5 Suspects Identified for Vandalism of Historic African American School

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Five teenage males have been identified and connected to the vandalism of a historic schoolhouse in Ashburn, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO).

Deputies say that the teenagers, three 16-year-olds from Sterling, a 17-year-old from Sterling and a 16-year-old from Ashburn, have been interviewed by detectives with the LCSO Criminal Investigations Division. As a result of the extensive and thorough investigation, Loudoun Sheriff’s Detectives will work with the Office of the Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney and the Loudoun County Juvenile Court Service Unit Intake Department to obtain charges related to this incident.

The names of the teenagers cannot be released because they are juveniles.

“We would like to thank the community and our local leaders for their outpouring of support and for understanding the significance of these offenses,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Chapman.

The vandalism was discovered Saturday, October 1, at the Old Ashburn Schoolhouse on Ashburn Road. The graffiti included offensive and vulgar graffiti, to include racist messages. The vandalism occurred during the overnight.

SEE ALSO: Historic Ashburn Schoolhouse Vandalized With Racist Messages

The school, a one room building, is currently under restoration and has been located in the area for nearly two centuries. The school was built in the nineteenth century to educate African American Children in Northern Virginia.

Further details regarding the investigation cannot be released at this time due to future court proceedings, according to the LCSO.

SEE ALSO: Donations Surge to Historic African American School Following Racist Graffiti Vandalism

SEE ALSO: Rally to Repair Historic Ashburn Colored School Racist Vandalism Set for Oct. 9

Photo shared by Ashburn Old School Rehabilitation on Facebook