Crime & Safety

James Frost's Background, Behavior Shock Neighbors

Frost's history of arrests and mental illness did not show up in a background check because he has no convictions, apartment management said.

James A. Frost went through the same rigorous screening process as all potential residents of The Apartments at Cobblestone Square, property management told Patch. 

Frost was arrested and charged Wednesday night with a class 1 misdemeanor for the unlawful display of obscene materials in the apartment community. A Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2500 fine, Natatia Bledsoe, Fredericksburg Police spokesperson said.

Fredericksburg Police said they began receiving complaints about Frost soon after he moved in at the end of February. Neighbors reported him for posting obscene photographs in public view and making disturbing and inappropriate sexual remarks to them.

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"He has never been convicted of anything and so he could live anywhere," property management said. 

Frost has a history of arrests and mental illness, according to The Washington Post.  But because he has never been convicted of a crime, this information did not show up in a background check, property management explained.

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Frost was charged in 2008 or allegedly threatening to kill Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and other public officials, but charges in that case were dropped.

"We had no knowledge of that before this happened," the property manager said.  She asked that her name not be used. "I feel my staff and I are doing a wonderful job [dealing with this situation], and we are working hard to make everything right."

"We're not going to comment any further about a pending legal matter," she said.  However, residents of The Apartments at Cobblestone Square are encouraged to contact her personally with questions or concerns.

Frost is being held in the Rappahannock Region Jail without bond, because he refused to cooperate in the bond hearing at the magistrate’s office Wednesday night, Bledsoe said.

A resident of Cobblestone Square was shocked by the arrest and said she knew nothing before today. "I love living here," she said. "Obviously they [management] have been communicating with the police, and I appreciate they have moved quickly to protect our safety," she said.

Related Story: Police: Man Arrested for Displaying Obscene Materials in Fredericksburg Apartment Complex

Editor's Note:  Where an arrest is mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.

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