Nearly 200 at Vandalism Community Meeting in Ashburn

Also read:

• Graffiti Disparaging Hindu Culture Reported Across Ashburn, Oct. 3
• String of Related Graffiti Reported Across Ashburn, Sept. 30
• Graffiti on Signs in Latest Ashburn Vandalism, Sept. 26
• $500 Reward Offered in Ashburn Vandalism Investigation, Sept. 23

Release, Loudoun County Government:

Nearly 200 concerned residents were in attendance at a community meeting heldFriday night to discuss a series of vandalism cases targeting the Hindu culture in the Brambleton community.

The meeting was hosted by Delegate David Ramadan (87th District) and Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Plowman. Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman, Captain Eric Prugh, the Dulles South Station Commander, and Deputy First Class Roy Ortutay, the Dulles South Community Resource Officer, joined members of the Brambleton Homeowners Association, and representatives from the FBI and addressed the audience with the latest information on the cases.

The residents were encouraged to share information with their neighbors and report anything suspicious in their neighborhood. “If you see something out of the ordinary, we encourage you to report it by calling 703-777-1021,” said Sheriff Chapman. “The information you provide may be the key to helping solve these cases,” Chapman added.

Since July 2014, there have been 17 reported cases of graffiti, some of which uses language that disparages the Hindu culture. The vandalism has occurred in the Brambleton community, including most recently in the areas of Northstar Boulevard, Morning Walk Drive, Winter Haven Drive, Ryan Road at Forest Manor Drive and Shreveport Drive.

A majority of the graffiti has been written in black marker on exercise stations, park benches, a pedestrian tunnel and community signs.

The meeting was held at Creighton’s Corner Elementary School and was also attended by local politicians and community leaders. Those in attendance included State Senator Jennifer Wexton (33rd District), Delegate Barbara Comstock (34th District) Loudoun Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott York, Dulles District Supervisor Matt Letourneau, and Broad Run District Supervisor Shawn Williams.

During the meeting county representatives and community leaders discussed increasing the reward. The exact amount of the new reward is expected to be announced in the next few days.

Last week, the Brambleton Homeowners Association increased their reward to $1000 and the Loudoun County Crime Solvers is offering up to a $1000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment for those responsible for the vandalism.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Deputy First Class R. Ortutay at 571-246-4156 or via e-mail at Roy.Ortutay@loudoun.gov. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are asked to call Loudoun County Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919.