‘Wig Lady’ mastermind sentenced The ringleader in the “Wig Lady” bank fraud scheme was sentenced to nine years in prison. Authorities said 58-year-old Charles H. Belim, of Capitol Heights, was the mastermind of a team of thieves who pickpocketed checkbooks from more than 50 women and then wore wigs, scarves and glasses while impersonating them to draw money from the women’s bank accounts. The group had operated in Boston for several years before Belim apparently decided to bring the crew to Maryland in 2005. In less than two years, police said the ring stole up to $120,000 in cash and hit at least 23 banks in the Washington area.
Toddler drowns in ornamental pond
A 14-month-old boy died after falling into an ornamental pond in Springfield, Fairfax County police said. Police are still investigating the death of Jack Luong and no charges have been filed.
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Man with stun gun tries to abduct woman
A 32-year-old woman was attacked while walking on the 2000 block of N. Quincy Street in Arlington, police said. A man grabbed her from behind and wrestled her to the ground. As they struggled he pulled out a stun gun and tried to zap the woman, but it didn’t work, police said. The attacker is about 5 feet 8 inches tall and about 25 years old. He is Hispanic with a clean shave and short black hair. Anyone with information should call Arlington County police at 703-558-2222.
Metro IDs man killed by train
Metro officials identified the man who was killed Sunday when he was struck by a Red Line train as Joshua Fueston, 19, of Bellingham, Wash. The transit agency’s preliminary investigation suggests that Fueston intentionally moved into the path of the six-car train to commit suicide, Metro spokesman Steven Taubenkibel said. The teen was hit just before 8 a.m. at the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metrorail station.
Compiled by Scott McCabe, Freeman Klopott and Kytja Weir
