It has been a busy week for one of the newest members of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Charles Szenkuti graduated from the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy at the end of May. Since then, he has been immersed in field training where he is learning the ropes from a seasoned training officer, Deputy Fulford, on the midnight shift.

When the sun is rising and most of the community is getting ready to start the day, Deputy Szenkuti and the other members of the A3 shift are winding down and going to bed. And that is on a quiet day. Oftentimes, paperwork and late calls keep our deputies working for several more hours.

Over the weekend, Deputy Szenkuti responded to numerous calls, including multiple DUIs, a hit and run, and an assault. On Friday night, he assisted in the arrest of a 37-year-old Fredericksburg man for driving under the influence in the area of Kings Highway and Ferry Road. A witness had observed the suspect nodding off at a red light and the deputy later observed the suspect vehicle drifting over the fog line repeatedly.

On Saturday night, Deputy Szenkuti responded to reports of drug activity at the Walmart parking lot located at 125 Washington Square Plaza. Upon arrival, he located a woman passed out in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. Two cans of an aerosol product were found near the subject, and she admitted to inhaling the substance. She was charged with inhaling drugs, driving after forfeiture of license, and public intoxication.

On Wednesday night, Deputy Szenkuti conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle drifting across the roadway in the area of Centreport Parkway and Jefferson Davis Highway. As a result, a 46-year-old Fredericksburg man was arrested for DUI and several other charges.

Whether a veteran officer or a brand new deputy, every member of the SCSO aims to protect and serve the community. We are excited to welcome Deputy Szenkuti to the team.