RICHMOND, Va. — A former Virginia lawmaker was arrested this weekend on suspicion of gun and drug crimes and for violating a protective order, according to a sheriff’s official and jail records.
Matt Fariss, who had served as a Republican in the House of Representatives since 2012 before running unsuccessfully as an independent candidate last year, was booked into a regional jail in Blue Ridge early Sunday, online jail records show.
He is charged with possession of a Schedule I or II drug, a misdemeanor, possession of a Schedule I or II drug while in possession of a firearm, also a misdemeanor, and violation of a protective order, Lt. Jarrett Rea of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office said by phone.
Rea said that other than confirming the charges, which were also in jail records, he had no other details to share about the charges against Fariss or what led to his arrest. He said more information will likely be available Monday.
It was not immediately clear whether Fariss had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. None were listed in court or jail records, and Rea could not say whether Fariss had obtained any. Jail records show Fariss remained in custody Sunday afternoon.
Jail records list a court date for Fariss on Monday, although no date was immediately reflected in the state’s online court system.
The development came just weeks after Fariss was acquitted of hit-and-run and malicious wounding charges after he was accused last year of hitting his ex-girlfriend with his SUV after they had an argument. Fariss – from Campbell County, just outside Lynchburg – was convicted of a lesser charge of improper driving and fined $500.
Chuck Felmlee, the attorney who represented Fariss in that case, did not immediately respond to questions left at his office Sunday.
News of Fariss’ arrest was previously reported by Cardinal News.