December 14, 2023, News Release
ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA – The Albemarle County Police Department, a member of the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (SOVA-ICAC), in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, conducted an online operation focused on the solicitation of minors on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. During this operation, the following two individuals were arrested and charged.
- 42-year-old William J. Rooney of Louisa, Va., was charged with one count of online solicitation of a minor under 15 years of age. Additional charges are pending.
- 44-year-old Benjamin C. Kleiber of Ruckersville, Va., was charged with two counts of online solicitation of a minor under 15 years of age.
Both Rooney and Kleiber are being held at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail without bond.
Anyone with information regarding these individuals is encouraged to contact the Albemarle County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 434-296-5807 or Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000 or Crimestoppers@albemarle.org. Callers may remain anonymous.
For information on how to help keep your children safe online, visit missingkids.org/NetSmartz.
