On July 23rd, 2022 Deputy J.K. Griffith responded to a call of a destruction of property at Hope Springs Marina at 4:16 p.m. The victim told Deputy Griffith that someone had damaged their boat. There was a water back up in the pipes, parts of the wall were torn off, and the sink was destroyed. Beer was also stolen out of the boat’s refrigerator.

When Deputy Griffith climbed aboard the boat, he found a dog aboard as well. The dog was stuck on the boat unable to get off. There was no food or water left out for the dog on the 100-degree day. Animal Control Officers took the dog in as Deputy Griffith continued searching the ship. While there, Deputy Griffith found multiple personal items that did not belong to the victim, including a wallet.

The wallet had a driver’s license belonging to John Allen, 28 of Stafford. When Deputy Griffith returned to shore, Hope Spring Marina staff informed him that the suspect was still there. Deputy Griffith then located Allen asleep in the back of his vehicle.

When Allen awoke, he had glassy bloodshot eyes, and was unsteady on his feet. Allen told Deputy Griffith that the dog was in fact his. John Allen stated he, his sister, Megan Allen, 22, and the dog were all aboard the night prior. Allen advised he was on the boat to fix the damages; however, the victim stated otherwise.

Allen was charged with vehicle trespass, destruction of property, petit larceny and drunk in public. Marina staff asked for Allen’s vehicle to be towed. Before being towed, Deputy Griffith did a search inventory of the vehicle where he located a suspected controlled substance. From there, Deputy Griffith set sails to Rappahannock Regional Jail.

John Allen was charged with public intoxication, possession of a suspected controlled substance, animal cruelty, petit larceny, concealment, and unauthorized use of a boat. Megan Allen was also charged with unauthorized use of a boat. John Allen was held on a $2,500 secured bond. Megan Allen was released on her promise to appear in court.