Local
Arlington police arrest journalist, roommate on meth charge
Police called for ‘violent domestic disturbance’
Arlington police confiscated equipment believed to be for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine while arresting gay journalist Leonard Fischer (right) and his roommate, William Hudgens. (Photo courtesy of Arlington Police)
A journalist who previously worked as a tech reporter for the Gannett News Service and his roommate were arrested in their Arlington apartment on Aug. 28 on a charge that they allegedly were attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, according to Arlington police.
The journalist, Leonard Fischer, 44, and his roommate, William Hudgens, 31, were charged and released on bail after police obtained a search warrant, searched their apartment, and confiscated chemicals and equipment said to be used for the manufacture of methamphetamine, police said.
“On or about Aug. 27, 2012, law enforcement officers responded to 801 N. Monroe Street, Apt. 305, Arlington, Virginia, in reference to a violent domestic disturbance,” says a police affidavit in support of a search warrant filed in Arlington Circuit Court.
“Once inside the residence, officers observed, in plain view, items consistent with the manufacturing of methamphetamine to include a triangle glass beaker on the kitchen counter along with a possible ‘fuel’ source on the floor below it,” the affidavit says.
A list of items confiscated in the search, which was also filed in court, includes caustic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, phosphoric acid, “suspected sulfuric acid,” propane cylinders, and assorted Pyrex dishes.
“Residents of three floors in the complex were evacuated for safety concerns,” a police statement says. Police said later that some of the residents had to find lodging in nearby hotels until investigators with the Arlington Fire Department determined it was safe for the residents to return to their apartments.
The police affidavit says that during questioning by police, Fischer and Hudgens accused each other of being responsible for attempting to manufacture methamphetamine in the apartment. The affidavit says Hudgens told police he was attempting to move his belongings out of the apartment at the time police were called.
It says Fischer holds the lease to the apartment and that Hudgens had been staying there for several months. Court records state that Hudgens had no fixed address at the time he first appeared in court. Both men were ordered to undergo alcohol and drug screening and testing before their next scheduled court appearance on Oct. 5.
New York gay blogger Kenneth Walsh reported in his blog Kenneth in the (212) that Fischer is a former tech reporter for Gannett and that his byline frequently appeared in the Gannett-owned newspaper USA Today. Last week, Fischer’s LinkedIn page stated he still worked for Gannett. However, Fischer stated in a court form seeking to determine if he could afford to retain a lawyer that he currently works as a freelance journalist.
Walsh told the Blade that a mutual friend who went to Indiana University with Fischer told him that Fischer is gay.
“Sad to see yet another gay man felled by meth,” Walsh wrote in his blog.
District of Columbia
Gay D.C. police lieutenant arrested on child porn charges
Matthew Mahl once served as head of LGBT Liaison Unit
D.C. police announced on April 14 that they have placed one of their lieutenants, Matthew Mahl, on administrative leave and revoked his police powers after receiving information that he was arrested in Maryland one day earlier.
Although the initial D.C. police announcement doesn’t disclose the reason for the arrest it refers to a statement by the Harford County, Md. Sheriff’s Office that discloses Mahl has been charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and child porn solicitation.
“On Tuesday, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office contacted MPD’s Internal Affairs Division shortly after arresting Lieutenant Matthew Mahl,” the D.C. police statement says.
“The allegations in this case are extremely disturbing, and in direct contrast to the values of the Metropolitan Police Department,” the statement continues. “MPD’s Internal Affairs Division will investigate violations of MPD policy once the criminal investigation concludes,” it says.
“MPD is not involved in the criminal investigation and was not aware of the investigation until yesterday,” the statement adds.
Mahl served as acting supervisor of the MPD’s then Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit in 2013 when he held the rank of sergeant. D.C. police officials placed him on administrative leave and suspended his police powers that same year while investigating an undisclosed allegation.
A source familiar with the investigation said Mahl was cleared of any wrongdoing a short time later and resumed his police duties. Around the time he was promoted to lieutenant several years later Mahl took on the role as chairman of the D.C. Police Union, becoming the first known openly gay officer to hold that position.
NBC 4 reports that Mahl, 47, has served on the police force for 23 years and most recently was assigned to the department’s Special Operations Division.
Records related to Mahl’s arrest filed in Harford County District Court, show Sheriff’s Department investigators state in charging documents that he allegedly committed the offenses of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor and Child Porn Solicitation on Monday, April 13, one day before he was arrested on April 14.
The court records show he was held without bond during his first appearance in court on April 14. A decision on whether he would be released while awaiting trial or continue to be held without bond was scheduled to be determined during an April 15 bond hearing. The outcome of that hearing could not be immediately determined.
Maryland
Evan Glass is leaning on his record. Is that enough for Montgomery County’s top job?
Gay county executive candidate pushing for equitable pay, safer streets, and cleaner environment
By TALIA RICHMAN | During a meet-and-greet at Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, Evan Glass got his loudest applause of the night with a plan he acknowledged was decidedly unsexy.
“Day one, I’ll hire a director of permitting services,” the county executive candidate said.
Doing so, he added, is a step toward easing the regulatory burdens that can stifle small businesses in Montgomery County.
The only problem? At least one of his fiercest competitors is making a similar pledge.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
District of Columbia
D.C. bar, LGBTQ+ Community Center to mark Lesbian Visibility Week
‘Ahead of the Curve’ documentary screening, ‘Queeroke’ among events
2026 Lesbian Visibility Week North America will take place from April 20-26.
This year marks the third annual Lesbian Visibility Week, run by the Curve Foundation. A host of events take place from April 20-26.
This year’s theme is Health and Wellness. For the Curve Foundation, the term “lesbian” serves as an umbrella term for a host of identities, including lesbians, bisexual and transgender women, and anyone else connected to the lesbian community.
The week kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony on April 19. It will take place in New York, but will be livestreamed for the public.
“Queeroke” is one of the events being held around the country. It will take place at various participating bars on April 23.
As You Are, an LGBTQ bar in Capitol Hill, is one of eight locations across the U.S. participating. Their event is free and 21+.
On April 24, the D.C. LGBTQ+ Community Center will hold a screening of “Ahead of the Curve,” a documentary about the founder of Curve, Franco Stevens. The event is free with an RSVP.
April 25, is Queer Women in Sports Day. And on April 26, several monuments in New York will be illuminated.
Virtual events ranging from health to sports will be made available to the public. Details will be released closer to the start of Lesbian Visibility Week. Featured events can be found on the official website.
Some ways for individuals to get involved are to use #LVW26 and tag the official Lesbian Visibility Week account on social media posts. People are encouraged to display their lesbian flags, and businesses can hand out pins and decorate. They can also reach out to local lawmakers to encourage them to issue an official Lesbian Visibility Week.
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