Arson Case For Couple Now Headed To the Grand Jury

Charles Smith III

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - The couple accused of terrorizing the Eastern Shore by setting fires repeatedly for months appeared in court for a preliminary hearing on Monday.

Police said Tonya Bundick and Charles Smith III are responsible for the majority of the 77 arsons set in Accomack County between November 2012 and April 2013.

For more than three hours, a General District judge heard the Commonwealth's evidence against Bundick and Smith. The judge then certified arson and conspiracy charges against the couple. Their case is now headed to a grand jury.

Tonya Bundick

During the preliminary hearing, seven investigators and an arson victim testified in court. State troopers and special investigators gave revealing testimonies about the state of mind and behavior of Bundick and Smith on the night of their arrest.

The last home set ablaze on the Eastern Shore was on Airport Road in Melfa. The owner of the property, Claud Henry, testified that he put more than $22,000 worth of improvements into the home before it was burned the night of April 1.

Virginia State Troopers were doing surveillance in a camouflage tent in the woods near Henry's property that night . Trooper Troy Johnson testified he was using night vision when he saw a man get out a mini-van and run towards the back door of Henry's property.

Trooper Johnson said the man jammed something into the door, and ignited it. When the house caught fire, Johnson and another trooper ran after the man. Johnson said the man then ran towards Airport Road, and jumped into the passenger side of a mini-van.

Moments after the van sped away from the scene, it was pulled over by an Accomack County deputy and a Virginia State Trooper.

Investigators testified Bundick was driving the mini-van and Smith was in the passenger's seat.

Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin testified that he went to the scene of the arrest. Smith apologized saying, "I'm sorry, but I didn't light them all."

Investigators testified that Bundick did not speak and appeared calm during the arrest. During her interrogation, however, investigators said Bundick said she did not know Smith was going to set fire to the home on Airport Road; she said she drove Smith out to Melfa to take a break from her children.

Special agents testified that Smith was interviewed for more than four hours after his arrest on April 1. During the interrogation, Smith told investigators, "I knew we were busted before we did it. I even told her this place was a setup. She's smarter than me and said it wasn't. It was a dead giveaway.

There were too many cars there. I had never seen that many cars."

The owner of the property on Airport Road said even though the fire cost him $2,500 in damages, he has no ill feelings toward Bundick or Smith.

"It could have been burnt to the ground," Henry said. "I had only minor damages, approximately $25 hundred dollars of damage. It could have been worse, compared to those who lost everything."

The prosecuting attorney did not want to speak about the details of the hearing, but told WAVY.com the hearing is a step towards closure for residents in Accomack County.

"I think people are relieved that an arrest was made," said Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Agar.

Bundick and Smith will appear in court again for a grand jury hearing. The next grand jury in Accomack County meets the first Monday in August.

Scource:

Sheriff'sOffice Seeking Suspect Wanted In Shooting

From Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin


On Sunday, March 17 at approximately 4:54 pm, the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report from the Eastern Shore 911 Center of a subject shot at the Pine Ridge Trailer Park in Melfa. Upon the arrival of Deputies, it was determined that an altercation had occurred between several individuals resulting in multiple gunshots being fired.

 One subject received a gunshot wound and was transported by Melfa Rescue to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and later transferred to a Hampton Roads area hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

Through the investigation into this incident, a suspect was identified and warrants were issued against 20 year old Christopher Monfiston of Belle Haven for one count of Malicious Wounding, with additional charges pending.

Assisting with this incident were officers from the Parksley and Onancock Police Departments.

Anyone with information into this incident or the whereabouts of Christopher Monfiston is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666.

Two More Fires For Accomack County

**According to Sgt. Michelle Anaya of the Virginia State Police all five weekend fires were ruled arsons. That brings the official total of arson fires to 58.**


FIRE 1
Monday, March 4, 2013 - 10:25 PM
25225 Savageville Road, Savageville, Virginia
Abandoned Residential Structure Fire
Melfa, Tasley,  Onancock, Onley fire departments responded.  When units arrived  one the scene the structure was fully involved.

FIRE 2

Monday, March 4, 2013 - 11:20 PM
26900 block of Whites Crossing Road and Mears Station Road, Mears, Virginia (near Hallwood)
Fire was spotted by Virginia State Police aircraft.
Saxis, Atlantic, Parksley, Bloxom responded to a fully involved structure fire.  Fire was found to be in the rear of the structure.

No injuries reported during either fire and both fires remain under investigation. Awaiting official word to declare these arsons 59 and 60.

REMINDER:
A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the series of arson fires.

If you have information call the Accomack County Sheriff's Department at 757-655-1437.

Sunday Night Structure Fire- Accomack County

Sunday, February 24, 2013 - 9:30 PM
Beacon Hill Road (past fire training center/near Accomack County Animal Control and airport)

Structure 90% involved when reported.

No injuries reported.  Onancock, Tasley, Onley and Melfa units responded.

The fire is still under investigation to determine if this is another arson and to link it to the previous 50 arsons that have been set in Accomack County since November 12, 2012.

A reward of $25,000 is being offered.

Anyone with information about the arsons and/or individual(s) responsible is encouraged to contact law enforcement via a new Tip Line dedicated to these investigations.
 
Text, call or email at 757-655-1437

Accomack County Sheriff Todd E. Godwin Accepting Applications For Scholarship Program

Accomack County Sheriff Todd E. Godwin announced Thursday that he is accepting applications for the Virginia Sheriffs Institute Scholarship Program.

The VSI Program was established to provide an opportunity for young people across Virginia to pursue an educational curriculum in law enforcement or criminal justice. Full-time and Part-time students are eligible for this program and all applicants must meet the requirements set forth by the Virginia Sheriffs Institute in order to qualify as a recipient of the VSI scholarship award.

Applicants must live in the locality where the sheriff is a member of the Virginia Sheriffs Institute and must be accepted to Virginia Colleges and Universities with a major in the criminal justice field.

All students interested in the Virginia Sheriffs Institute Scholarship Program for the 2013/2014 school year should contact Karen Barrett of the Accomack County Sheriffs Office @ 787-1131, 824-5666, or 891-2489.

Applications may be obtained from the Accomack County Sheriffs Office and must be completed and returned by April 19, 2013. 

Parksley Man Murdered Over Weekend

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, on February 26, 2012 at approximately 1:54 a.m., the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report of shots being fired and one subject shot at a location north of Fishers Corner on Lankford Highway near Parksley. Deputies responded to the scene and located a gunshot victim who was subsequently transported to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital by Parksley Rescue where he died a short time later. The victim's name is being withheld until notification of the next of kin.


An investigation into this incident has revealed that a party was being held at this same location and following an altercation between individuals, several shots were fired and the victim was injured in the gunfire.

As a result of the investigation, two suspects were identified and felony warrants were obtained which led to the arrest of one as one suspect remains at large.

18 yr old Jakori Krishawn Evans of Atlantic was arrested on February 26, 2012 and charged with Second Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony and Discharge a Firearm at an Occupied Building. Evans is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.


35 yr old Mark Smith of Parksley is wanted on charges of Second Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, Discharge a Firearm at an Occupied Building and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Smith is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriffs Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666.


Assisting in this investigation was the Onley and Onancock Police Departments and the Northampton County Sheriffs Office.


Source:

Arrest Made For Breaking and Entering Into New Church Business

According to Major Todd Godwin, on Thursday, January 13 at approximately 1:07 a.m., the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a call regarding an alarm at the Bargain Barrel in New Church which was found to be the result of an actual breaking & entering.

When deputies arrived at the location, they discovered the suspect to be still inside the building at which time a perimeter was established around the business. Further investigation revealed that the suspect was in possession of stolen merchandise and the property was recovered by the Accomack County Sheriff's Office as the suspect was apprehended on the scene.

Douglas Edward Waters, age 42 of Pocomoke, MD, was arrested on charges of Breaking & Entering and Grand Larceny. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail in lieu of a $3500 bond.

The Accomack County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Virginia State Police and the Chincoteague Police Department.

www.shoredailynews.com

2 Men Sought For Home Invasion Near Greenbush

According to Major Todd Godwin, on Friday, August 27 at approximately 4:25 a.m., the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report that a man had been shot at a residence on Wanda Jane Lane near Greenbush.

Further investigation revealed that two suspects forcibly entered the victims residence and the victim was shot during a confrontation with the suspects.

The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the body. He was transported by Parksley ambulance to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and then transferred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

Suspect 1 is described as a black male, tall, slim build, wearing a white shirt and black pants.

Suspect 2 is described as a black male, short, chubby build, wearing black pants.

Anyone with information concerning this crime is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at 787-1131 or 824-5666.

www.shoredailynews.com

SKELETAL REMAINS FOUND

According to Major Todd Godwin, on Tuesday, August 24, the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report from the Town of Onancock regarding bones that were allegedly found at a construction site near the Onancock Treatment Plant.

The remains were discovered by a former employee of a contractor for the Town of Onancock and were taken to the town office. Further investigation revealed that during the early stages of construction at this site, a headstone from 1800's was found and work was ceased until the site was cleared by the James River Institute for Archaeology and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

Major Godwin stated the skeletal remains are being transported to the Medical Examiners Office in Norfolk, Virginia and the investigation is continuing.

www.shoredailynews.com

Sheriff's Office Still Seeking Two Suspects Wanted In Connection With Robberies Near Parksley

According to Major Todd Godwin, on Sunday, July 25 at approximately 10:55 p.m., the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report of an attempted robbery of a man at the Anchor Motel near Parksley and at approximately 1:06 the following Monday morning, the sheriff's office received a report of a robbery on Greenbriar Road whereas two victims were reported being robbed at gunpoint by several suspects who fled the scene prior to deputies' arrival.

Andre Jerome Hickman, 26 of Macedonia Circle, Bloxom, is wanted in connection with the same robberies.

Mark Smith, 34 of Macedonia Circle, Bloxom, is wanted in connection with robberies near Parksley.

During the investigation, information was received that led to the suspects vehicle being located at a nearby convenience store at which time one of the suspects was apprehended as two suspects remain at large.

Jernell Andre Pettit, age 19 of Nelsonia, was arrested July 26 on 2 counts of robbery, 1 count of attempted robbery, and 3 counts of use of firearm in commission of a felony. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

Major Godwin stated that felony warrants have been obtained by the Accomack County Sheriff's Office for the arrest of the suspects at large and they have also been entered into the Virginia Criminal Information Network and the National Crime Information Center as wanted persons.

Mark Smith, age 34 of Parks Street, Parksley, is charged with 2 counts of robbery, 1 count of attempted robbery, and 2 counts of use of firearm in commission of a felony.

Andre Jerome Hickman, age 26 of Macedonia Circle, Bloxom, is charged with 2 counts of robbery, 1 count of attempted robbery, and 3 counts of transport firearm by a convicted felon.

Anyone with information as to the location of Mark Smith or Andre Hickman is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at 787-1131 or 824-5666.

The Accomack County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Virginia State Police.

www.shoredailynews.com

Accomack County Sheriff Giddens To Retire

ACCOMAC — Accomack County Sheriff Larry Giddens has announced he will retire Dec. 31, 2011, at the end of his current term in office. Giddens, 54, was elected the county’s first African-American sheriff in 2007 with 49 percent of the vote, easily defeating two other men who also ran for the office after Sheriff Robert Crockett announced he would not seek a sixth term.

Giddens has served 24 years with the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, in addition to four years before that with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel police.

Among other duties over the years, Giddens was the county’s first DARE officer, a job he said was his favorite. He also served as court service deputy.

He was promoted to sergeant in 1991 and to lieutenant in charge of the patrol division in 1994 before becoming captain and the department’s chief deputy.

Giddens was instrumental in the 2003 accreditation process for the department, which was one of only 14 in the state fully accredited at the time from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standard Commission.

Despite his many years of experience with the Sheriff’s Office, Giddens said he did not fully understand the pressures that come with the top job until he became sheriff.

“I didn’t imagine the magnitude, the pressure, of the job until I stepped into it,” he said.

Giddens said the sheriff’s office has within its ranks a strong candidate to replace him.

“We have a strong chain of command that is in place that knows the business, and I feel strongly that they will continue to serve the public in the way they’ve been used to,” Giddens said, adding, “My blessings and prayers are with my major, my second in command, Todd Godwin.”

Giddens said when he became sheriff two and a half years ago he had planned to run for a second term, but has since decided to retire. In Virginia, law enforcement officers with hazardous duty can retire at age 50 with 25 years of service.

Giddens’ retirement plans include substitute teaching, coaching area youth and some traveling, as well as catching up on projects around the house.

“I’m not planning on sitting down,” he said.

And Giddens had some advice for whoever steps into the position next: “The number one thing is to continue to be honest, open-minded and put people first.

www.delmarvanow.com