties to participate in the upcoming public hearings to voice their opinions and learn more about the changes.”
Public hearings will be held:
Monday, October 21, 2024, 5:00 pm
Warren County Community Center, 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, VATuesday, October 22, 2024, 5:00 pm
Manassas Mall Community Room, 8300 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA
(Use Mall entrance at IHOP and turn right for the Community Room)Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 5:00 pm
Old Town Hall Building, 18 Court Street, Warrenton, VAComments will be accepted during the public hearings or may be emailed to [email protected]. Written comments also may be mailed to:
PRTC Public Hearing
14700 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192All mailed/emailed comments must be received no later than October 30, 2024, at 5:00 pm.
Prince William County Government employees were urged to leave their regular jobs temporarily and serve food and drinks to guests at a prestigious golf tournament now underway in the county while still being paid their government salary.
The Solheim Cup, an internationally recognized LPGA golf tournament, is taking place now at Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Gainesville. From September 13 to 15, the event is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to the region.
A whistle-blower shared an email from the county government’s top brass encouraging employees to volunteer during their duty days at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club from September 10 to 15, 2024. This arrangement has raised several concerns about using taxpayer resources and the impact on county services.
Volunteer Solicitation and County Response
The county’s email solicitation for volunteers invited employees to sign up for shifts at the tournament, where they will serve food and drinks to attendees. The county did not answer questions about employees serving alcohol, but an attendant at the golf course said alcohol will be available wherever food is served. Volunteers are paid their regular county salary to work at the LPGA event. The communication also highlights that 8% of gross revenues from catering tents and tips will benefit a local charitable organization.
County government spokeswoman Nicole Brown responded to inquiries, stating that the goal is to support the event’s success and promote Prince William County as a prime location for major sporting events. According to Brown, participation in this volunteer program is optional, and volunteer employees will receive regular wages for working at the event.
The Prince William County Government was one of several area non-profit organizations seeking volunteers to serve food and drinks to golf spectators. Organizations like Volunteer Prince William and the Prince William County Parks Foundation recently pleaded for volunteers to help a hired caterer serve food and drink.
Potomac Local News contacted the LPGA for information on the catering services at the tournament and why volunteers are needed to support a catering company. We received no response.
Prince William County Director of Economic Development Christina Winn discussed the broader context of the event’s impact. She noted that the Solheim Cup is expected to attract around 150,000 spectators and generate significant economic benefits for the county. However, she admitted that the specific details about the volunteer arrangements and their implications were not fully within her purview.
Winn indicated that the county had attempted to involve various nonprofit organizations to fulfill volunteer needs but faced challenges when those groups could not provide sufficient volunteers. This led to the decision to extend the opportunity to county employees.
The Solheim Cup, run by the for-profit LPGA, will benefit from the taxpayer-funded labor. The tournament’s entry fees range from $65 to $515 daily.
Prince William County has added nearly 500 full-time employees since 2020, and the county’s budget has consistently increased. Meanwhile, the potential liability for any injuries sustained by county employees while volunteering, whether on-site or en route, remains unclear. While the county will compensate employees for their work at the event, including overtime, the broader implications for employee safety and county liability remain in question.
There are concerns about diminished services for residents as county employees work the event instead of the jobs for which the county hired them. The high ticket prices and parking fees for the Solheim Cup limit access for many county residents, raising questions about the tangible benefits that the county will receive from putting so much effort into the event.
Event literature recommends that those traveling stay at hotels in Fauquier and Loudoun counties. Winn said, “The county simply does not have enough hotel rooms.”
On Friday, the LGPA issued an apology for failing to provide adequate shuttle bus transportation from Jiffy Lube Live to the tournament.
Public Transparency and Accountability
The conversation around this initiative highlights a broader issue of public transparency and accountability in allocating taxpayer resources. Winn says the event is “expected to inject $60 million into the economy,” but her numbers include the broader Northern Virginia, as tax revenue from hotels and airports outside the county stays within the county the business is in does not trickle down to Prince William County.
Winn acknowledged that the decision to involve county employees was made with positive intentions, aimed at supporting a high-profile event and showcasing Prince William County on a global stage. However, she admitted that the details of the arrangement and its broader implications need further clarification.
The Solheim Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Course 1 Turtle Point Dr, Gainesville, VA 20155 runs through Sunday September 15. Tickets can be purchased at solheimcupusa.com.
American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) will invest $54.7 million to expand its campus in Prince William County with a new biomanufacturing facility focused on global health. The expansion will create 75 new jobs and further ATCC’s mission to provide scientists with essential biomaterials for critical life science research. Virginia successfully competed against Maryland to secure the project. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, alongside Prince William County, facilitated the deal, with Governor Glenn Youngkin approving an $800,000 grant to support the project. ATCC’s expansion highlights the continued growth of Virginia’s life sciences sector, a vital industry for global health and national security.
Press release:
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Press release:
The Annual Salute to the Armed Forces event, hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, brings keynote speaker and Paralympian John Register to the Northern Virginia area on Wednesday, October 23rd.
Sponsored by QTS Data Centers, John Register joins Salute as this year’s keynote speaker. A two-time Paralympian, a Persian Gulf War veteran, and a TEDx motivational speaker. Despite facing adversity, Register was able to overcome many obstacles to become a voice for others in similar circumstances.
Each year, Salute honors the military presence in the Northern Virginia area and shows appreciation to our veteran community. The event will include patriotic performances, ceremonial honors and heartfelt tributes. The Annual Salute to the Armed Forces luncheon will be held on Wednesday, October 23rd, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Heritage Hunt Golf & Country Club.
“Each year, I look forward to this exceptional celebration where we honor the brave men and women who served our nation,” said Bob Sweeney, CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. “It is truly rewarding to see members of our community come together to express their appreciation to our veterans.”
The event is open to the public and members of the community to attend the luncheon to show their support for our veterans. All veterans and active-duty military members are eligible for a $10 discount by using promo code SALUTE24. register to attend visit: https://bit.ly/3RQ5TRa.
We first told you about the discovery on Friday.
Death Investigation – On July 12 at 3:20PM, officers responded to Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) located at 2635 College Dr. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a death. The investigation revealed NVCC police located the personal belongings of an individual, later identified as a 20-year-old man, near a pond and contacted Prince William County police. A short time later, the man’s body was located and recovered from the pond by Fire & Rescue personnel. Preliminarily, there are no signs of foul play in the man’s death. The cause and manner of death is pending by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man was shot in Woodbridge yesterday evening.
Shooting Investigation – On July 14 at 6:49PM, officers responded to the Potomac Vista Apartments located in the 14100 block of Bay Vista Dr. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed a 30-year-old man was shot by an unknown individual during a verbal altercation. The parties separated with the shooter leaving in a vehicle. The man was treated at an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A shell casing was located outside the apartment. No other injuries or property damage were reported.
A brazen morning robbery in Woodbridge
Armed Robbery – On July 13 at 10:37AM, officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred in the area of Henry Ford Way and Mendoza Ln. in Woodbridge (22191) on the evening of July 12. The investigation revealed the victim, a 14-year-old male juvenile, was approached by two masked men who exited a nearby vehicle. During the encounter, one of the men brandished a firearm towards the victim while the other man took the victim’s firearm. The suspects left the area in a sedan driven by an unknown woman. No injuries were reported. The suspects were described as black males, one wearing all black clothing, while the other wore a white t-shirt and black pants.
Burglars shatter glass at Cabela’s in Gainesville.
Attempted Commercial Burglary – On July 12 at 9:10AM, officers responded to Cabela’s located at 5291 Wellington Branch Dr. in Gainesville (20155) to investigate an attempted burglary. Video surveillance revealed at approximately 3:50AM, three masked individuals approached the front of the store before one of the suspects attempted to shatter the front glass window with an unknown object. When the window did not shatter, the suspects got back into their vehicle and left the area. No entry was made into the store and no property was reported missing.
Several people went on a bender on or near the Rappahannock River this weekend, police said.
Falmouth Beach, 7/13, 4:53 p.m. Deputy D.S. Jett observed an intoxicated man on the beach with several empty alcohol containers around him. He was arrested for public intoxication. During the ride to the magistrate, the suspect attempted to bribe the deputy with money to take him home. The 22-year-old man was charged with public intoxication, drinking in public and bribery. He was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
Pratt Park, 7/13, 9:18 p.m. Deputy S.A. Fulford encountered an intoxicated female on River Road near the park. She was arrested for public intoxication and held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
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