Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse in Alexandria, home to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. (Flckr photo: Tim Evanson)
The founder of a Manassas business has agreed to pay $1 million to settle allegations of falsifying payroll amounts to obtain inflated loans through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program. The settlement follows a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, with a whistleblower set to receive a share of the settlement.
Press Release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia:
The founder of a Manassas business has agreed to pay $1,000,000 to settle allegations that he falsified payroll amounts to obtain inflated loans on behalf of True Information Assurance, LLC, through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
The PPP offered loans to eligible small businesses for economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP borrowers were required to provide their income and supporting documents to qualify for the loan amount.
Steven T. Covey obtained two PPP loans for True Information Assurance, of which he was owner and President, by submitting loan applications with false payroll figures to SBA-authorized lenders. Based on these fraudulent applications, True Information Assurance received two inflated loans. After Covey sold True Information Assurance in 2021, he retained all proceeds from both PPP loans.
The settlement began with a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, United States ex rel. Salman v. Bull Run Capital Investments, Inc., et al. The whistleblower will receive a share of this settlement.
The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Kim and Auditor Peter Melaragni for the Eastern District of Virginia.
On October 18, 2024, deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash on Shepherds Road, resulting in the death of the driver, a 49-year-old male. The incident is under investigation by the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team.
Press Release from Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office:
On October 18, 2024 at 08:15am deputies responded to a single vehicle crash in the 3900 block of Shepherds Rd. The driver and sole occupant, of the 2021 Chevrolet sedan was pronounced deceased at the scene. The deceased was identified as Marcus Dwayne Coleman, 49 of Spotsylvania. The crash is currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victim.
A New Mexico man was found intoxicated behind the wheel of an RV on October 16, prompting deputies to conduct a traffic stop. An inventory search revealed five firearms, multiple controlled substances, and items linked to drug transactions, leading to numerous charges, including driving under the influence and drug trafficking.
Press Release from Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:
An intoxicated New Mexico man was found behind the wheel of a rather noticeable vehicle yesterday. That would be only one of his many offenses after deputies searched his ride.
On October 16th at approximately 5:08 p.m. Deputy R. Tully responded to the area of Richmond Highway and Eskimo Hill Road for a reckless driver. The caller advised a RV was failing to maintain the lane of travel while traveling about 28 MPH in a 40 MPH zone. They would further advise the driver was slumped over the wheel while driving.
Deputy Tully found the large vehicle in the area of Richmond Highway and Courthouse Road. He would also observe the swerving RV with a slumped over driver. He would conduct a traffic stop at the Stafford School Board Building, located at 31 Stafford Avenue. The slumping driver was identified as Samuel Harris, 35. While conversing with Harris, Deputy Tully noticed signs of impairment. Harris would advise it was only because he was “overwhelmed,” however, became extremely nervous when the topic of drugs was brought up. Due to the signs of impairment, field sobriety tests were conducted. Harris was detained shortly afterwards.
The rolling wonder needed to be towed, so Deputy Tully conducted an inventory search. There, he would uncover more than he originally bargained for. Located inside were five firearms, numerous controlled substances including suspected fentanyl, multiple drug paraphernalia items, and a journal with names and money amounts written inside thought to be connected to recent drug transactions.
Harris was charged with driving under the influence, refusal, five counts of possession of controlled substances, five counts of possession of a firearm while in possession of controlled substances, five counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, five counts of drug trafficking, and to top it off, the traffic lane violation. While he came into Virginia with a mobile home, he would be sleeping elsewhere for a while. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
A suspect was arrested on October 15 for a strong-arm robbery that occurred on September 15 near Manassas. An additional suspect was arrested earlier, and both face charges related to the incident. In addition, on October 16, officers responded to a robbery at a Shell service station near Woodbridge, where an unknown man pushed an employee and stole money before fleeing.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Strong-Arm Robbery *ARREST – On October 15, the suspect, identified as Byron Daniel PINZON, who was sought in connection to the robbery that was reported to have occurred in the 8300 block of Sudley Rd. [near] Manassas (20109) on September 15, was arrested. An additional suspect was previously arrested in September in connection to the investigation.
Pinzon, B. D.
Arrested on September 25:
Byron Daniel PINZON, 22, of 10091 Irongate Way [near] Manassas
Charged with robbery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Strong-Arm Robbery *SUSPECTS IDENTIFIED | ARREST [Previously Released] – On September 25, officers concluded the investigation into the robbery that was reported to have occurred in the 8300 block of Sudley Rd. [near] Manassas (20109) on September 15. While investigating the incident, officers identified both suspects involved in the robbery and obtained arrest warrants. On September 25, officers located and arrested one of the suspects, identified as Oscar Yovani GUEVARAARGUETA. The investigation continues as officers attempt to locate the second suspect, identified as Byron Daniel PINZON.
Strong-Arm Robbery [Previously Released] – On September 15 at 11:31AM, officers responded to the 8300 block of Sudley Rd. [near] Manassas (20109) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 38-year-old man, was approached by two unknown men near the dumpster area of a local business. During the encounter, one of the men grabbed the victim while the other man took the victim’s money before both suspects ran away. No injuries were reported.
Additionally, another robbery is under investigation at a Shell service station near Woodbridge:
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
The Suspect
Strong-Arm Robbery – On October 16 at 8:01PM, officers responded to the Shell service station located at 14325 Gideon Dr. [near] Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed an unknown man walked behind the service counter where he pushed the employee and took an undisclosed amount of money before leaving the store. No injuries were reported. The suspect was described as a heavy-set Hispanic male.
On October 16, officers found two adults and two girls in a vehicle in Woodbridge, where suspected illegal drugs were accessible to the children. The adults were arrested and charged with child neglect and drug possession, while the children were treated at a hospital but were not injured.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Felony Child Neglect – On October 16 at 7:21PM, officers were in the 14300 block of Jeffries Rd. in Woodbridge (22191) when an occupied vehicle was located in the parking lot. Officers found the two accused and two girls, ages 7 and 9, in the vehicle with suspected illegal drugs within reach of the children. The children were treated at an area hospital for possible exposure to the drugs. The children were not injured. Following the investigation, the two accused, identified as Andrea Louise DELANEY and Joshua Alexander SCHULDT, were arrested.
Arrested on October 16:
Delaney, A. L.
Andrea Louise DELANEY, 29, of no fixed address
Charged with 2 counts of felony child neglect and 1 count of possession of schedule I/II drugs
Court Date: Pending | Bond: $4,000 Secured
Schuldt, J. A.
Joshua Alexander SCHULDT, 25, of 6920 Harrison Rd. in Fredericksburg
Charged with 2 counts of felony child neglect and 1 count of possession of schedule I/II drugs
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond
Two burglaries in the Spotsylvania Courthouse area were reported recently, leading to a suspect being charged after detectives executed a search warrant in the Spotslee Subdivision. James Edward Romick Jr., 47, faces multiple counts related to the burglaries at Spotsylvania Middle School and Revive Ministries, where stolen items, including a firearm, were recovered.
Press Release from Spotsylvania Police:
Two burglaries in the Spotsylvania Courthouse area were reported in the last week. Detectives quickly developed a suspect and made an arrest yesterday after a search warrant was executed at a home in the Spotslee Subdivision. The first burglary was reported on October 4th at Spotsylvania Middle School. Video surveillance showed the suspect entering the school just before 10PM. The suspect took several items belonging to teachers and the school. On October 9th, Revive Ministries located in the 9100 block of Old Battlefield Blvd reported a burglary to their church. The suspect took musical items and electronics. Detectives with the help of our Crime Analyst developed a suspect and a search warrant was executed at a home on Hampton Drive yesterday afternoon. Detectives located numerous stolen items from both burglaries along with a stolen gun that was reported in the Courthouse area. James Edward Romick Jr, 47 of Spotsylvania was arrested and charged with 2 counts of burglary with the intent to commit larceny, possession of a firearm by convicted felon and possession of a stolen firearm. He was incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail under NO bond.
A suspect was charged for a stabbing incident that occurred on September 9 in Woodbridge. The suspect faces charges of aggravated malicious wounding after a physical altercation with a man.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Aggravated Malicious Wounding *ARREST – On October 15, the suspect, identified as Makahyla Lynn MUTZ, who was sought in connection to the stabbing that was reported to have occurred in 14500 block of Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) on September 9, was arrested.
Mutz, M. L.
Arrested on October 15:
Makahyla Lynn MUTZ, 25, of no fixed address
Charged with aggravated malicious wounding
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Aggravated Malicious Wounding *SUSPECT IDENTIFIED [Previously Released] – On September 10, detectives identified the suspect believed to be involved in the stabbing that was reported to have occurred in the 14500 block of Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) on September 9. Further investigation revealed the victim and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated when the accused struck, kicked, and then stabbed the victim before the parties separated. Following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Makahyla Lynn MUTZ. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.
Stabbing Investigation [Previously Released] – On September 9 at 5:05AM, officers responded to the 14500 block of Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a stabbing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 34-year-old man, was involved in an altercation during which he was stabbed and struck. The victim was located by an employee of nearby business who contacted the police. The victim was treated at an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Officers and a police K-9 searched the area for the suspect(s) who were not located. No additional injuries were reported.
On October 8, 2024, a suspect turned himself in to police in connection with residential shootings that occurred on April 7, 2023, in Dale City. The individual faces multiple charges related to the incidents, which were linked to gang activity, and the investigation is ongoing as detectives seek additional suspects.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Shooting into Residential Dwellings *ARREST – While continuing the investigation into the residential shootings that were reported to have occurred on Kenmar Dr. and Lynhurst Dr. in [Dale City] on of [sic] April 7, 2023, detectives determined the shootings were connected. During the investigation, detectives identified and obtained arrest warrants for an individual involved in the incidents. The accused was determined to also be a member of the criminal street gang the Crips and the shooting was gang related. On October 8, 2024, the suspect, identified as Shaun Ross MINNIEFIELD, turned himself in to police without incident. The investigation continues as detectives attempt to identify other suspects involved in the incidents.
Arrested on October 8: [No Photo Available]
Shaun Ross MINNIEFIED, 26, of 3910 Townsquare Ct. #201, [near] Triangle
Charged with 2 counts of shooting into a residential dwelling, 2 counts of gang participation, and
2 counts of destruction of property
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond
Shooting into a Residential Dwelling [Previously Released] – On April 7 at 9:07PM, officers
responded to a residence located in the 13000 block of Kenmar Dr. in [Dale City] (22192) to
investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed a light-colored SUV was driving on Kenmar
Dr. when it stopped near the residence. Two individuals then exited the vehicle and fired multiple
rounds, striking the residence before getting back into the vehicle and fleeing the area. No injuries
or additional property damage were reported.
Shooting into a Residential Dwelling [Previously Released] – On April 7 at 9:26PM, officers
responded to a residence located in the 13700 block of Lynhurst Dr. in [Dale City] (22193) to
investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed multiple male suspects were walking in the
above area when they stopped and fired several rounds towards the residence. The suspects then
ran to a vehicle before fleeing the area. No injuries were reported. While investigating the incident,
officers located a residence and an unoccupied vehicle that were struck by gunfire. Shell casings
were also located on the sidewalk.
BREAKING AND ENTERING:
King Street, 10/9, 5:37 p.m. Deputy I.E. Baldi responded to a breaking and entering. The victim advised her property was unlawfully entered and a sweatshirt was stolen.
DUI:
7-Eleven, 201 Garrisonville Road, 10/9, 12:30 p.m. Deputy J.L. Jones and Deputy S.M. Eastman responded to a drunk driver complaint. The caller advised they had been following a vehicle and the driver might be intoxicated. The caller further advised the suspect driver fell asleep behind the wheel at a green light and had to forcibly be awoken. Deputies observed the suspect vehicle in the 7-Eleven parking lot with the driver asleep and his foot on the brake. When the driver woke up, deputies noticed signs of intoxication. The driver admitted to consuming alcohol prior to driving; however, assumed he could not be arrested since he was on private property. He was incorrect. The driver was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content greater than.2 and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
PUBLIC INTOXICATION:
Enterprise Rent A Car, 2875 Richmond Highway, 10/9, 7:09 a.m. Deputy J.L. Jones responded to a public intoxication call. Multiple callers advised a shoeless man, who appeared intoxicated, was walking in traffic. Deputy Jones located the suspect and discovered he had been consuming tequila prior to his journey. His journey ended with a trip to Rappahannock Regional Jail where he was charged with public intoxication and held until sober.
