Richlands fire chief charged with 10 felonies

By JIM TALBERT\Staff
RICHLANDS – Fire Chief William Darrell “Apple’ Vance is facing 10 felony charges in two counties.
Sgt. Michael Conroy of the Virginia State Police said Vance was charged May 5 in Russell County with three counts of aggravated sexual battery and in Tazewell County May 7 for five counts of aggravated sexual battery and two counts of indecent liberties.
Conroy said the charges are the result of an ongoing investigation by the state police, Richlands Police Department and the Tazewell County Department of Social Services.
Mike Bush, commonwealth’s attorney in Russell County is serving as special prosecutor in the Tazewell county cases and handling the Russell County cases as well.
The commonwealth is alleging the crimes occurred between 1996 and 2007. Conroy said three female victims whose ages ranged between six and 13 have been identified. He said because the case involved minors he could not elaborate on the charges.