U.S. Department of Justice: “A Woodbridge man was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for conspiring to launder money in relation to romance and investment frauds.”

“According to court documents, from 2014 to March 2019, Ishmael Kayede, 40, conspired and agreed with multiple co-conspirators to launder funds derived from mail or wire fraud schemes, including romance fraud, gold and diamond investment fraud, and other fraud scams.”

“During his participation in this money laundering conspiracy, Kayede received funds in his bank accounts from victims of those romance and other fraud schemes while working with and at the direction of associates located in foreign jurisdictions, including Ghana.”

“Kayede’s co-conspirators largely targeted elderly victims in the United States, primarily using online dating websites such as match.com. They would befriend potential victims on the dating websites using false pretenses and would then exploit that trust to convince the victims to send money to Kayede’s bank accounts.”

“Kayede would then transmit the funds to Ghana. If he had trouble moving the money, he would lie to bank officials about the source and nature of the funds. Some victims targeted by the scheme lost thousands of dollars; others lost more than a hundred thousand dollars to the defendant’s activities. In total, Kayede received and laundering approximately $1.3 million over the course of his involvement with the scheme.”

“Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice. Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult. It is a term used to describe five subtypes of elder abuse: physical abuse, financial fraud, scams and exploitation, caregiver neglect and abandonment, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse. Elder abuse is a serious crime against some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens, affecting at least 10 percent of older Americans every year.”

“If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311. The hotline is staffed 10 a.m. -6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.”

“Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Keim and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Carina Cuellar prosecuted the case.”

Sentara Health: “Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is proud to announce expansion of its mobile PET/CT program. Beginning October 6, the ambulatory PET/CT unit will be available four days per month at the Sentara Century Building, on the campus of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) on Opitz Boulevard in Woodbridge.”

“By doubling the availability of the mobile PET/CT unit each month, Sentara can provide an advanced level of medical imaging to more people living in southern Prince William County.”

“PET/CT – Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography – combines images from a PET scan and a CT scan, performed at the same time on the same machine. When the results of the scans are put together, they provide more complete information than either test alone. This helps Sentara’s medical professionals with staging, monitoring, and effective treatment planning for people receiving oncology care services.”

PET/CT Schedule for 2023 (Fridays and Saturdays):

• September 15 and 16
• October 6 and 7
• October 20 and 21
• November 3 and 4
• November 17 and 18
• December 1 and 2
• December 15 and 16

“If you need assistance with scheduling an imaging appointment, please reach out to our Concierge team at (703) 523-1580. If you need assistance with oncology services, our oncology nurse navigators, Heather Byrne and Deana Henry, are available at (703) 523-1599.”

“More information on Sentara’s Imaging Services is also available at: sentara.com/medicalservices/imaging.”

Prince William police: “Murder Investigation – On September 16 at 7:19PM, officers responded to the Summerland Heights Apartments located in the 1800 block of Gableridge Turn in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed the victim, a 43-year-old man, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated on the patio area of a ground level apartment. During the encounter, the accused shot the victim before returning to his own separate apartment in the same building. Responding officers provided first aid to the victim who was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. The accused was located at his apartment by officers and detained without incident. Both parties were known to one another. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Malcom Andre MONTS, was arrested.”

Arrested on September 16:

Malcom Andre MONTS, 25, of 1861 Gableridge Turn, #402, in Woodbridge

• Charged with murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony
• Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond
• Identified:
• The deceased was identified as Kareem Rasheen Tyrone HARRIS, 43, of Woodbridge

This is the county’s 19th homicide in 2023. Last year, the county saw 22 homicides.

U.S. Department of Justice: “On September 7, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia entered a judgment that ordered Bernice Suppey, 40, and Kwaku Adubofour, 42, of Woodbridge, to pay $336,356 based on their fraudulent applications for multiple loans 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 calculate and confirm the loan amount. “

“Suppey and Adubofour obtained four PPP loans by submitting applications with inflated income and fabricated tax documents to SBA-authorized lenders. Based on these fraudulent applications, the Court found Suppey and Adubofour liable for violating the False Claims Act, conspiring to violate the False Claims Act, and for violating the Financial Institutions Reform, Recover, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA).”

“The outcome in the case was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Small Business Administration’s Office of Litigation. “

“The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Hochul III and Kristin Starr. The case caption is United States v. Suppey, No. 1:22-cv-00279-CMH-IDD.”

The Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association will host a forum on crime and public safety in Prince William County.

The program comes as the violent crime rate in Prince William County has increased by 70% since 2019. It’s also an election year in the county, with all local seats on the Board of County Supervisors, School Board, Sheriff’s Office, and Commonwealth Attorney on the ballot.

The Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association: “This is a topic of considerable importance and interest within our community, and we’ve received many requests over the past few years to put something like this together.”

“The result is an event whose panelists are prepared to discuss nearly every aspect of public safety in Woodbridge:”

• Supervisor Margaret Franklin
• Police Chief Col. Peter Newsham
• Chief Deputy Sheriff Maj. Terry Fearnley
• Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth
• Community Safety Initiative Director Wesley Dawson

The event will be held Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 7 p.m. at Woodbridge Middle School, 2201 York Drive in Woodbridge. The event is free to attend, and attendees are asked to RSVP.

Potomac Local News Publisher Uriah Kiser (that’s me) will serve as the event moderator.

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia: “A Baltimore man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.”

“According to court documents, in December 2022, Rodney Burgess, 29, unlawfully purchased a firearm, extended magazine, and 9mm ammunition from a Federal Firearms Licensee in Woodbridge through a straw purchaser. On March 2, 2023, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) arrested Burgess pursuant to a federal warrant.”

Prince William police: “Fatal Crash Investigation *DRIVER CHARGED – On September 7, crash investigators obtained charges for one of the drivers involved in the fatal crash that occurred in the area of Minnieville Rd. and Hedgewood Dr. in Woodbridge (22193) on August 30. The drivers of both vehicles involved in the collision were found to have been traveling at a high rate of speed leading up to the collision. The driver charged was operating a vehicle and lost control, striking the other vehicle which then left the roadway and hit a tree. The collision killed the 23-year-old driver of the vehicle, a 2011 BMW 535. The deceased was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Following the investigation, crash investigators charged the driver of the 2014 Nissan 370 Z, identified as Bilecer Turcios HERNANDEZ, who was also determined to have been driving the vehicle without a license.”

Arrested on September 8:

• Bilecer Turcios HERNANDEZ, 18, of 14115 Grayson Rd in Woodbridge
• Charged with involuntary manslaughter and driving without a license
• Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Identified: The driver of the 2011 BMW 535 Series was identified as Juan Jose BONILLA BONILLA, 23, of WoodbridgeFatal Crash Investigation [Previously Released] – On August 30 at 7:35PM, crash investigators responded to the area of Minnieville Rd. and Hedgewood Dr. in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a crash. The investigation revealed the drivers of a 2011 BMW 535, and a 2014 Nissan 370 Z were traveling southbound on Minnieville Rd. at a high rate of speed when the driver of the Nissan attempted an aggressive maneuver to pass a pick-up truck. While attempting the maneuver, the driver of the Nissan lost control of the vehicle and struck the driver’s side area of the BMW. The impact caused both vehicles to leave the roadway. The Nissan traveled a short distance off-road before impacting a telephone pole. The BMW also traveled a short distance before entering an embankment causing the vehicle to briefly become airborne and strike a tree. The driver of the BMW was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the Nissan was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No other occupants were in either vehicle and, no other vehicles were involved in the collision. Speed appears to be a factor for both vehicles. The investigation continues.

Prince William Police Department: “Strong-Arm Robbery *SUSPECTS IDENTIFIED | ARREST – On September 5, one of the suspects sought in connection to the robbery that was reported to have occurred in the 4300 block of Dale Boulevard in Woodbridge (22193) on August 31, was arrested. While investigating the incident, officers identified the acquaintance as Brandon Lamont MCKINNEY, and the man who took the victim’s property as Jeffrey Farenzo OWUSU. On September 2, following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for both suspects. On September 5, the OWUSU suspect was located and taken into custody. The investigation remains active as officers attempt to locate the MCKINNEY suspect. Arrested on September 5: Jeffrey Farenzo OWUSU, 26, of 3573 Clinton Rose Court in Triangle. Charged with robbery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable. Wanted: [Photo from March 2023]. Brandon Lamont MCKINNEY, 28, of the 1500 block of Ranger Loop in Woodbridge. Described as a black male, approximately 5’8, 110lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Wanted for principal in the second degree of robbery.”

“Strong-Arm Robbery [Previously Released] – On August 31 at 7:04 p.m., officers responded to the 4300 block of Dale Boulevard in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 20-year-old woman, and a male acquaintance, were in the parking lot of the above area when a vehicle pulled up next to them. The male acquaintance got into the vehicle which was occupied by three black males and a white female. When the victim refused to get inside the vehicle, one of the other male occupants of the vehicle grabbed her bag before the vehicle sped off. The victim, who was not injured, reported her bag and a safe missing. One of the suspects was described as a black male with long hair twists that were in a ponytail on the side of his head.”

“Attempted Rape | Domestic Related – On September 6 at 1:20 a.m., officers responded to the Springwoods at Lakeridge Apartments located in the 12300 block of Midsummer Lane in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed the victim, a 22-year-old woman, and a family member, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused held the victim down and attempted to sexually assault her. The victim was eventually able to separate from the accused before she retrieved her phone and began to contact the police. Before the victim could complete the call, the accused took the victim’s phone. A brief struggle over the phone ensued, and the victim was scratched by the accused. The victim regained the phone and contacted the police. The accused fled prior to police arriving at the apartment. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Miguel Angel IBARRA CHEVEZ. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful. Wanted: [Photo from August 2023]. Miguel Angel IBARRA CHEVEZ, 27, of the 3600 block of Elm Farm Road in Woodbridge. Described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’9, 160lbs., with short black hair, brown eyes, a goatee, and several tattoos. Wanted for attempted rape, preventing the summoning of law enforcement, and domestic assault & battery.”

“Strong-Arm Robbery – On September 5, officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred at the ABC Store located at 14220 Smoketown Road in Woodbridge (22192) on September 1
just before 7:00PM. The investigation revealed an employee of the store was assisting a man and woman with a transaction when the male party attempted to take the merchandise without paying. When the employee attempted to intervene, the suspect made threats and forcibly took the merchandise before both suspects left the store. No injuries were reported, and two cases of tequila were reported missing. Suspect Descriptions: A black male, approximately 6’0, 180lbs., between 18-25 years old, with black hair. Last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, with black pants, and black shoes. A black female approximately 5’10, 160lbs., between 20-25 years old, with long braided hair. Last seen wearing a gray bandana in her hair, a white tank top and blue jeans.”

“Aggravated Malicious Wounding – On September 5 at 7:56 p.m., officers responded to the 14500 block of Richmond Highway in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a stabbing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 37-year-old man, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused retrieved a machete-style knife and cut the victim. The parties separated and the victim walked to a nearby shopping center parking lot where he contacted the police. The victim was transported to an area hospital with a non-life threatening injury. The accused was located and detained without incident. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Julio Cesar MARTINEZ-GUARDO, was arrested. Arrested on September 5: Julio Cesar MARTINEZ-GUARDO, 60, of no fixed address. Charged with aggravated malicious wounding. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

Prince William Police Department: “Malicious Wounding | Attempted Armed Robbery | Assault by Mob *ARREST – On September 4, the remaining suspect sought in connection to the assault that was reported to have occurred in the area of Richmond Highway and East Street in Woodbridge (22191) on September 2, was arrested. The accused, identified as Rashard Perrish SMITH, was located in the Woodbridge area, and taken into custody without incident. During the investigation, officers determined the accused was in possession of suspected illegal narcotics. On September 2, a 26-year-old man was previously arrested in connection to the assault investigation. Arrested on September 4: Rashard Perrish SMITH, 31, of no fixed address. Charged with malicious wounding, robbery, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

“Malicious Wounding | Attempted Armed Robbery | Assault by Mob [Previously Released] – On September 2 at 8:41 p.m., officers responded to the area of Richmond Highway and Easy Street in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate an assault. The investigation revealed the victim, a 43-year-old man, was approached by two known acquaintances and a third unknown man while hanging out in the above area. During the encounter, one of the men was parked with a weapon and demanded money from the victim from a previous dispute. The men assaulted the victim before fleeing on foot. No property was taken. The victim was treated at an area hospital for non-life threatening injures. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the two known suspects, identified as Isaiah Dmitri HALL and Rashard Perrish SMITH. Officers located the HALL suspect and arrested him without incident. Attempts to locate the SMITH suspect have been unsuccessful. The third man involved remains unidentified.”

“Malicious Wounding | Domestic Related *ARREST – On September 3, the suspect sought in connection to the domestic with weapons that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 1900 block of Windslow Court in Woodbridge (22191) on January 16, was arrested. The accused, identified as Quentin O’Neil HASKINS, was arrested without incident. Arrested on September 3: Quentin O’Neil HASKINS, 45, of the 1900 block of Winslow Court in Woodbridge. Charged with 1 count of malicious wounding, 1 count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 4 counts of domestic assault & battery, 1 count of brandishing, and 1 count of petit larceny. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable.”

“Malicious Wounding | Domestic Related [Previously Released] – On January 16 at 4:42 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 1900 block of Winslow Court in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a domestic with weapons. The investigation revealed the victim, a 33-year-old woman, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused struck the victim before retrieving and brandishing a firearm at the victim. The accused then struck an infant child the victim was holding before physically striking the victim with the firearm which caused her to drop the infant. When two 10-year-old family members attempted to intervene, the accused shoved them to the ground as well. The accused took the victim’s phone and eventually left the residence. The victim reported non-life threatening injuries and the children reported minor injuries. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Quentin O’Neil HASKINS. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.”

“Strangulation | Domestic Related – On September 4 at 8:43 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 12600 block of Aubrey Glen Terrace in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed the victim, a 27-year-old woman, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation in front of the home. During the encounter, the accused grabbed the victim by the neck and slammed her against the side of the residence before the parties separated. The accused fled prior to police arriving at the residence. The victim reported minor injuries. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Isaac Opoku AGYEMANG. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful. Wanted: [Photo from September 2017] Isaac Opoku AGYEMANG, 26, of the 12600 block of Aubrey Glen Terrace in Woodbridge. Described as a black male, approximately 6’0’, 180lbs., with short black hair, brown eyes, and a beard. Wanted for strangulation and domestic assault & battery.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On September 4 at 10:11 p.m., officers responded to the Wyndham Garden Hotel located at 10800 Vandor Lane in Manassas (20109) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed a group was fighting in the parking lot when one of the individuals fired a round into the air before fleeing the parking lot. While investigating the incident, officers viewed the video surveillance identifying the individual who fired the round as a patron of the hotel. No injuries or property damage were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the suspect, identified as Rickey Ramone LOWE Jr. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful. Wanted: [Photo from April 2021] Rickey Ramone LOWE Jr., 32, of the 8600 block of Point of Woods Drive in Manassas. Described as a black male, approximately 6’4, 295lbs., who is bald with brown eyes. Wanted for reckless handling of a firearm.”

“Commercial Burglary – On September 4 at 6:11 a.m., officers responded to Prime Pizza & Grill located at 2902 Garber Way in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a burglary. Video surveillance revealed at approximately 2:20 a.m., an unknown man used a hammer to break the glass front door and entered the business. Once inside the business, the suspect ran to the service counter and took an undisclosed amount of money before leaving the business. No additional property was reported missing or damaged. Suspect Description: A white male, approximately 5’7, and 170lbs. Last seen wearing a dark-colored hat, a black hooded sweatshirt, a black face mask, white Nike
gloves, black sweatpants, and black/white sneakers.”