"Ex-Virginia Prosecutor's 2-Year Fraud: Stealing Victims’ Restitution Checks for Personal Debt, Now Facing Decades Behind Bars"

Former Virginia prosecutor James Panagis Jr. pleaded guilty to embezzling funds designated for crime victims, diverting them to settle gambling debts. Accused of stealing over $500, he faces up to 60 years in prison. The investigation revealed his deceptive practices involving forged checks and concealed restitution payments.