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BY MARY ANN KUHN
Rappahannock News Writer
The Virginia State Police is assisting in the investigation of the vandalism of the historic Montpelier mansion because of its expertise in forensic analysis and because evidence is evolving in areas outside Rappahannock County where the crime occurred.
“The State Police is involved in the investigation and has been as evidence comes to light outside our county,” said Rappahannock County Sheriff Larry Sherertz in an interview in his office this week.
“We’re exploring several leads some of which have directed our attention outside Rappahannock County,” he said.
When asked where, Sheriff Sherertz declined to disclose specific locations.
He did say they are working on “two scenarios outside the county.”
“The State Police is providing some forensic expertise in the analysis of evidence,” the sheriff said.
Montpelier, a grand old 18th century mansion, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was viciously vandalized almost three weeks ago. It sits on a knoll on 400 acres on Route 231 with views toward the Blue Ridge Mountains and down the F. T. Valley. For the past several years, the home, which is owned by the daughters of the late James W. Fletcher, has been unoccupied.
The Rappahannock County community has come together in its outrage over the destruction of Montpelier to pledge $28,000 to a reward fund for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. Those who wish to- pledge may do so by calling the Historical Society, 675-1163.
If convicted, those responsible would face a sentence of one to five years in prison. The crime, destruction of private property, is a felony.
In response to a question on whether he thought someone had been hired to do the vandalism, the sheriff declined to comment.
Asked if the sheriff’s office is close to solv
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