Controversial Display Found in Leesburg

A controverial display of a skeleton Santa hanging on a cross became quite the buzz on Monday after Middleburg resident Jeff Heflin hung his display outside of the county's courthouse.

According to his application, the purpose of the display was to depict society's materialistic obsessions and addictions and how it is killing the peace, love, joy and kindness that is supposed to be prevalent during the holiday season.

Councilman and Supervisor-elect Ken Reid said he was "utterly outraged" when he saw the display. "How offensive to children, especially, to see a beloved symbol of the holidays crucified," he said, in an email sent early Monday afternoon.

Reid suggested that someone contact Heflin and kindly request he remove such a "disgusting display and put it on his own lawn in Middleburg".

Loudoun County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Kraig Troxell said the skeleton was seen taken apart by a woman who placed it on the ground. More controversial displays are expected to appear between now and the end of the year.