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Man facing sex-related charges in county
A man is behind bars, awaiting a Nov. 10 preliminary hearing after the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office says he arranged to meeting with a juvenile for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.
Matthew Aaron Autrey is facing two charges: Proposing a sex act by a communication system to a victim younger than 15 and older than 7; and display of obscene material, child pornography or grooming video to a child. If convicted, the first charge would carry a mandatory minimum of five years in prison.
Sheriff Anthony Cline said investigators discovered communication with a juvenile online, adding that Autrey knew the juvenile’s age and arranged a meeting for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. He said the investigation also uncovered that Autrey had sent explicit images to the juvenile.
The Wythe County Sheriff's Office reminds parents and guardians to talk with their children about online safety and the dangers of communicating with unknown individuals. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Wythe County Sheriff's Office.
Nathan Graybeal, Special to the Bristol Herald Courier
Patrick Henry's Jeb Stewart eludes a George Wythe
defender.
Page A1
Nathan Graybeal, Special to the Bristol Herald Courier
Patrick Henry's Jeb Stewart eludes a George Wythe
defender.
Supervisors authorize purchase of outlet property
Wythe County has agreed to purchase approximately 55 acres at the site of the former Fort Chiswell Outlet Mall, opening the door to redevelopment at the long-vacant property.
The 55.29-acre property, located on Factory Outlet Drive in Max Meadows, was once a prominent, thriving shopping magnet recognized throughout the region. It has sat vacant and underutilized since the mall closed Following a fire at the property, the remaining buildings were removed.
The property’s location, size and interstate access offer potential for future commercial, residential, recreational, or mixed-use development. The county’s acquisition provides an opportunity to return the property to productive use and encourage new investment in the Fort Chiswell area.
“Purchasing the site gives the county flexibility to develop or market the site in a manner that supports the needs of the community instead of potentially being sold for undesirable development” said County Administrator Stephen D. Bear.
“This property has unrealized potential, and its redevelopment could create new opportunities for the Fort Chiswell community and Wythe County as a whole,” said James D. Smith, chairman of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors and Fort Chiswell District supervisor. “Like many people in our community, we have watched this property sit largely unused for years and wondered what it could become. Acquiring the site gives the county an opportunity to help shape its future and position it for development that benefits our residents and local economy.”
Situated at the eastern intersection of Interstates 77 and 81, the property benefits from convenient access to two major transportation routes and proximity to existing commercial activity. More than 60,000 vehicles pass the area each day. County water and wastewater utilities are available, and a state-maintained road provides access to the property.
No specific development has been approved for the property. The county plans to work with developers and other potential partners to determine the best future use for the site, with the goal of bringing activity and investment back to a property that has been dormant for years.
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