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Virginia
Ex-Virginia Beach prosecutor indicted by grand jury on embezzlement, money laundering charges
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A former prosecutor in the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is accused of multiple financial crimes, including embezzlement and money laundering.
James Panagis was indicted on Monday by a Virginia Beach grand jury, Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin Stolle announced Tuesday night.
Panagis was charged with four counts of embezzlement by a public officer, four counts of embezzlement >= $500, uttering a forged check, and money laundering-conduct a financial transaction, proceeds from felony activity.
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The charges stem from Panagis allegedly taking restitution money that belonged to victims while he was employed in the commonwealth’s attorney’s office. Stolle says Panagis was employed from August 22, 2015, and February 16, 2022.
Stolle says he called for the investigation into Panagis on August 2022, after discovering irregularities on Panagis’ files.
“I immediately requested the Virginia State Police conduct a criminal investigation and asked that a Special Prosecutor be appointed,” Stolle said in a statement. “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.”
The Chesterfield Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office has been asked to handle the prosecution of the case.
Stolle says he can’t say more about the case, due to pending special prosecutor’s appointment, but that his office has fully cooperated in the investigation. He did say that there were no disciplinary issues with Panagis during his time with the office and he left on his own accord.
“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. While ethical restraints prevent me from commenting on a pending investigation, I will be available to answer questions when this matter is concluded.”
Virginia Beach-based law firm Wolcott Rivers Gates meanwhile announced Panagis was fired from their office on Tuesday, and that they had no further comment until the end of the judicial process.
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BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – First responders never stop training, and this week almost 500 from across Virginia are honing their skills in Blacksburg.
The Virginia Association of First Responders now includes EMTs, firefighters, police officers and many others who answer the call in an emergency.
Thursday, a farm accident and a collision involving a car and school bus were just two of the scenarios they encountered.
“It’s a week-long opportunity, not only for technical stuff like this, but for medical classes,” said Covington Volunteer Rescue Squad member Greg Burton. “People call 911 every day for something. And we’re just here to help ease the problem a little bit.”
The annual conference also includes a Rescue Camp for young people with an interest in emergency services.
43 campers are taking part in a variety of activities, including a session on scuba diving Thursday afternoon.
Copyright 2026 WDBJ. All rights reserved.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A brush fire in a wooded area on Criollo Drive Wednesday afternoon was set by children playing with fire, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.
Units with Virginia Beach Fire and Virginia Beach Police were dispatched to the 3700 block of Criollo Drive in reference to a report of a possible fire in a wooded area at approximately 5 p.m.
Upon arrival, crews saw light smoke coming from a wooded area. They quickly had the brush fire under control at 6:05 p.m. and marked out at 6:37 p.m.
There were no injuries reported to civilians, firefighters or pets.
A VBFD Fire Investigator determined that the fire was set by kids playing with fire.
There are no charges being filed currently.
For Navy Vice-Admiral Douglas Perry, you could say all roads, or waterways, lead to Hampton Roads.
“It is more than full circle,” said Perry, who noted he went to the first Harborfest downtown in 1976.
And when he saw those tall ships led by Coast Guard Cutter Barque Eagle, “I was sold. I wanted to go to sea. I wanted to be a naval officer.”
Link: https://www.wavy.com/living-local/50th-harborfest-weekend-more-than-full-circle-for-navy-vice-admiral/
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