Augusta County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office

12/07/2023

The Virginia State Police is seeking the public’s help as it continues to investigate a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian on Parkersburg Turnpike in Augusta County in May.
At 9:49 p.m., on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, Trooper J.T. Lotts responded to crash on Parkersburg Turnpike at Pine Tree Lane. A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle traveling east on Parkersburg Turnpike. The striking vehicle then fled the scene. The suspect vehicle is believed to have been a maroon or red truck or SUV. The pedestrian, Ricky C. Dickey, 42, of Staunton, Va., died at the scene.
The following day, on Thursday, May 25, 2023, a gentleman discovered a cell phone on the ground and turned it in to the Swoope Fire Department, also located on Parkersburg Turnpike. State Police would like to talk with this individual to determine exactly where the phone was found in proximity to the fatal crash site. The gentleman did not provide his name when he dropped off the phone and is not believed to be responsible for or involved with the crash.
The gentleman is encouraged to call Virginia State Police Area 17 Office in Staunton at 540-885-2142 or contact us by email at [email protected].
The crash remains under investigation. State police is also still seeking any information about the suspect vehicle and/or suspect driver in the hit-and-run. Anyone with tips is encouraged to call or email State Police at the number and email listed.

The Virginia State Police is seeking the public’s help as it continues to investigate a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian on Parkersburg Turnpike in Augusta County in May.

At 9:49 p.m., on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, Trooper J.T. Lotts responded to crash on Parkersburg Turnpike at Pine Tree Lane. A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle traveling east on Parkersburg Turnpike. The striking vehicle then fled the scene. The suspect vehicle is believed to have been a maroon or red truck or SUV. The pedestrian, Ricky C. Dickey, 42, of Staunton, Va., died at the scene.

The following day, on Thursday, May 25, 2023, a gentleman discovered a cell phone on the ground and turned it in to the Swoope Fire Department, also located on Parkersburg Turnpike. State Police would like to talk with this individual to determine exactly where the phone was found in proximity to the fatal crash site. The gentleman did not provide his name when he dropped off the phone and is not believed to be responsible for or involved with the crash.

The gentleman is encouraged to call Virginia State Police Area 17 Office in Staunton at 540-885-2142 or contact us by email at [email protected].

The crash remains under investigation. State police is also still seeking any information about the suspect vehicle and/or suspect driver in the hit-and-run. Anyone with tips is encouraged to call or email State Police at the number and email listed.

Augusta County Sheriff's Office - Sheriff Donald L. Smith

11/15/2023

Skilled Game Ban

Starting January 1, 2024, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and the Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney will resume enforcement of gambling code sections related to “Skill Games” as defined in Va. Code §§ 18.2-325(6) and 18.2-334.6.

In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly enacted laws declaring so-called “Skill Games” to be illegal gambling devices. These laws, which were amended by the General Assembly in 2022, made possessing, operating, or playing Skill Games a criminal offense and provided both civil and criminal penalties for persons operating such devices. During this time, a lawsuit was filed in Emporia Circuit Court challenging the Skill Games ban and the court entered an injunction prohibiting enforcement of the ban until a trial could be held. Because of this injunction, many jurisdictions allowed these illegal gambling devices to continue to operate. On October 13, 2023, the Supreme Court of Virginia vacated the lower court’s decision and lifted the injunction preventing enforcement of the relevant code sections.

In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and the Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney will resume enforcement of the gambling code sections related to “Skill Games” as defined in Va. Code §§ 18.2-325(6) and 18.2-334.6 beginning on January 1, 2024.

What is a “Skill Game?”

Virginia Code §18.2-325(6) states that “Skill game” means an electronic, computerized, or mechanical contrivance, terminal, machine, or other device that requires the insertion of a coin, currency, ticket, token, or similar object to operate, activate, or play a game, the outcome of which is determined by any element of skill of the player and that may deliver or entitle the person playing or operating the device to receive cash or cash equivalents, gift cards, vouchers, billets, tickets, tokens, or electronic credits to be exchanged for cash; or cash equivalents whether the payoff is made automatically from the device or manually. “Skill game” includes (i) a device that contains a meter or measurement device that records the number of free games or portions of games that are rewarded and (ii) a device designed or adapted to enable a person using the device to increase the chances of winning free games or portions of games by paying more than the amount that is ordinarily required to play the game. “Skill game” does not include any amusement device, as defined in § 18.2-334.6.

Possible Punishments for Violation

Civil Penalties

Any person operating a Skill Game device or devices may be subject to a civil proceeding seeking: 1) a civil penalty in the amount of $25,000 per gambling device, 2)an immediate injunction prohibiting operation of the gambling devices, 3) seizure the gambling devices, and 4) costs associated with investigating and bringing the lawsuit, including attorney fees.

Criminal Penalties

Any person possessing gambling devices and operating the devices for the advancement of unlawful gambling activity may be subject to criminal charges under Virginia Code §18.2-331. The punishment for violating this statute is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which may result in confinement in jail for up to twelve months or a fine up to $2,500, or both.

Any person who is an operator of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity or operation may face criminal charges under Virginia Code §18.2-328. The punishment for violating this statute is a Class 6 felony, which may result in a term of imprisonment for up to five years, or confinement in jail for up to twelve months or a fine up to $2,500, or both. Any operator who engages in an illegal gambling operation which (i) has been or remains in substantially continuous operation for a period in excess of thirty days or (ii) has gross revenue of $2,000 or more in any single day shall be fined up to $20,000 and imprisoned between a minimum of one year and a maximum of ten years.

Playing these “Skill Games” could result in criminal charges of illegal gambling under Virginia Code §18.2-326. The punishment for violating this statute is a Class 3 misdemeanor, which may result in a fine up to $500.

Respectfully,

Timothy A. Martin
Commonwealth’s Attorney
For Augusta County

11/09/2023

UPDATE: Ms.Andersen has been safely located.

Search for Missing Person

There is an increased law enforcement presence, fire department personnel and rescue groups in the Stuarts Draft area today searching for the missing person, Ms. Anderson. These agencies are currently searching the area of Dodge Street and Ridge View Acres subdivision. Currently we have a command post set up across from the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad.

There is no danger or threat to the community at this time, these agencies are simply searching for Ms. Anderson .

11/08/2023

https://vimeo.com/879496721?share=copy

Virginia DMV launched a new speed prevention media campaign on October 24, 2023!

This campaign was created using focus groups to determine the cause of speeding and how we can get people to slow down. The campaign highlights the different consequences of speeding to educate drivers that speeding can affect you and others in many ways.

Speed is a strong contributing factor in fatalities and injuries in Virginia. Keep the conversation going!

This is "DMV Speed :30 (Staunton)" by twotango collaborative on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

05/16/2023

In 1962, President John Kennedy signed the proclamation declaring May 15th Peace Officers Memorial Day. This week is known as National Police Week.
We celebrate Police Week May 14-20th this year. The Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is grateful for all the men and women that serve Augusta County, and all the surrounding agencies that we work with on a daily basis. Every day, but especially this week, we Respect Honor and Remember all those who wear the badge.

05/09/2023

May 9th is National Fentanyl Awareness Day.

The Pathways Program was created by the Augusta County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office to provide individuals with an alternative to criminal prosecution when possible. Individuals are given the opportunity to enter treatment for substance abuse and/or mental health issues instead of facing criminal charges.

To learn more about our program, please visit https://www.co.augusta.va.us/government/departments-and-offices/commonwealth-s-attorney-s-office/pathways-program #:~:text=The%20Pathways%20Program%20was%20created%20by%20the%20Augusta,mental%20health%20issues%20instead%20of%20facing%20criminal%20charges.

04/24/2023

National Crime Victims' Rights Week is commemorated April 23-29, 2023.

This year's theme is - Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change - calls upon communities to amplify the voices of survivors and create environments where survivors have the confidence that they will be heard, believed, and supported.

04/19/2023

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a collection site on Saturday April 22, 2023 – 10AM to 2PM.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The US Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday April 22, 2023 – 10AM to 2PM.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a collection site on Saturday April 22, 2023 – 10AM to 2PM.

We would also like to remind the community that we have a secure drop box in our lobby area that is available for citizen’s to safely dispose of unused or unwanted prescription medications. This drop box is accessible 24 hours per day.

04/07/2023

Please consider taking a few minutes and complete this survey. Augusta County is currently considering raising taxes for the purchase of body cameras. Please click the link below, and provide your feedback.
We appreciate you taking the time to give feedback.

Thank you for reviewing the budget materials and providing your feedback here by April 19. The public hearing for the proposed FY24 Budget will be on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 7 pm. Please join us in person or watch the live stream.

03/31/2023

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Augusta County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office stands in the fight to end child abuse. Our front office is decorated with a pinwheel garden as a show of support for child abuse prevention.

03/14/2023

"There are certain obligations that you have in a free society. Paying taxes and jury duty are among these things. These things are not optional, and failing to comply carries consequences."

Augusta County is having trouble getting potential jurors to show up for courtroom duty. Fines and possible jail time might be the solution.

03/09/2023

Congratulation to Sheriff Smith and the men and women at the ACSO! We are so proud of them, and are glad they received this much-deserved recognition!