Virginia Trooper Faces Felony Charges for Neighbor Threats

Accused of leaving disturbing notes, trooper claims they were intended to threaten arrest, not violence.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:22pm

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A Virginia state trooper named Pingley is facing felony charges for allegedly leaving threatening notes at his neighbor's door. Pingley's attorney claims the notes were intended to threaten arrest, not violence, after Pingley became suspicious of his neighbor's behavior. The prosecution has accused the defense of character assassination, and Pingley's fate will be determined through a bench trial on June 26.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the boundaries of free speech, the use of threats by law enforcement, and the potential abuse of power when personal disputes escalate. It also highlights the challenges of balancing public safety concerns with individual civil liberties.

The details

Pingley is accused of leaving two notes at his neighbor's door that read 'You're not safe anywhere' and 'F*ck around and find out.' Pingley's attorney claims he became suspicious of his neighbor's behavior, including noticing his neighbor's White Hellcat speeding in and out of their apartment parking lot at odd hours, and believed his neighbor was selling drugs. The defense plans to argue the notes are protected speech under the First Amendment, while the prosecution has accused the defense of character assassination.

  • Pingley began noticing suspicious behavior from his neighbor Markwin Howard in the months leading up to the alleged felony.
  • Pingley is set to face a bench trial on June 26, 2026.

The players

Pingley

A Virginia state trooper facing felony charges for allegedly leaving threatening notes at his neighbor's door.

Markwin Howard

Pingley's neighbor, the live-in boyfriend of Saleena Pinheiro, whom Pingley became suspicious of and believed was selling drugs.

Saleena Pinheiro

Pingley's neighbor, the girlfriend of Markwin Howard.

Brady Nicks

Pingley's attorney, who plans to argue the notes were intended to threaten arrest, not violence, and are protected speech under the First Amendment.

Cheryl Higgins

The presiding judge who will determine Pingley's fate through a bench trial on June 26.

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What they’re saying

“The notes were intended to threaten arrest, not violence.”

— Brady Nicks, Pingley's attorney

“The defense's argument is prejudicial because it attacked the witnesses, Howard and Pinheiro.”

— Commonwealth's Attorneys from Roanoke, Prosecution

What’s next

Pingley's fate will be determined through a bench trial on June 26, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex balance between free speech, public safety, and the potential abuse of power by law enforcement. It will be important to closely follow the trial proceedings to understand the nuances of the case and its broader implications.