MARION, VA (LOOTPRESS) — A wanted fugitive with multiple felony charges across three counties was arrested on May 25, 2025, after deputies from the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Marion Police Department tracked him down with the help of community tips.
Ricky Dalton Hess, of Marion, was found hiding under a staircase in an apartment on Douglas Street. He was arrested without incident and is currently being held without bond at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Abingdon.
Hess was wanted on active warrants in Smyth, Wythe, and Washington Counties, facing the following charges:
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Smyth County:
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Felony Destruction of Property
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Grand Larceny of a Vehicle
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Washington County:
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Failure to Appear
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Wythe County:
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Felony Possession of Stolen Property
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Misdemeanor Obstruction of Justice
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Also arrested at the scene was Hannah Marie Croy, of Marion, who was charged with Misdemeanor Obstruction of Justice. She was released on an unsecured bond.
Authorities credited the arrest to multiple tips from local residents, thanking the community for their assistance in locating Hess.
“This arrest highlights the power of collaboration—between agencies and with the public,” officials stated. “We appreciate every citizen who stepped up to share information.”
