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.

From The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:

DISTURBANCE:
Walmart, 11 Village Parkway, 12/16, 6:41 a.m. Deputy F.C. O’Neill responded to a disturbance. Staff advised a female suspect was screaming at random people inside the business and threatened employees. As soon as Deputy O’Neill entered the business, his ears were assaulted by the continuing screams the suspect was hurling at employees. While attempting to detain the suspect, she would resist; however, that got her nowhere. She was charged with disorderly conduct and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,000 secured bond.

DUI:
Hollywood Church of Brethren, 225 Ferry Road, 12/15, 12:11 a.m. Deputy D.S. Jett was traveling in the area when he observed a swerving Nissan with its high beams active despite opposing traffic being present. Deputy Jett conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. The driver had signs of intoxication, admitted to consuming “three beers,” and did not have a driver’s license. He was charged with driving under the influence, driving without a license, failure to maintain the lane of travel, and failure to dim high beams. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,000 secured bond.

Jiffy Lube, 724 Warrenton Road, 12/15, 4:49 a.m. Deputy C.R. Newman was observing traffic on Warrenton Road when a vehicle made a U-turn during a red light. Considering the infraction occurred right in front of him, Deputy Newman quickly conducted a traffic stop. The driver had signs of intoxication and admitted to running the red light because of “stomach issues.” The driver would have bigger issues during the field sobriety tests when he refused deputies commands and attempted to get back into his vehicle. He was detained shortly after. The driver was charged with driving under the influence, failure to obey a traffic light, and obstruction of justice. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Area of Richmond Highway and Telegraph Road, 12/15, 9:33 p.m. Deputy J.J. Suh responded to a drunk driver complaint. The caller advised a black Ford was having a hard time maintaining its lane. Deputy Suh found the suspect vehicle pretty easily due to it still swerving around and he conducted a traffic stop. When Deputy Suh made contact with the driver and asked if there was a reason why she was swerving, the driver advised it was because she was “drunk.” Her honesty continued as she admitted to consuming five Modelos. She was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content above .2. She was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Intersection of Kings Highway and Cool Springs Road, 12/16, 6:06 p.m. Deputy R.B. Brooks and Deputy C.D. Quebedeaux responded to a drunk driver complaint. It was advised a Jeep was driving in the middle of the roadway. When deputies arrived, they observed the Jeep displaying less than ideal driving behaviors. As deputies made contact with the driver, she would ask for directions to CVS in order to pick up her “meth.” While CVS is a drug store, it is not that kind of drug store. After field sobriety tests, the driver was charged with driving under the influence and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober. It is not all bad news, for the driver remarked multiple times that due to this, deputies “saved my life.”

PUBLIC INTOXICATION:
Bearded Monkey, 564 Warrenton Road, 12/15, 1:33 a.m. Deputy R.L. Beasley responded to a report of some monkey business. It was advised a male, who was acting belligerent, was attempting to fight people. Deputy Beasley made contact with the suspect and quickly noticed strong signs of intoxication. The suspect was charged with public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced Michelle Caldwell Thompson, owner and President of CTI Real Estate, as the 2025 Chair of the Board. The Chamber also welcomes its new board members for 2025, including George Barnick of Fredericksburg Technology, Latasha Brooks of A&B Creative Events, Chip Boyles of the George Washington Regional Commission, Barbara Gustavson of Discover Next Step, and Werner Jansen of Bloomia. Additionally, Jennifer McGovern of Parrish Snead Franklin Simpson, PLC, has been named the Chamber’s legal counsel for the upcoming year.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Press Release:

Stafford County is preparing to recognize individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to its parks system and the character development of its youth. The annual Florence D. Helms Award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in volunteer activities in memory of one of Stafford’s most inspiring parks volunteers, Florence Helms.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our many parks and recreational offerings,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Meg Bohmke, Falmouth District. “The Florence Helms Award recognizes those who share her dedication and loyalty to the youth of Stafford.”

Helms, a registered nurse, passed away unexpectedly in 1975 of cancer but left her mark on the youth of Stafford County. As an active member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, she was instrumental in establishing a volunteer program of medical examinations by doctors for sports programs in the area. Helms was also active in the early years of growth and development of the Stafford County Department of Parks and Recreation. This award has been given to individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions in recreation, education, guidance, health, or other fields in which the service contributed to the character development of the youth of Stafford County.

In keeping with the spirit of the Florence Helms Award, two annual awards may be given:

• An award in recognition of an individual for lifetime volunteer dedication and contribution toward the development of youth of Stafford County
• An award in recognition of a group/organization that has provided support and made outstanding lifetime volunteer contributions toward the development of youth of Stafford County

The criteria for selecting the winner include: years of volunteer service (20 years minimum), degree of dedication, fruits of accomplishments, and degree of interest and concern for the youth with whom the candidate/organization has been associated.

To be eligible for consideration, completed nomination forms must be returned to the Stafford County Department of Parks and Recreation office no later than January 31, 2025. Please visit www.staffordparks.com or call 540-658-5181 to obtain a nomination packet. Nominations may be submitted digitally at www.staffordcountyva.gov/florencehelmsaward.

Stafford County Public Schools is moving forward with the planned rebuild of Drew Middle School, incorporating extensive community feedback into the design process. At a school board work session on December 10, 2024, representatives from Spaces Design Studio of Fredericksburg and Los Angeles-based Samaha Associates presented the results of the community engagement efforts, which began in October.

This article is for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade and Become a Locals Only Member today! Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!

Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Daniel W. Smith has announced plans to host a series of meet-and-greet sessions across the county, allowing families to connect with him and share their educational perspectives. Smith, appointed last month, shared the news in a video posted to YouTube.

This article is for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade and Become a Locals Only Member today! Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!

Prince William County detectives are searching for Taylohn Jashaud Andrews, 18, in connection with a shooting that occurred on November 15 at the Summerhouse II Condos in the 1000 block of Gardenview Loop in Woodbridge.

Officers responded to the scene at 1:39 a.m. and found an 18-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his lower body lying near a vehicle in the parking lot. The victim was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators determined the incident likely began during an altercation inside a nearby home, where police found a shell casing and marijuana, according to a press release. The victim has not provided information to detectives, and police do not believe the shooting was random, police said.

Detectives have obtained arrest warrants for Andrews, who is charged with aggravated malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is described as a Black male, 6 feet tall, weighing 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. A photo from July 2024 has been provided.

Anyone with information about Andrews’ location is urged to contact the Prince William County Police Department.

Stafford Crime Report: Juvenile Fight, Drunk Driver Arrest, and Unusual Thefts

On December 12 at 4:12 p.m., Deputy V.L. Powell responded to a fight report on Plantation Drive. A group of juveniles had been engaged in a fight. By the time Deputy Powell arrived, the altercation was over, and the juveniles were leaving the area. She was able to identify the individuals involved, and it was determined that both parties had agreed to a mutual “three-round fight.”

Later that evening, at 8:51 p.m., Sergeant J.D. Hurt responded to a complaint about a drunk driver near Richmond Highway and Landmark Drive. A caller reported a Chevrolet driving erratically and nearly hitting several vehicles. Sergeant Hurt located the vehicle and observed its poor driving behavior, initiating a traffic stop with assistance from Deputy R.T. Philippsen. The driver exhibited extreme signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking “one glass” of wine before driving. She was charged with driving under the influence, driving without a license, and refusal to submit to testing. She is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $5,000 secured bond.

Earlier that day, at 8:54 a.m., Deputy A.M. Pitts responded to a larceny at the Wawa on 15 Eustace Road. Staff reported that a “middle school-aged” boy collected snacks but left the store without paying for them.

In another larceny case at Walmart on 11 Village Parkway, Deputy N.D. Fonseca was called after a female suspect stole an inflatable king-size mattress. The suspect was last seen leaving in a white Nissan Rogue.

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].