Police Department Biographies

Officer Keith Santillo has dedicated himself to law enforcement. After his 26-year career with the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency; he continued in a civilian capacity assisting with the training of new FBI agents as a role player during scenario-based activities. Keith is also currently in the process of obtaining a “Top Secret” security clearance. He advised he considers himself an outdoorsman and in his free time loves to fly fish, train at the shooting range and hike.

 

Officer Melvin Washington is a 19-year veteran of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department where he served as an Officer and Detective. He has worked with Special Operations (SOD), which handled presidential details and all other special events. He worked with the Fugitive Task Force, which was a joint operation that pursued fugitives and brought them to justice. He was a member of the Special Tactical Action Team (STAT), which was a response unit that handled any hazardous threats. He became a liaison for community policing that organized community events, which he stated, “It was the most rewarding part of my 19 years of dedicated service to the citizens of the District of Columbia.”  Melvin advised that in his spare time, he enjoys all sporting activities and events. He is a boating enthusiast and loves travelling around the world and meeting new people.

 

Officer Deon Johnson-Jackson aka “J.J”. is Northern Virginia transplant of ten years, originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and enjoying the greenery that the Mid-Atlantic has to offer. A career in Law Enforcement has been his dream job, his “North Star”, for as long as he could remember. In 2018, Deon obtained his Law Enforcement certification through the NVCJA. While attending, he was voted amongst his peers to be their class Vice President – allowing him the opportunity to lead 108 recruits to becoming sworn officers spanning 17 agencies. Deon was sworn into MWAA PD. Patrolling DCA, IAD and the road in between Route 267 gave him a lot of opportunities to hone his skills and eventually have the chance to become a K-9 Explosive Detection Handler. Deon is excited to join the Aquia Harbor PD because it allows him to focus on communities – a welcome change of pace from the hustle and bustle of travelers. When not in uniform, Deon advises you’ll most likely see him on the lake, coasting along in his bright orange Hobie kayak. 

 

Officer Clifford Goodson has been proudly serving the residents of Aquia Harbour since June 2021. He has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Political Science from Radford University (2015). After attending Radford, Clifford started his law enforcement career in 2017 as a Road Deputy with the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office. Then later joined the Virginia Military Institute Police Department where he was recognized as Traffic Enforcement Officer of the year (2019). He continued to carry on his strive to keep the community safe at Aquia Harbour through proactive patrolling and community engagement. Clifford was recognized for his efforts by receiving the Mothers Against Drunk Driving award (2021). When Clifford is not at Aquia he is most likely enjoying time with his wife and son.   

 

Officer Hannah Nelius is a dedicated law enforcement professional with a passion for promoting understanding and compassion towards individuals with neurodivergent conditions. Growing up in Warrenton, VA, and with an older brother working as a Registrar in Fauquier County and parents who served in the U.S. Army, Hannah developed a strong sense of duty and service. After completing a one-year career studies program at Lord Fairfax Community College, she graduated with two certificates in Administration of Justice. 

 

Hannah started her law enforcement career in early 2019 with the Purcellville Police Department before joining the Aquia Harbour Police Department in December of 2021, where she quickly demonstrated a commitment to community policing and a talent for effectively communicating with people from diverse backgrounds. In which she continues to demonstrate her unconventional skillsets and dedication of service to the community. 

 

In her free time, Hannah enjoys being outdoors and birdwatching, as well as listening to science podcasts, quilting, reading, creative writing, and cooking. With her unique skills and passion for making a positive impact, Hannah is an enthusiastic and valuable asset to this team.

 

Officer Katie Machado comes to the Harbour, as a new police officer graduating from the Police Academy in March 2023. Katie is a mother of two boys. Her husband has served 21 years in the Marine Corps which has taken their family around the US, from all over California, Wisconsin, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Virgina. With her husband's retirement this past year, she is able to take off her career in police work here at Aquia Harbour.

 

Before starting her new career as a police officer, Kati was a dance and fitness instructor for about 15 years. In Kati's free time, she can either be found at the baseball fields watching her boys play ball, spending time with her family, or CrossFit. She loves animals and a good solid nap.

 

Officer Katie Machado is looking forward to bringing new ideas to the Harbour to promote community engagement.