Former Virginia lawmaker Matt Fariss was arrested over the weekend on felony gun and drug charges and a misdemeanor charge of violating a protective order. Fariss had served in the House of Delegates as a Republican since 2012 before running unsuccessfully last year as an independent. According to sheriff’s office official and jail records, he was booked at a Blue Ridge Regional Jail facility early Sunday. The charges against Fariss include possession of a Schedule I or II drug, possession of a Schedule I or II drug while possessing a firearm, and misdemeanor violation of a protective order.
Lt. Jarrett Rea of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the charges against Fariss but did not provide further details about the allegations or what led to his arrest. Rea mentioned that additional information would likely be available on Monday. It is unclear if Fariss has an attorney who could comment on his behalf as none was listed in court or jail records. Fariss remained in custody on Sunday, with a court date scheduled for Monday, though it was not reflected in the state’s online court system. This arrest came just weeks after Fariss was acquitted of felony hit-and-run and malicious wounding charges from last year.
The hit-and-run and malicious wounding charges arose after Fariss was accused of striking his ex-girlfriend with his SUV following an argument. Fariss was ultimately convicted of a less serious charge of improper driving and was ordered to pay a $500 fine. Chuck Felmlee, the defense attorney who represented Fariss in that case, did not respond to inquiries left at his office regarding the recent arrest. News of Fariss’ arrest was initially reported by Cardinal News, and jail records indicated he was still in custody on Sunday afternoon.
The arrest of former Virginia lawmaker Matt Fariss on felony gun and drug charges comes as a shock to many in the state’s political community. Fariss had a long career in politics, serving as a Republican in the House of Delegates since 2012 before his unsuccessful independent run last year. The charges against Fariss include possession of a Schedule I or II drug and possession of a Schedule I or II drug while possessing a firearm, both felonies, as well as a misdemeanor violation of a protective order.
Despite the lack of details provided by Lt. Jarrett Rea of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, it is evident that Fariss finds himself in legal trouble once again. With a court date scheduled for Monday, it remains to be seen how he will address these new charges. The timing of this arrest, coming so soon after his acquittal on previous charges, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. It is essential for Fariss to secure legal representation and navigate the legal process effectively to potentially avoid serious consequences this time around.
The dynamic between Fariss and his ex-girlfriend, as evidenced by the previous hit-and-run incident, may come into play as this case unfolds. The presence of a protective order violation charge suggests ongoing issues between the two individuals. As the details of the allegations against Fariss emerge, it will be crucial to assess the context in which these charges arose. While Fariss was able to avoid more severe charges in his prior legal entanglement, the stakes are higher this time with multiple felony charges on the table.
Fariss’ fall from grace in the political realm is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. Once a respected lawmaker, he now faces serious legal consequences that could jeopardize his freedom and future. The impact of this arrest on Fariss and those around him is significant, and the repercussions of his actions may reverberate throughout the political landscape in Virginia. As the legal process moves forward, all eyes will be on Fariss and his defense as they navigate this challenging chapter.
