Former Virginia Prosecutor Charged in $2 Million Fraud Scheme: Embezzling Victims' Restitution Checks and Facing Decades in Prison

Ex-Virginia prosecutor James Panagis Jr. has confessed to misappropriating funds intended for crime victims, redirecting them to cover his personal gambling debts. He now faces charges for stealing more than $500—a sum that could result in a sentence of up to 60 years in prison. The investigation revealed a pattern of fraudulent activity, including the use of forged checks, deceptive bookkeeping, and the deliberate concealment of restitution owed to victims. This alarming breach of ethics and law by a former officer of the court has sparked widespread concern over the integrity of those entrusted with public trust. The case sheds light on the vulnerability of victim compensation programs and the urgent need for stronger oversight and accountability in the justice system. As Panagis awaits sentencing, his actions serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of corruption and the importance of safeguarding resources meant to support and heal crime victims.