The Alexandria Brief: Tuesday, March 10

Good morning, Alexandria. Today is Tuesday, March 10 — the 69th day of 2026, with 296 days left in the year.

Alexandria police announced Monday that a former Metropolitan Police Department officer now faces dozens of felony charges across three jurisdictions in an expanding sexual assault investigation. Timothy Valentin, 30, is accused of using dating apps to meet women, drugging their drinks, and assaulting them while incapacitated. He has been held at the Alexandria Adult Detention Center since December. Officials urged anyone with information to come forward.

More than 30 speakers filled the Del Pepper Community Resource Center last night for the first FY 2027 budget hearing. The sheriff's ICE collaboration, affordable housing, and school funding dominated, with about 10 speakers calling for cuts to Sheriff Casey's budget as the "only lever of accountability" remaining.

Tonight, the council votes on a resolution to change how the city funds ACPS starting in FY 2028 and takes the first reading on the property tax rate.

Here's what you need to know today.

1️⃣ Investigation into alleged serial sexual predator expands across three jurisdictions

A 30-year-old Prince George's County man and former Metropolitan Police Department officer was indicted Monday on new felony charges in Alexandria, as prosecutors in multiple jurisdictions announced an expanding investigation into allegations he used dating apps to meet women, drugged their drinks, and sexually assaulted them while incapacitated.

Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire, joined by prosecutors from Prince George's County, announced that an Alexandria grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Timothy Valentin, adding charges connected to three additional alleged assaults in Virginia — on top of the five felony counts he faced from his December arrest. Prince George's County announced charges connected to six alleged survivors there; Takoma Park police are investigating another case.

Valentin has been held at the Alexandria Adult Detention Center since his arrest on December 11, 2025. Officials said he is known to have used the aliases "Rico" and "Teo."

2️⃣ Sheriff's ICE collaboration, housing, and school funding dominate first budget hearing

More than 30 residents filled Del Pepper Community Resource Center Monday night for the first FY 2027 budget public hearing, with three topics accounting for the vast majority of testimony.

About 10 speakers called on the council to cut Sheriff Sean Casey's budget over his continued voluntary transfers of inmates to ICE. Speakers arrived with signs reading "FUND OUR COMMUNITY NO $$$ FOR ICE COLLABORATION" and argued the budget is now the only lever of accountability after the council's unanimous statement last November went unheeded. About eight speakers urged $5 million for emergency rental assistance and a rental subsidy pilot, with West End renters describing rent increases outpacing wages. And about seven speakers pushed for full funding of ACPS's 3.5% budget request rather than the 1.5% proposed — the difference between meeting the division's first collective bargaining agreement and falling short.

The second budget public hearing is Saturday, March 14, at 9:30 a.m.

3️⃣ Council votes tonight on school funding overhaul and maximum tax rate

Alexandria City Council meets tonight with two budget-related items that will shape the fiscal debate through spring: a resolution to change how the city funds ACPS starting in FY 2028, and the first reading of the calendar year 2026 property tax rate ordinance.

The classification resolution would move Alexandria from lump-sum appropriations to funding by the nine major categories defined in state law — instruction, transportation, facilities and more. Mayor Gaskins previewed the proposal at last week's joint session: "If someone says, well, council, you need to fund collective bargaining, well, there's a way that the category can say collective bargaining. And you would see either we're funding it or we're not funding it." School Board member Kelly Carmichael Booz has called for a delay, arguing the proposal raises legal questions and was introduced without discussion.

The tax rate first reading sets the maximum advertised rate — the ceiling Council will work from through April. City Manager Parajon proposed holding the rate flat at $1.135 per $100 of assessed value. Whether Council advertises a higher rate is an open question tied directly to the $5.6 million schools funding gap.

📰 In brief

Virginia Statewide Tornado Drill today at 9:45 a.m. Schools, businesses and families across the commonwealth are encouraged to practice tornado shelter procedures. The drill will be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio and the Emergency Alert System — no alert will be sent to cell phones. Severe Weather Awareness Week runs through Friday. Virginia Department of Emergency Management

City seeks public input on Duke Street corridor safety overhaul. Open forum on proposed changes between West Taylor Run Parkway and Dove Street set for April 7, 5 to 7 p.m. at 2900 Business Center Drive. The Alexandria Brief

Alexandria-headquartered Five Guys brings back BOGO offer through Thursday. The "40th After Party" runs today through March 12 after the Feb. 17 birthday promotion overwhelmed stores. Business Insider

Falafel Inc. takes over former the Philadephia Cheesteak Factory at 3060 Duke Street. Property sold last November. Restaurant now taking orders.

Commodore to open on Thursday. The grand opening of The Commodore at 220 N. Lee Street is on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 5 p.m.

Coffee, Conversation, and Council Candidates. The Del Ray Business Association will host a breakfast meeting on March 18 with council candidates.

40 Under 40 & 40 Over 40 Awards: Nominations are now open for The Chamber ALX’s annual awards. Click here to submit a nomination for 40 UNDER 40 or click here to submit a nomination for 40 OVER 40. The deadline for both is Friday, April 3.

Eugene Simpson Stadium Park renovation underway after 11 years in the works. The ACHS baseball home field is getting a turf field and integrated equipment storage. Renovations set to complete by August; the team plays at Frank Mann this season. Theogony

Del. McPike speaks on House floor for first time, honors Port City and Theogony. The Alexandria delegate, sworn in last month, presented resolutions commending Port City Brewing's 15th anniversary and ACHS's Theogony "for its brave stand in support of the First Amendment." Del. Kirk McPike

Virginia Flood Awareness Week runs through Saturday. The city encourages residents to learn about flood risk and the importance of flood insurance as spring rains and hurricane season approach. Track flood mitigation projects at the city's Project Dashboard. City of Alexandria

On this day in Alexandria's history: In 1874, City Council changed the name of Water Street to Lee Street in honor of Robert E. Lee. In 1965, construction began on the controversial Gadsby's Urban Renewal Project, which demolished dozens of 18th- and 19th-century buildings around Market Square but ultimately reversed years of economic decline. Historic Alexandria

Have a news tip or story idea? Hit reply or email ryan@alexandriabrief.com.

Today in Alexandria

⛅ Weather

Sunny, with a high near 81 degrees. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Mostly clear, with a low around 62 degrees. South wind around 5 mph, becoming calm in the evening.

🌖 Sun, Moon, & Tide

🗓️ Things To Do

10 a.m.: English Language Learning Workshop at Beatley Central Library
10:15 a.m.: Family Storytime at Burke Branch Library
10:30 a.m.: Bilingual Storytime at Barrett Branch Library
11 a.m.: Playtime! at Beatley Central Library Reading Garden
11 a.m.: Baby and Toddler Time at Barrett Branch Library
2 p.m.: Baby and Toddler Play Date at Burke Branch Library
4 p.m.: Textile Arts with American Girl at Beatley Central Library
5 p.m.: One-On-One Computer Help at Barrett Branch Library
5 p.m.: Author Talk: Sophia Glock at Duncan Branch Library
6:15 p.m.: What to Expect at Work - A Parents Guide to Employment Protections at Beatley Central Library
7 p.m.: Beer Yoga at Port City Brewing Company
7 p.m.: Cécilia in Concert at Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum

🎶 Entertainment

219 Restaurant: Justin Gillen Trio at 9 p.m.
Atlas Brew Works ALX: Trivia at 7 p.m.
Laporta’s Restaurant: Antonio James at 6 p.m.
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap: Melissa Quinn Fox at 6 p.m.
Lost Dog Cafe: Trivia at 7 p.m.
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Trivia at 8 p.m.; Pete Baker at 8:30 p.m.
O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Trivia at 9 p.m.
Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.

🏛️ City & Schools

Government: Open | Schools: Open | Flag: Half Staff | Trash, Recycling, & Yard Waste Collection: On Time

6 a.m.: Chinquapin Open at Chinquapin
8:45 a.m.: Supplemental Retirement Plan Pension Board
8:45 a.m.: Fire and Police Officers Pension Plan Board
4:15 p.m.: Commission on Employment - Regular Meeting
6 p.m.: Minnie Howard Open at Minnie Howard
6:30 p.m.: City Council Legislative Meeting
6:30 p.m.: ACPS Budget Advisory Committee Meeting
6:30 p.m.: Budget & Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee
7 p.m.: Cécilia in Concert at The Lyceum

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