Luray, Virginia Crime Briefs 6.26.23

Photo byKindel Media via Pexels

On Monday, June 5, 2023, Page County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the jail to speak with a female victim about a sexual assault that had occurred in the Luray area. Deputies initiated an investigation.

Subsequently, Larry Ray Harvey of Luray was arrested and charged with one count of §18.2-67.5 attempted rape, and one count of §18.2-47 abduction.

According to the Virginia State Police website, Harvey, 68, was already registered as a sex offender for crimes dating back to 1994.

Harvey, a former Luray police officer, was once accused of sexually assaulting a female subject during an arrest in 1984. The case was tried before a jury, who ruled in favor of Harvey. The jury also found in Harvey's favor on a defamation counterclaim against the alleged victim and the local newspaper, awarding compensatory damages of $5,000, and punitive damages of $15,000. Details of the case are often used in case law education and are readily available via Google search.

Harvey is currently being held at Central Virginia Regional Jail.

This case is still under investigation and additional charges may be pending. If anyone has any additional information regarding this case, please contact Lt. K. Boyd or Investigator J. Duley at 540-743-7810.

Larry Ray HarveyPhoto byPage County Sheriff's Office

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On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, officers from the Luray Police Department responded to the Cardinal Inn in Luray, for a report of a fight In progress, involving an individual with a gun.

During the investigation, approximately 52 grams of suspected methamphetamine, MDMA (also known as “ecstasy”), several items of packaging material, and a firearm were seized.

A female subject, Tyler Marie Ennis of Champlain. was arrested for possession of schedule, I/II narcotics.

A male subject, James, Lee Smith, III, of King George, was arrested for abduction, strangulation, possession with intent to distribute 52 grams of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm while in possession of dangerous drugs, possession of ecstasy, taking a phone to prevent summoning law enforcement, and domestic assault and battery.

Luray officers were assisted by members of the Page County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force.

James Lee Smith and Tyler Marie EnnisPhoto byLuray Police Department

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On Friday, June 23, the Page County Sheriff’s Office announced that they are investigating the theft of a boat trailer and a rotary car lift for a garage. The lift was stored on the trailer.

The theft occurred on or about June 22, 2023 from the Kimball Road area of Luray. The boat trailer was recovered at the Alma Boat Landing on the same day, but with the rotary lift missing.

On June 29, The Page County Sheriff's Office announced that owner has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the return and arrest of those responsible. Anyone with information regarding this theft is asked to contact the Page County Sheriff’s Office at 540-743-6571.

Rotary lift missing from Luray residencePhoto byPage County Sheriff's Office