State Police statistics show both violent and property crimes fell about 3 percent in Virginia in 2012 compared to the year before. The report released this week shows there were 316 murders in the state last year, compared with 305 in 2011.

According to economist Dr. Steb Hipple, the employment picture in the Tri-Cities continued to mirror regional conditions and was down in the first quarter. Dr. Hipple says despite the lower employment figures, jobless levels continued to decline as some workers became discouraged and left the job market altogether, while others left the area looking for jobs in other regions where employers are hiring. The resulting January to March unemployment rate was 7.2% in Bristol, 7.4 in both Johnson City and Kingsport. Job growth was led by education & health services, professional & business services and leisure & hospitality. Job losses occurred in construction, government, information services, and finance. Employment was unchanged in manufacturing and wholesale trade.

Robert Hicks really wanted to see an inmate in the Washington County Detention Center and now, he’s in the same building. Police say the 32-year old created a fraudulent marriage certificate to try to get visitation with an inmate. He’s charged with criminal simulation and will appear in court today. (JH)

Sullivan County Sheriff’s Officers responded to a report of a disturbance where the victim stated her son had just stolen her purse at knife point and left in a green van. Officers first spotted the van on Orebank Road but 43- year old Jason McClellan refused to stop. McClellan eventually led officers back to the crime scene on Gaines Street and ran from the van to the back of the house where he tried to get inside. K9 Kodi was finally released and held the suspect until officers took him into custody. They also confiscated marijuana and opium before transported him to the Sullivan County Correctional Facility, charged with Theft, Aggravated Burglary, Evading Arrest, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment, Driving on a Revoked license and Possession of Drugs. (bg)

It will be used to transport goods for Food City, but for Utility Company it is a milestone they almost didn’t reach. The Glade Spring based business that builds trailers for tractors was destroyed by the tornado damage two years ago, but they stood strong and rebuilt the company even larger than before. To celebrate the milestone of manufacturing their 50-thousandth trailer they teamed up with Food City, long known for buying and selling local goods. The two unveiled the new food city trailer that each of Utility’s six hundred employees had a hand in making. Steve Smith is CEO of food city…. Food city has ordered forty more trailers from Utility Glade Spring to add to the fleet. (cc)

Whenever a tragic event happens the humanitarian spirit kicks in with those wanting to offer assistance but not knowing how to do it. Unfortunately this can leave well-intended people with a bad deal. The tornadoes in Oklahoma have brought out several willing to help and scammers already trying to get a piece of your good intentioned money. Scammers have started on social media and making cold calls to people claiming to be from a charity, sometimes even a very reputable one that has gained trust with the public. The people say they are asking for donations to help the victims of the tornado damage. You want to give, but should you? The answer, not to the caller on the other end. The truth is that reputable organizations won’t call you asking for money, they have various fundraising tools set up so that the donor can give in his or her own time, and safely so that your bank accounts remain secure. Giving an unverified person on the phone your account information could lead to identity theft, or exorbitant charges to your account. Remember if someone calls you, you have every right to ask for a number to call back, or time to check to make sure they are who they say. Don’t ever give information to an unconfirmed person even if they say it is for charity. This will save you from a hassle and your money for reputable charities. (cc)

Two dummy businesses being run in Unicoi led federal drug agents to arrest 34-year-old Carl Lee Glass last year. Glass entered guilty pleas in August to 2 of 9 charges against him involving cocaine and firearms law violations. The undercover investigation centered on Valley Video and Trading Post a business in Unicoi owned by Glass. Glass reportedly used a construction company as a cover for his drug and money-laundering ventures. He could have received up to life in prison but instead was handed 106 months over 8 years in federal detention by Judge Ronnie Greer.(CS)