CAPE CHARLES, Va. —A Longtime Cape Charles resident Ann Hayward Rooney Walker, issued a stark warning to the Town Council on Thursday, revealing that her sister has been the target of a dangerous predator in the community for nearly two decades. She said the situation has recently escalated, and despite police reports and past court actions, the threat remains unresolved.
Speaking during the regular council meeting, Walker described her sister’s experience as one of psychological bullying, emotional manipulation, and intimidation by a person still living in Cape Charles. She urged council members to imagine the fear and frustration of dealing with a relentless stalker, calling on them to act before the situation worsens.
“Ask yourselves what you would do if it were your daughter, wife, or mother. How would you stand it? You would finally be motivated to action,” she said.
According to Walker, the family sought legal intervention 20 years ago but failed to obtain meaningful protection through the courts. She emphasized that while societal attitudes toward stalking have evolved, the town’s response has not, leaving her sister vulnerable to ongoing harassment.
She also noted that some members of the current Town Council are fully aware of the situation.
Virginia Stalking Laws
Under Virginia law, stalking is defined as engaging in conduct directed at a person with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury. The crime is a Class 1 misdemeanor on a first offense, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A second or subsequent conviction can be elevated to a Class 6 felony, which carries a prison sentence of one to five years.
Protective orders can also be sought by victims of stalking, providing temporary relief from contact and harassment. However, these orders can be challenging to enforce without consistent documentation of threats and harassment.
The woman urged town officials and local police to take a more active role in addressing her sister’s ongoing victimization, pledging to report any suspicious behavior as it occurs.
No immediate response was given by council members, and it remains unclear what steps, if any, the town plans to take in response to the concerns raised.
Is this the same predator referred to in a previous post?
Doubtful, since the other one hasn’t’ been here for 20 years.
I’m truly sorry Ann’s sister had to endure that. I’m keeping her entire family in my prayers—they’re remarkable people who have made a positive impact on this community. No one should have to experience what they did, and they are owed a sincere apology.
Where were the ‘men-folk’ in her family and why did they not take care of it? Every time I hear of a woman harassed, abused, beaten or raped, I always ask myself that question.
What on Earth did she think a janky-a$$ town council would do for her?
When you are desperate for help, you will turn anywhere. I felt so sorry for this woman, and the lack of help her family has gotten. Shame on all those who have so far neglected to protect her family from the perpetrator. The world is not supposed to work that way.
This type of desperation is expected in an insular town like Cape Charles where Town Council takes care of themselves and their friends without any regard to the constituency or the laws/codes in place to (allegedly) protect taxpayers. These people need to answer for their actions. Why has this family not been protected?
Hard to believe there are no Men-Folk to take care of this.
Wow, in a town full of boats and a whole darn ocean just over there, this ain’t been dealt with by the MEN of CC?
Hmmmm.
Beta males.
Dear Editor, As a longtime friend of Ann Hayward Rooney Walker, I feel compelled to voice my deep concern over the situation her sister has faced for nearly twenty years. The persistent harassment and intimidation she endures are not just personal hardships but a reflection of a broader issue that affects the safety and well-being of our entire community.
This is a great family with deep roots in military service and in Cape Charles. As military dependents, their Naval fighter pilot father served his country his entire life, and they deserve to live in peace just like everyone else. It is disheartening that despite evolving societal attitudes toward mental health and safety, such a severe and prolonged threat continues unaddressed.
We must not wait for a tragedy to spur us into action. It is imperative that the local authorities and the community come together to resolve this issue and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in Cape Charles. My greatest hope is that you unite as a community to ensure no family endures such fear alone and to advocate for the safety and peace that every resident of Cape Charles deserves.
Word on the street is that this perpetrator has taken his family and moved to Richmond…. although still has businesses on the shore…..
Different guy, still in CC. Get ‘em! A huge history.