Police Shooter Bashir Takes Insanity Defense for Alleged Stalking/Arson — “[Kashif] Bashir is charged with felony counts of arson, attempted arson, and making a false statement on a consent form to purchase a firearm, as well as nine counts of misdemeanor stalking, unauthorized use of an electronic tracking device, and possession of a firearm by a person acquitted by reason of insanity.” [WTOP]
Residents Cope With Cabin Fever — “Next week puts a little more pressure on me, because when my kids don’t have structure, then they do a lot of fighting.” [Alex Times]
Del Ray Restaurant Status Update — Among the closed restaurants are Los Tios Grill, Nectar Coffee and Wine Bistro, The Garden, and Live Oak Restaurant. Here’s a list of local eateries that are open for carryout and delivery. [Facebook]
Visit Alexandria Provides Updated Citywide Eatery List — “In case you need a quick reference, here’s a list of Alexandria restaurants open for takeout, curbside pickup, or delivery. For details, go to ALXatHome.com.” [Twitter]
ICYMI: Torpedo Factory Art Center Closed Until Mid May — “Hoping everyone is staying safe and healthy during this time. The Torpedo Factory will be closed till mid May. Please visit our artists through their fb pages, Instagram and websites.” [Facebook]
Bag Tax Bills on Bubble as General Assembly Revisits Budget — “Legislators are currently concerned with the immediate threat of the Coronavirus, its impact on Virginians and on the state budget. The implementation of the bills could take a back seat, for now, to the more immediate healthcare and economic problems stemming from the crisis.” [Gazette]
SCAN of Northern Virginia Gets Grant to Combat Child Abuse — “Unfortunately, we anticipate that incidences of child abuse and neglect will skyrocket because of the COVID-19 epidemic… But we have an opportunity this month–during National Child Abuse Prevention Month–to make sure our community is aware of this threat and empowered to protect children and support parents when they need it most.” [Zebra]
Alexandria Times Raises $975 in FOIA Fund — “During the first quarter of 2020, eight people donated a total of $975 to the Alexandria Times FOIA Fund. The Times made three FOIA requests of the City of Alexandria in the first quarter of 2020.” [Alex Times]
Center for Alexandria’s Children Recognizes ‘National Go Blue Day’ — “Don’t forget to #WearBlue for Child Abuse Prevention Month — and please post your photos and tag The Center for Alexandria’s Children, Inc. Raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention by showing your BLUE all over social media!” [Facebook]
A 59-year-old Alexandria man has been arrested and is in a North Carolina jail for alleged sexual contact with a 16-year-old girl.
John DiGeronimo, an electrical engineer who worked at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, is accused of dropping off packets of pornography — depicting the the 16-year-old engaging in sexual activity with a much older man in front of her high school — in front of her house and in front of her boyfriend’s house.
The packets were delivered on Feb. 28, and include handwritten links to a web page with more illicit images of the victim, according to police.
Additionally, DiGeronimo has been accused of breaking into the girl’s house and stealing gifts that he allegedly gave her.
DiGeronimo was arrested at home in the Landmark area on March 6, and the following day was transported to jail in York County, South Carolina. He has been charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor and burglary.
“[T]he suspect in this case recorded and manufactured images/videos of he and the victim engaged in sexual activity at the victim’s residence,” according to the Alexandria police search warrant affidavit. “When outside the residence, the suspect would provide a tent for cover and would cover the tent with a tarp to prevent light from escaping.”
The victim told police that she knew the suspect as “George Smith,” that they met on Snapchat, began having a sexual relationship in 2018, and that they broke up this past January, according to documents. The suspect also allegedly bought the girl a number of gifts, including sex toys and jewelry, and is accused of filming their activities with his cell phone.
Police, after interviewing the victim, went to collect evidence at her house and found that it had been robbed.
“It was discovered at the time that someone had entered the residence and removed all of the items gifted to the victim with the exception of one of the necklaces,” notes the search warrant affidavit. “Victim advised the only other person who knew where the items were as the George Smith suspect. She was able to find one of the necklaces, which was left in her bathroom and appeared to match a necklace observed in one of the images.”
Police located DiGeronimo by linking the IP address for the Snapchat user George Smith. According to police, a search of DiGeronimo’s apartment yielded a bag with sex items, ziplock baggies with hair labeled in the name of the victim, letters and cards, journal entries, photos and notes.
