VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A former prosecutor in Virginia Beach is facing several charges, including embezzlement and money laundering, according to the Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney.
Commonwealth's Attorney Colin Stolle said James Panagis was indicted Monday by a Virginia Beach grand jury on four counts of embezzlement by a public officer, embezzlement greater than/equal to $500, four counts of uttering a forged check, and money laundering: conduct a financial transaction, proceeds from a felony activity.
Stolle said that in August of 2022, he discovered "irregularities" in 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 grand jury's charges stem from Panagis allegedly taking restitution money that belonged to victims.
Stolle said Panagis worked at the Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney from August 2015 to February 2022 and left "on his own accord." Stolle also said there had been no disciplinary issues with Panagis during his time there.
The Chesterfield Commonwealth's Attorney's Office will handle Panagis' case as a special prosecutor.
"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," Stolle said. "While ethical restraints prevent me from commenting on a pending investigation, I will be available to answer questions when this matter is concluded."