Shattered Glass? Kroboth’s name change lands him in jail

If Kurt Kroboth was hoping for a better life with a new identity in California, the ex-convict received a painful surprise last week when he was arrested for a parole violation that may, ironically, have stemmed from something he put on his name change application. Kroboth is being held (under that name) without bond at […]

Middleditch sued by family of man who died in accident

The family of the man killed in a May 25 Barracks Road traffic accident is now suing the driver police say caused the crash in a wrongful death lawsuit. Andrew Middleditch, 55, was turning left when officers say Lonnie Branham, 78, attempted to pass him. The cars collided and Branham crashed into a ditch. He […]

Shackled, but no gag: Judge denies most Jesse Matthew motions

Jesse Matthew shuffled into Albemarle Circuit Court in a greenish-gray jail jumpsuit, leg shackles and a belly chain that attached his handcuffed wrists to the middle of his torso. That attire was the subject of one of 12 motions filed by his attorneys, who argued that his appearance in jailhouse garb was prejudicial to a […]

‘Ban the box:’ Felons arrested for not coming clean on voter registration

In April, Governor Terry McAuliffe ordered state agencies to stop asking applicants seeking employment if they have been convicted of felonies. That largesse does not apply to the voting booth, and three felons who attempted to register to vote in Albemarle without checking the box on prior felony convictions have been charged with—yep, another felony. […]

Drawn and quartered: The Republicans run out of room on redistricting

As you may or may not know, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 recently turned 50, resulting in a flurry of news stories both celebrating the act’s many accomplishments, and lamenting the fact that a central tenant of the law, known as “preclearance,” had been struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013. Under […]

Oscar M. Glass: OMG—Kurt Kroboth gets a new name

Kurt Kroboth, a convicted would-be wife killer who was bothered by lingering notoriety over his Albemarle crimes, has convinced a California judge to change his identity. Following a hearing in early May, the Superior Court of Contra Costa County entered a decree giving Kroboth a new name: Oscar Michel Glass. “Only on the left coast,” […]

Chris Dumler found living under new name

The former Albemarle County supervisor who once served jail time for sexual battery, resigned from his position representing the Scottsville District and is currently a wanted fugitive has been found in the Philippines, according to a Rob Schilling report. In what seems to be a trend of those convicted of crimes changing their names [Kurt […]

Tolbert successor named to neighborhood development

The spot vacated by longtime director of Charlottesville neighborhood development services Jim Tolbert in February officially will be filled August 17. Alexander Ikefuna, former director of community services and planning in Mobile, Alabama, will step in to take over the position that’s been held by interim director Missy Creasy since Tolbert left. Ikefuna discovered he […]