NORFOLK, Va. — A contempt hearing against Norfolk's top prosecutor has been canceled and the matter dismissed, the Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney's Office confirmed to 13News Now.
Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi was originally scheduled to appear before Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Mary Jane Hall on Friday to explain for "acts of contempt" he allegedly made during a court hearing last month.
Fatehi was alleged to have "'openly insulted and resisted the powers of the court,' engaged in acts 'calculated to embarrass, hinder, or obstruct the court in the administration of justice,' and taunted the court..."
According to a transcript of the court hearing, at one point the judge told Fatehi, "I'm running this courtroom, and you're not the counsel of record in this case."
Later, the judge said she had "severe reservations about [Fatehi] jumping in when you've not entered an appearance in the case and evicting the lawyer who's been handling the case."
Fatehi reportedly answered the judge by saying: "Your Honor, that is your second error of law."
According to Fatehi, the judge earlier this week canceled the planned March 15 hearing, and a spokesperson for Fatehi said the "matter is dismissed."
In a statement to 13News Now, Fatehi said, "I have apologized to Judge Hall for the words I used. As I have done for many years, I will continue to advocate for victims, for equitable justice, and for a safer and fairer Norfolk."