Fifteen Charged Following Drug Investigation

Five UMW students were arrested on campus this week in connection with a string of narcotics investigations that have resulted in 15 student arrests since July, officials said Friday, adding that they expect to charge other suspects.

The most recent arrests began Wednesday, when search warrants were served in dorm rooms in Jefferson and Marshall Halls. The arrests ended this morning, according to a press release from the Fredericksburg Police Department.

Stuart Smith, 19, of Alexandria, Va., was charged with possession of schedule I and II narcotics and distribution of narcotics including Ecstasy and prescription narcotics. He was also charged with possession of marijuana.

Charles Kinniburgh, 18, of McLean, Va., was charged with misdemeanor for distribution and possession of marijuana.

Charles Cowan III, 20, of Orange, Va., was charged with two felony counts for the distribution of schedule I and II narcotics, including ecstasy and prescription narcotics.

William Crowder, 20, of Fredericksburg was charged with felony distribution of schedule I and II narcotics.

Abraham Dayton, 19, of Fairfax was charged with felony distribution of a schedule I and II narcotic as well.

Under the Controlled Substance Act for the U.S., schedule I narcotics are defined as any drug or other substance that has a high potential for abuse, is not currently accepted for medical use in treatment in the U.S. and has a lack of accepted safety for use even under medical supervision.

Schedule II narcotics are drugs or other substances that have a high potential for abuse, but are currently accepted for medical use in the U.S. with severe restrictions, and their abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

According to the release, the narcotics violations on the UMW campus have involved sale and distribution of capsules called Molly’s, which commonly contain ecstasy and are often combined with other illegal narcotics such as cocaine and heroin.

Prescription narcotics like hydrocodone and OxyContin were also being sold for recreational use, according to Fredericksburg Public Information Officer Natatia Bledsoe.

“The distribution of these dangerous narcotics represents a serious threat to the UMW community and to the whole Fredericksburg region,” said Brent Taylor, detective division commander, in a statement. “I hope these arrests send a clear message that such illegal activities will not be tolerated.”

The investigation remains open and active, the police said.

The investigations began on July 29 with the arrest of Tyler Troutman, 20, of Warrenton, Va., and Sebastian Ensign, also 20 and of Warrenton. They were arrested on College Avenue for misdemeanor possession of marijuana after detectives observed them conducting a transaction with a dealer who was already the focus of an ongoing investigation. Ensign was also arrested for possession of a schedule I narcotic, according to the release.

The release said that on Sept. 3, detectives were notified by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service of a package addressed to 1440 Kenmore Ave. that contained approximately two pounds or marijuana. Another half pound was discovered later.

The detectives then observed its delivery, and arrested the three residents of the home, Bledsoe said.

William Bleimeister, 19, was charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

In Virginia, both of the counts are felonies.

Derek Rhule, 19, was also charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

John Collins, also 19, was charged with a misdemeanor for distribution of marijuana.

However, Sarah Treacy, 19, of Goochland arrived on the scene while detectives were present to make a purchase. She was then charged with misdemeanor for possession of marijuana.

On Sept. 30, detectives were warned of another package containing illegal substances through the cooperation of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Virginia State Police Drug Task Force, the release said.

According to Bledsoe, detectives observed the delivery and receipt of a package to 1617 Stafford Ave. The package contained approximately one and a half pounds of marijuana.

The release said that the home’s two residents, Kyle Dexheimer and Colin Rom, were taken into custody.

Dexheimer, 21, was charged with felony counts of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

Rom, 21, was charged with misdemeanor for the possession of marijuana.

Two residents of Rowe Street were also present and arrested during this investigation.

Andrew Freakley, 20, and Barak Holtslag, 21, were charged with possession and the intent to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

The Bullet is attempting to reach all the students charged for comment.

Photo: Top row, from left: William Bleimeister, Derek Rhule, Charles Cowan.  Bottom row, from left: Barak Holtslag, Kyle Dexheimer, Andrew Freakley.  All six of these students have been charged following a drug investigation.  Courtesy of Natatia Bledsoe.