Crime & Safety

Gun Recovered, Seven Charged in Ashburn Thefts

A call from a resident who spotted suspicious activity led to initial arrests; investigation netted weapon, seven arrests.

A quick call by a concerned resident resulted in the recovery of a stolen firearm and six arrests, possibly providing some relief to a rash of thefts from cars in Ashburn and the surrounding area.

Those arrested were charged with larceny for their alleged involvement in the incidents, which span the first two months of 2013.

Deputies responded to the area of Marsh Creek Drive and Riverstone Court in Broadlands around 1:30 a.m. Feb. 5 and arrested three men after some reported seeing several people attempting to enter vehicles.

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“This case is a great example of community involvement and good old-fashioned police work,” said Sheriff Mike Chapman. “It is important for residents to be engaged. They are the eyes and ears in the community and can be instrumental in helping us solve crimes.” 

Officers charged Tommy V. Tran, 18, of Ashburn, Va., with grand larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny with intent to sell; Stephen M. McCullough, 19, of North Carolina, and Christian A. Mullins, 20, of Winchester, Va., were charged with conspiracy to commit larceny with intent to sell or distribute.

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Tran remains in custody at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. Mullins and McCullough were released on a $5,000 secured bond.

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Investigators subsequently searched a home on the 43200 block of Rush Run Terrace in Ashburn and recovered a gun that was stolen Jan. 7 from an unlocked vehicle in the area of Cameron Hunt Place in Ashburn Village. Deputies charged Jesse M. Williams, 18, with receiving a stolen firearm and removing or altering the serial number. He was released on a $7,500 bond.

The investigation netted three additional larceny suspects: Lucas Q. Battles, 18, of Ashburn, and Adrienne H. Sherman, 19, each were charged Feb. 13 with larceny with intent to sell or distribute. Battles remains in custody, while Sherman was released on a $2,500 bond.

Authorities located Hilary A. Garthwaite, 20, of Winchester, Feb. 14 in West Virginia and charged her with larceny with intent to sell or distribute. She remains in custody on a $35,000 bond.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to report suspicious activity to 703-777-1021 or to dial 911 in an emergency.

Residents should also remember to lock their vehicles and secure valuables.

The previous information was supplied by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and, where charges were made, does not indicate a conviction. For questions about this article, email dusty@patch.com.


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