VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A former Virginia Beach prosecutor has been charged for allegedly embezzling and laundering restitution money meant for victims, according to a statement from Commonwealth's Attorney Colin Stolle.
James Panagis, who served with the CA's office from August 2015 until February 2022, has been indicted by a grand jury Monday, August 20 and charged with:
- four counts of embezzlement by a public officer
- four counts of uttering a forged check
- embezzlement greater than or equal to $500
- money laundering
- proceeds from felony activity
The charges come from activities during Panagis' employment with the office, and from him taking restitution money from victims, according to Stolle.
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Panagis did not have any disciplinary issues documented during his time with with the CA's office and left on his own accord; however, the investigation, Stolle said, began not long after Panagis left the office.
Panagis was employed at the Wolcott Rivers Gates law firm after he left the CA's office, however, the firm said he was no longer employed as of Tuesday.
"The employment of James Panagis, an attorney in our office, terminated effective August 20, 2024," they said in a statement. "Wolcott Rivers Gates will have no further comment until the conclusion of the judicial process."
Stolle said he prompted the investigation into Panagis after finding irregularities in his work after he departed the CA's office.
"I immediately requested the Virginia State Police conduct a criminal investigation and asked that a Special Prosecutor be appointed," Stolle said. " I also immediately contacted the Virginia State Bar lead ethics counsel who advised me to turn this matter over for their review after the conclusion of the criminal investigation."
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The Chesterfield County Commonwealth's Attorney's will prosecute the case due to Stolle's conflict of interest, having worked with Panagis.
"Prosecutors, in particular, must practice law with the utmost integrity in order for the justice system to work, and that is what I expect from the prosecutors in my office," says Stolle.
Stolle added that he will comment on the case when it is concluded.
Court records showed Panagis was scheduled to appear in Virginia Beach circuit court on Thursday, August 22 for a hearing, but the judges have recused themselves. A new date will be set by the state supreme court.
