MANASSAS, VA — On Friday at 1:04 PM, police were called to the 7400 block of Stream Walk Ln. to investigate a robbery reported to have occurred the previous evening. A 47-year-old man was attacked by three men while walking near Hiram Ct.
The assailants demanded money, then assaulted the victim, knocking him to the ground and kicking him. They stole money from his wallet and fled the scene.
The victim sustained minor injuries. The suspects, described only as black males, are believed to have targeted the victim in this incident.
- Virginia Woman Stays Up Past Bedtime, Hits $538K Lottery Jackpot
She was ready to call it a night when a Virginia Lottery game delivered a life-changing win.
ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA – A Virginia woman who knew she should be getting some sleep ended up having a night she’ll never forget after hitting a $538,876 lottery jackpot while playing an online game around midnight.
The Albemarle County resident was playing the Virginia Lottery’s Bucks Triple Play game when she caught herself thinking, “I’ve got to get to sleep!” Instead of calling it a night, she continued playing and landed a jackpot worth more than half a million dollars.
The win was so unexpected that she questioned whether it had actually happened when she woke up the following morning. The woman, who chose to keep her identity private, shared her disbelief with Virginia Lottery officials after claiming her prize.
Virginia lottery winner wakes up wondering if $538K jackpot was a dream
“I was kind of in shock,” the woman told Virginia Lottery officials while describing the moment she realized she had won.
The excitement apparently followed her into the next morning, when she found herself questioning whether the life-changing jackpot had been real.
“Did I dream it?” she recalled wondering.
But the $538,876 prize was no dream, and the Albemarle County resident already has plans for what she’ll do with the money.
Rather than rushing into major purchases, she intends to save and invest her winnings while setting aside a portion to help care for her family.
The winner elected to remain anonymous, an option available to Virginia Lottery prize winners under state law. Her name and other identifying information were not publicly disclosed.
Midnight jackpot brings big payday through Virginia Lottery online game
The winning ticket came from Bucks Triple Play, one of dozens of online instant games available through the Virginia Lottery’s website and mobile app.
The game features three separate games with varying odds, giving players multiple ways to win. Virginia residents can also purchase tickets for games including Powerball, Mega Millions, Millionaire for Life, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5 and Cash 5 with EZ Match online.
Online lottery players must be at least 18 years old and physically located in Virginia when purchasing tickets.
The jackpot comes as Virginia Lottery officials report another major year of financial support for public education across the state.
During fiscal year 2026, the Lottery generated more than $914 million for K-12 education, representing approximately 10% of Virginia’s total public school budget.
Albemarle County, where the jackpot winner lives, received more than $4.5 million in Lottery funding for K-12 education during the last fiscal year.
For the local winner, however, the most memorable part of the experience may be the decision to stay awake just a little longer.
- Former Federal Employee Pleads Guilty in $194 Million Fraud Scheme Involving 298 Gold Bars, Luxury Homes
David J. Rush admitted using a senior government position and fabricated federal authorities to siphon nearly $194 million, much of it spent on gold, real estate, watches and luxury vehicles.
ASHBURN, Va. — A former federal employee with a top-secret security clearance pleaded guilty Tuesday to orchestrating a massive fraud scheme that cost the U.S. government approximately $194 million and funded purchases of 298 gold bars, luxury properties, watches and vehicles.
David J. Rush, 49, of Ashburn, admitted using his senior executive-level government position to create fictitious authorities, including what prosecutors described as a fabricated Special Access Program, to obtain federal money for his personal use.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Rush fraudulently obtained approximately $193.6 million.
Prosecutors Say Rush Lied His Way Into Senior Position
Court documents say Rush held a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance and reached his senior position in part by lying about his education and military background.
He then used that access and authority to create fake government mechanisms that allowed him to obtain federal funds, prosecutors said.
Once he controlled the money, Rush purchased gold and directed roughly $145 million through wire transfers used to acquire luxury real estate, watches and at least one vehicle.
“Federal employees are entrusted with serving the American people, not themselves,” Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “The Trump Administration is committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government.”
FBI Finds 298 Gold Bars and More Than $2 Million in Cash
The scale of the scheme became evident when the FBI searched Rush’s residence May 19.
Agents recovered 298 gold bars that prosecutors said cost the government approximately $46 million.
They also seized about $2.1 million in cash, €104,795 and numerous luxury watches.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said Rush stole approximately $194 million through purchases that included real estate, jewelry and other high-value property.
“He defrauded the United States out of approximately $194 million in real estate, jewelry, and other valuable property, including 298 gold bars,” Eisenberg said.
Luxury Properties, Rolexes and BMWs to Be Forfeited
Under his plea agreement, Rush agreed to forfeit the gold bars and currency recovered from his home.
He will also surrender fraudulently obtained properties, 30 watches — many of them Rolexes — and two 2026 BMW Alpina vehicles.
Prosecutors said at least one of the BMWs is worth approximately $172,000.
FBI Director Kash Patel said Rush used his government position for extravagant personal spending.
“Rush betrayed his oath, his co-workers, and the American people and he will now face justice for his actions,” Patel said.
CIA Says Internal Investigation Triggered Referral
The CIA said its own internal investigation first identified potential criminal activity and the matter was immediately referred to the FBI.
“David Rush abused his position and betrayed the public trust and should be held fully accountable for his actions,” CIA Director John Ratcliffe said.
The Justice Department described Rush as an employee of a federal agency but did not identify his exact former position in the announcement.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Theophani K. Stamos for the Eastern District of Virginia said Rush had been entrusted with government resources intended to protect the country.
“He robbed his country, not just of its treasury, but also of its faith,” Stamos said.
Rush Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison
Rush is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 28, 2027.
He faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, along with three years of supervised release, restitution, forfeiture and a fine.
A federal judge will determine the sentence after considering federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Justice Department said the investigation remains active. The Director of National Intelligence has also requested an investigation by the Intelligence Community Inspector General.
- Virginia Bill Would Ban ‘Surveillance Pricing’ Based on Cameras, Tracking and Personal Data
House Bill 121 would prohibit businesses from using surveillance-derived consumer data to set individualized prices while preserving traditional discounts and loyalty programs.
RICHMOND, VA — Virginia lawmakers are considering a consumer-protection law that would prohibit businesses from using information gathered through cameras, device tracking, biometric monitoring and other surveillance technologies to determine what an individual customer pays. House Bill 121 was introduced by Del. Irene Shin Keys-Gamarra and referred to the House Committee on Labor and Commerce.
The measure remains listed as pending in committee by Virginia’s Legislative Information System
Bill Defines ‘Surveillance Pricing’
HB 121 defines surveillance pricing as selling or offering goods or services at a customized price for a particular consumer or group based, at least in part, on personal information collected through electronic surveillance technology.
That could include data gathered through sensors, cameras, device tracking, biometric monitoring or other systems capable of collecting information about a person’s behavior, characteristics, location or other personal attributes.
The restriction would apply whether the business collected the information itself or purchased the data from someone else.
Businesses Could Not Secretly Set Prices From Tracking Data
Under the proposal, a supplier could not use surveillance-derived information to determine a customer’s price in a consumer transaction.
The legislation would potentially reach both online and physical-world tracking because its definition of surveillance technology includes data collection in digital and physical environments.
Personal data is defined broadly as information linked, or reasonably linkable, to an identifiable person or a device connected to that person.
Loyalty Programs and Public Discounts Would Remain Legal
The bill does not prohibit every situation in which two customers pay different prices.
Businesses could still offer discounts based on publicly disclosed eligibility requirements, including promotions, mailing-list signups and promotional events.
Discounts for teachers, students, military members, senior citizens and residents of particular areas would also remain permitted when the eligibility requirements are publicly disclosed.
Loyalty, membership and rewards programs would remain allowed when consumers affirmatively enroll or purchase membership.
A company could also offer a discount when a customer knowingly provides specific personal information for the purpose of obtaining that discount, provided the company clearly explains what information is being requested and why.
Actual Cost Differences Would Be Exempt
Companies could continue charging different prices when the difference is based solely on the actual cost of providing a product or service to different consumers.
That exemption separates the proposal from a broad prohibition on dynamic or variable pricing.
The target is personalized pricing tied specifically to surveillance-derived consumer information.
Violations Would Become Consumer Protection Offenses
HB 121 would add surveillance pricing violations to Virginia’s list of prohibited consumer practices.
Companies found to have violated the proposed law would face enforcement under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, including the civil enforcement mechanisms already available under state law.
The measure would create an entirely new chapter of Virginia law titled “Surveillance Pricing.”
If enacted, Virginia businesses could continue using conventional promotions and membership discounts, but they could not use a consumer’s tracked behavior, location, biometrics or other surveillance-derived information to quietly determine that consumer’s individual price.
- Pedestrian Killed in Early-Morning Crash in Chesapeake
Chesapeake police are investigating after a pedestrian was struck and killed near Mt. Pleasant Road and Doolittle Avenue early Sunday.
CHESAPEAKE, VA — A pedestrian was killed early Sunday in a crash near Mt. Pleasant Road and Doolittle Avenue, according to the Chesapeake Police Department.
Police received the call at approximately 6:30 a.m. Oct. 4.
Chesapeake police and fire personnel responded and found the pedestrian at the scene.
A pedestrian was killed early sunday in a crash near mt. Pleasant road and doolittle avenue in chesapeake. The victim was pronounced dead there.
Crash Reconstruction Team Investigating
The Chesapeake Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Team responded and opened an investigation.
Police have not yet released the victim’s identity or details about the vehicle involved.
Authorities also have not said whether the driver remained at the scene or whether any charges are under consideration.
The investigation remains active.
Additional information is expected as police continue working the case.
- Non-Citizen Linked to Multiple Fentanyl Overdoses in Loudoun County Held Without Bail
Isaac Melendez-Carranza is being held without bond after Loudoun County investigators linked him to suspected fentanyl distribution and student overdoses at Park View High School.
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — Federal immigration authorities have lodged a detainer against a 31-year-old Salvadoran man accused of distributing fentanyl near a Virginia high school after investigators linked him to student overdoses earlier this year.
Isaac Melendez-Carranza, of Sterling, was arrested Aug. 20 by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office following an investigation into suspected fentanyl distribution. According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, investigators identified him as a suspected dealer connected to overdoses involving students at Park View High School in May.
Melendez-Carranza is charged with two counts of distribution of a controlled substance and one count involving the sale of drugs near certain properties. He remains held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond.
ICE Lodges Detainer After Arrest
On the same day as his arrest, ICE Washington lodged an immigration detainer and warrant of removal with the detention center in Leesburg.
In a Sept. 28 announcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Melendez-Carranza is a citizen of El Salvador who entered the United States illegally after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico.
Federal authorities said a Border Patrol officer encountered him near Hebbronville, Texas, on April 30, 2016.
“Anyone who comes to this country illegally and then allegedly peddles deadly fentanyl near our children’s schools should expect ICE to come for them,” acting ICE Director David J. Venturella said.
Investigation Began After Student Overdoses
Loudoun County authorities said their Drug and Gang Unit connected Melendez-Carranza to suspected fentanyl distribution while investigating overdoses involving Park View High School students.
Deputies executed search warrants on Aug. 20 and seized suspected narcotics and U.S. currency, according to the sheriff’s office.
The charges remain allegations, and Melendez-Carranza has not been convicted in the Loudoun County case.
“The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office understands that protecting our communities must come before politics,” Venturella said. “ICE will relentlessly pursue criminal illegal aliens who threaten Americans, take them into custody, and remove them from the United States.”
Loudoun County participates in ICE’s 287(g) program, which allows designated local law enforcement personnel to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under federal supervision.
More Virginia crime news and immigration enforcement coverage can be found at Shore News Network.