In The Area...

Compiled by Kevin Loker, ­News Editor, from Richmond-Times Dispatch, WHSV.com, The Washington Post, and The Associated Press.

Teens Charged with Gang Recruitment

Several Chantilly-area teens have been charged with trying to recruit middle school students to a gang, according to Fairfax County police. Seven teens, ranging in age from 13-16, have been charged with gang recruitment or gang participation. A Franklin Middle School student told the school resource officer that another student asked him to join his gang, Sur 13, prompting investigation. The Latino gang has roots tracing to a Mexican prison gang in Southern California. Anti-gang teaching in Fairfax County begins in health classes as early as fourth grade and intensifies in seventh grade, according to a school spokesman.

Police Officer Accused of Embezzlement Resigns

Fairfax County police say an officer under investigation for embezzlement has resigned from her department. Police sources say that Amanda Perry, 23, has been accused of falsifying her work time and attendance reports. She had been placed on administrative duty after a February 2008 crash. Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney General Raymond Morrogh says he has not decided whether Perry will be charged. Last year, Perry was charged with reckless driving in the crash, which killed a 33-year-old teacher’s assistant. She was found not guilty after trial in September.

Board of Supervisors Reevaluates Housing Program

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors may scale back its signature “penny for housing” program, designed to preserve affordable housing for low-and moderate-income families, as a possibility for trimming next year’s budget. The program currently devotes one cent of the real estate tax rate to buy or preserve low-rent apartments and other housing units. Supervisors are currently looking to divert some of the estimated $20 million it would generate next year to other focuses due to the economic climate. About half the money “could reduce the need to make cuts to fire and police services or pay for food or rental assistance for families in crisis.”