VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A former prosecutor in the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is accused of multiple financial crimes, including embezzlement and money laundering.
James Panagis was indicted on Monday by a Virginia Beach grand jury, Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin Stolle announced Tuesday night.
Panagis was charged with four counts of embezzlement by a public officer, four counts of embezzlement >= $500, uttering a forged check, and money laundering-conduct a financial transaction, proceeds from felony activity.
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The charges stem from Panagis allegedly taking restitution money that belonged to victims while he was employed in the commonwealth’s attorney’s office. Stolle said Panagis was employed from Aug. 22, 2015 to Feb. 16, 2022…