‘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.
