Former Virginia lawmaker Matt Fariss was arrested on felony gun and drug charges, as well as a misdemeanor charge of violating a protective order. He had served in the House of Delegates as a Republican from 2012 before running as an independent last year. Fariss was booked at a Blue Ridge Regional Jail facility and faces charges of possession of a Schedule I or II drug, possession of a Schedule I or II drug while possessing a firearm, and a misdemeanor violation of a protective order. Lieutenant Jarrett Rea of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the charges, but did not provide further details about the allegations or the circumstances leading to Fariss’ arrest.
It remains unclear if Fariss has retained an attorney to represent him. Jail records indicate that he remained in custody as of Sunday afternoon. A court date was listed for Monday, but no date was reflected in the state’s online court system. Fariss had been acquitted of felony hit-and-run and malicious wounding charges just weeks before his recent arrest. He was accused of striking his ex-girlfriend with his SUV after an argument, but was convicted of a less serious charge of improper driving and ordered to pay a $500 fine. Chuck Felmlee, the defense attorney who represented Fariss in that case, did not immediately respond to inquiries about the recent arrest.
News of Fariss’ arrest was first reported by Cardinal News. The charges against him come in the wake of his unsuccessful bid for reelection as an independent candidate last year. Fariss’ arrest is a significant development in his political career, as it comes after he had already faced legal issues in the past related to a vehicular incident involving his ex-girlfriend. Lieutenant Rea stated that more information about the charges and arrest would likely be available on Monday.
The news of Fariss’ arrest on serious charges of drug and gun possession, as well as a violation of a protective order, raises questions about his character and integrity as a former lawmaker. This incident could have serious repercussions for Fariss, both personally and professionally, as he now faces a legal battle to defend himself against the charges. The lack of information available on the circumstances surrounding his arrest adds to the mystery of the situation, leaving many to wonder what led to these serious allegations being brought against him. As Fariss remains in custody, awaiting his court date, the outcome of this legal case will no doubt have a significant impact on his future.
