Operation Restore Justice Leads to Arrests

The FBI arrested three Virginians during a nationwide sting operation targeting child sexual abuse predators.

Richmond’s FBI office was one of 55 participating in Operation Restore Justice from April 28 to May 1.

Federal officials arrested a total of 205 people nationwide and rescued 115 children. Among those arrested in Virginia was a former Henrico Police employee who retired in 2016. 

Residents of Richmond and Salem were also detained. All three face charges of possessing or sharing material related to the sexual exploitation of minors.

Miyares Will Campaign with Reid

Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is running for reelection, said on Tuesday that he will campaign with GOP Lieutenant Governor nominee John Reid, a former Richmond radio talk show host. “He’s the Republican nominee, and I endorsed the entire ticket back on April 22,” Miyares said.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently phoned Reid, the first openly gay candidate to run for statewide office, and asked him to drop out of the race after operatives surfaced a salacious social media page allegedly tied to Reid.

The chairman of the Virginia Republican Party said he didn’t know Youngkin intended to make that call.

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running to replace Youngkin, wrote last year that she was “morally opposed” to a same-sex marriage bill, although she signed it to fulfill her duty.

Things to do This Weekend

It’s Mother’s Day weekend, and events are scheduled around the state for the whole family to enjoy. 

The State Arboretum of Virginia will hold its 35th annual Garden Fair tomorrow and Sunday at Blandy Experimental Farm. The fair offers plants, gardening tools, and nature-inspired gifts.

The Amelia Day Festival will take place tomorrow at historic Court House Square. There will be 150 vendors, including 20 food vendors. 

Olde Towne Portsmouth will host its second annual Cultural Arts District celebration tomorrow. The event includes free admission to four local museums, street art, and entertainment.

The Spring Artisan Market returns to Fairfax with more than 40 local artists and an opportunity to find—or make—a one-of-a-kind gift for Mom. 

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➤ Chesapeake: Republican party officials voted 11-4 to remove Laura Hughes as chairwoman of the Virginia Beach GOP amid accusations of mismanagement. She denied the allegations and said she will appeal to the state Republican party. (Details)

➤ Dulles: Jose Luis Castillo Rojas was charged with attempting to smuggle two kilograms of cocaine and nearly $55,000 in cash into the U.S. from Panama. Investigators believe he was paid $200 for carrying the contraband. (More)

➤ Alexandria: A federal court will hear arguments next week about whether to return Dr. Khan Suri from immigration detention in Texas to Virginia and release him on bond. The Georgetown scholar, who holds a valid visa and is married to a U.S. citizen, was arrested by federal agents on March 17. (Details)

➤ Manassas: A new data center client told city officials it will not pay business personal property taxes because it is a bank. “Absolutely did not know and wasn’t prepared for that at all, and very shocked to hear it,” said Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. (More)

➤ Blacksburg: A Virginia Tech spokesman warned graduates to prepare for a tight job market this spring but added that Hokies are well-equipped to navigate hiring challenges. (Details)

➤ Arlington: Marianne Beith, 85, suffered a broken arm when a tree branch fell on her while she was walking her dog in a city park. Her son said she narrowly escaped more serious injury. The dog was not hurt. (More)

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➤ The Washington Capitals evened up their second-round Stanley Cup playoff series with Carolina, taking Game 2 by a 3-1 score. Game 3 is Saturday in Raleigh. (Series Page)

➤ UVA lost to Clemson 7-4 in the ACC Softball tournament, while No. 3 seed Virginia Tech beat UNC 4-0 to advance to the semifinals. (Details)

➤ The Old Dominion Athletic Conference softball championship best-of-three series in Virginia Beach this weekend pits Randolph-Macon against Virginia Wesleyan. (Details)

➤ UVA baseball hosts Miami in a three-game series starting tonight. (Schedule)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | PGA | LPGA

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➤ Amazon Data Services paid $195 million to buy 97 acres in Leesburg, which may be used for a future data center. (Details)

➤ The Virginia Career Works Roanoke Center opened a new location to connect job-seekers to employers. (More)

➤ Norfolk Southern launched a RailGreen Corridor to connect Norfolk Harbor with the Virginia Inland Port in Front Royal and reduce emissions caused by moving freight. (Details)

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➤ Virginia police will conduct their annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign starting Monday. All front-seat passengers must wear a seat belt, and seatbelts will also be required for backseat passengers starting on July 1. (Details)

➤ The remains of Donald E. Bays, killed in the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, have finally been identified and returned home for burial in Lee County. (More)

➤ The Science Museum of Virginia will host the Ultimate Dinosaurs exhibition this summer, featuring 17 life-size skeletons and dozens of fossil specimens cast from molds. (Details)

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Should police target seatbelt use?

1. Yes, at all times
2. Yes, but only traffic stops
3. No

Thursday’s Results:

Where do you fill prescriptions? 

1. A local pharmacy: 28%
2. CVS: 25%
3. Walmart/other chain: 25%
4. Walgreens: 22%

How many years did George Washington serve as leader of the Continental Army?

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