Employees Charged with Embezzlement
<bt>A six-month investigation has led to the arrest and resignation of two civilian employees of the Fairfax County Police Department. According to police, in October 2003, detectives began to investigate the disappearance of money from the department's property section. After conducting an extensive investigation, the police determined that Kionna Garrett, 22, of Napper Road in the Hybla Valley area, had allegedly stolen more $12,000.
While researching this case, detectives discovered property missing as well. A second investigation revealed that Donald Popkins, 48, of Sterling Road in Herndon, had allegedly been taking items for personal use.
Both Garrett and Popkins turned themselves into detectives on the afternoon of April 27. Garrett, a three-year employee, was charged with three counts of embezzlement. Popkins, a 16-year employee, was charged with one count of embezzlement. Both were released on personal recognizance and both have resigned from the department.
<sh>Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration
<bt>The Town of Herndon will be having its annual Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration and ceremony Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Runnymede Park. The theme this year is "Leave No Trace, an Outdoor Ethic."
There will be activities for children, a skit performed by members of Herndon High School's SAGA (Students Against Global Abuse), a tree pruning demonstration and a tree planting ceremony.
The keynote speaker is Nancy Chamberlain, dean of recreation and parks at Northern Virginia Community College. Judy Okay from the Virginia Department of Forestry will present the town with a 15th Tree City award. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.
<sh>Reception for De Noyer
<bt>The Herndon Town Council will play host to a reception honoring Councilman John De Noyer for 16 years of service to the Herndon community as a member of the Town Council, Wednesday, May 19, beginning at 6 p.m., in the Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St. Refreshments will be served and individuals will have an opportunity to wish De Noyer well in his retirement during an open microphone period.
The public is invited to attend the reception and interested individuals are requested to contact the town clerk by Friday, May 7, by calling 703-435-6804 or e-mailing viki.wellershaus@town.herndon.va.us.
<sh>Taxi Driver Charged with Assault
<bt>A taxi cab driver was arrested for assaulting his 16-year-old fare. According to police, on Thursday, March 25, Nauman Shaukat Khan, 39, of Fairfax, drove his taxi cab to the home of a 16-year-old Reston area girl. The girl sat in the front seat per Khan's request and he drove her to a center, located in Fairfax City. During the ride, Khan had stopped for a red light that was located in Fairfax County. There, he sexually assaulted the girl over her clothes, police said. The girl reported this to an acquaintance who guided the victim through police reporting procedures. Investigation into this incident yielded charges of simple assault and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Khan was charged on Friday, April 23, and was released on his personal recognizance.
<sh>Man Charged in Fatal Crash
<bt>A 23-year-old Reston man was charged with involuntary manslaughter and drunken driving last Tuesday after he crashed his car into a tow-truck on I-95, killing the two passengers in his car, according to state police. Martir Udiel Reyes ran off the road Monday afternoon and hit the truck on the shoulder, killing Jose Medardo Ayala, 25, and Adrian Emilio Mejia, 24, police said. Both Ayala and Mejia also lived in Reston. The tow truck driver, Nye Ranae Clemens, 33, who is from Silver Spring, Md., was also charged with drunken driving.
<sh>Town Calendar
<bt>Friday, May 7, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Friday Night Live, Soul Purpose, modern/classic rock covers. Town Green.
Tuesday, May 11, 7:30 p.m.
Town Council regular session. Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St.
Wednesday, May 12, 7 p.m.
ARB/HPRB work session. Herndon Council Chambers conference room, 765 Lynn St.
Friday, May 14, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Friday Night Live, The Legwarmers, '80s tribute act. Town Green,
Monday, May 17, 7 p.m.
ARB/HPRB public hearing. Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St.
Tuesday, May 18, 7:30 p.m.
Town Council work session. Herndon Council Chambers conference room, 765 Lynn St.
Friday, May 21, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Friday Night Live, Love Seed Mama Jump, Dewey Beach, Del., party band. Town Green.