A former Virginia Beach prosecutor has been charged for allegedly embezzling and laundering restitution money meant for victims, according to a statement from Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin Stolle.
James Panagis, who served with the CA’s office from August 2015 until February 2022, has been indicted by a grand jury Monday, August 20 and charged with:
- four counts of embezzlement by a public officer
- four counts of uttering a forged check
- embezzlement greater than or equal to $500
- money laundering
- proceeds from felony activity
The charges come from activities during Panagis’ employment with the office, and from him taking restitution money from victims, according to Stolle.
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Panagis did not have any disciplinary issues documented during his time with with the CA’s office and left on his own accord; however, the investigation, Stolle said, began not long after Panagis left the office.