Child Sex Crime | Mall Theft Ring | Missing Middle Lawsuit: VA News

VIRGINIA — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from across Northern Virginia and DC. Here's a roundup of some of the biggest and quirkiest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

Confederate Monument Could Go To Virginia Military Institute

A national cemetery's Confederate Monument could be headed to the Virginia Military Institute at the request of Gov. Glenn Youngkin, according to reports.

NYC Theft Ring Jailed After Thousands Taken At Mall

Three people from New York City who police described as members of an organized theft ring were taken into custody Tuesday night in connection with stealing $15,000 worth of merchandise from several businesses at a mall.

Romance Fraud Scheme Leads To 15-Month Sentence For Man

A man was sentenced to 15 months in prison for his role in romance and investment fraud schemes that targeted older Americans. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced the sentencing on Thursday.

VA Man Blames Wife For Loaded Gun In Carry-On Bag At Airport

A Virginia man blamed his wife for a loaded handgun that was found in his carry-on bag on Thursday by security officials at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

Suspect In Sexual Battery Of Juveniles Identified By Police

Detectives have identified a man linked to several recent sexual battery cases involving juveniles, according to a county's police department.

Sexual Battery Charge Filed In Assault On Child At Park

A 72-year-old man was arrested in connection with a sexual assault involving a child that occurred at a park.

Missing Middle Lawsuit Arguments Heard In Circuit Court

Attorneys for a group of homeowners opposed to the Missing Middle zoning ordinance and county attorneys made their arguments in Circuit Court on Tuesday in response to a lawsuit filed by the residents.

'Exclusionary Zoning' Discussed At NAACP Candidates Forum

With residents continuing to debate the effects of the county's new Missing Middle zoning ordinance, housing issues were a major topic of discussion at an NAACP candidates forum Monday night.

Escaped Murder Suspect Not Evading Capture On His Own: Report

As the search for a suspected killer who escaped police custody nears the end of its second week, police believe someone is helping the 30-year-old man evade police, according to a WTOP report.

Corrections Officer Assaulted Child At Juvenile Detention Center: Cops

A staff member assaulted a child at a juvenile detention center, according to police.

More top news stories from the week:

• Pedestrian Hit By Vehicle While Doing Yard Work: Police
• Witness Sought In Arson With Fireworks
• Escaped Prisoner In Stolen Car Arrested By Police
• Corvette Carjacked By Armed Suspect In Shopping Center
• Man Fatally Shot Neighbor: Police
• Rape At Motel Leads Police To Seek Suspect
• Tax Rebates, Tax Holiday Coming To Virginia In New Budget

Thanks for reading Patch!