(WCHV) New information on the controversy involving a local woman who stood next to President Obama to support him on extending unemployment benefits.
According to CBS 19 News Leslie Macko was employed as an aesthetician in the spa at ACAC in Albemarle county. In April 2009, a month after being found guilty of prescription drug fraud, she was fired from her job. And In June of 2007, Macko was charged with grand larceny. Later that charge was reduced and she was sentenced to two years probation.
Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says the White House would have never invited Leslie Macko to pose with President Obama had they known about her criminal past.
A Secret Service spokesman says they did a background check on Macko before she appeared with the president and granted her permission to appear with him.
WCHV news has found that Macko's felony drug conviction was brought down to a misdemeanor which may be why the Secret Service cleared Macko to be at President Obama’s press conference.
(WCHV) Dominion Virginia Power has electricity restored to customers Friday morning. A severe thunderstorm blew out the power to over 4,000 customers in our listening area Thursday afternoon. There was some storm damage to a few homes and buildings in the area from debris and downed trees.
(WCHV) The Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office says they are investigating a series of burglaries in Fork Union. They say someone broke into the Saddle Creek Farm and Pet Supply Tuesday night and stole some cash. Also two homes were broken into and robbed Wednesday. Call Crimestoppers if you have any information on these crimes. They are offering a thousand dollar reward.
Governor Weighs In On Arizona Law
(Metro) Governor Bob McDonnell is weighing in on the court's ruling to block key provisions of Arizona's controversial immigration law. Stacey Johnson, a spokeswoman for the governor, released a statement yesterday saying his staff is currently reviewing Wednesday's preliminary injunction. She says McDonnell is a strong proponent of securing our nation's borders, "upholding the rule of law, and lawful immigration that meets the economic needs of America." Protestors marched in Phoenix and other cities around the U.S. Thursday as the watered-down version of the law took effect.
Virginia Woman To Be Executed
(Metro) Virginia is getting ready to something it hasn't done since 1912 -- execute a woman. A judge today set an execution date for Teresa Lewis, who used sex and money to convince two men to kill her husband and stepson. Without the intervention of the Governor or the U.S. Supreme Court, Lewis will die on September 23rd. She's the only woman currently on Virginia's death row.
Guilty Plea for Distribution and Possession of Child Porn
A 55-year-old man who has spent time living Greene County, pled guilty in Charlottesville Federal Court Friday to charges related to his distribution and possession of images containing child pornography.
Police Respond to Shooting Along Water Street
Charlottesville Police responded to a fatal shooting near the coal tower at the end of Water Street Friday morning. After an investigation, they confirmed the injuries were self-inflicted.
UPDATE: White House Reacts to Guest's Criminal Past
President Barack Obama posed with a Charlottesville resident at a White House event on July 19. Court records show she's been found guilty of two crimes and now the White House says she wouldn't have been invited if officials had known about her past.
Fluvanna Authorities Search for Burglary Suspects
The Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a series of burglaries in the Village of Fork Union that occurred Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Whole Foods Shoppers Surprised with Opera Performance
Performers from the Ash Lawn Opera gave Whole Foods shoppers in Albemarle County quite a surprise Thursday. The singers, dressed as Whole Foods workers, broke out in song during a flash performance.
