CAMPBELL, Va. — Former Delegate Matt Fariss, who served Virginia’s 59th House District for over a decade, faces felony charges after a grand jury accused him earlier this month of illegal drug possession and firearm offenses. This controversy marks just the latest in a series of legal troubles for the politician who left office in January.
The charges stem from a March arrest in Campbell County where Fariss was found with Schedule I and II drugs, typically associated with substances like heroin and methamphetamine, and a gun. The conditions of the case are complicated by an ongoing protective order that prohibits Fariss from carrying firearms. The charges also include a misdemeanor related to the firearm possession and several traffic violations, including failure to obey highway markings and issues with vehicle equipment.
Court records reveal details of the incident leading up to Fariss’ arrest. During a routine stop, authorities discovered a hunting rifle in the passenger side of the truck Fariss was driving. Additionally, a rag containing a substance suspected to be drugs was found in his back pocket. Tests later indicated the substance was methamphetamine.
This isn’t Fariss’ first encounter with the law. A mere 18 days prior to these incidents, he was acquitted of felony hit-and-run and malicious wounding charges following a trial. However, Fariss was found guilty of improper driving for which he was fined.
During the bond hearing after his arrest in March, the representation for Fariss noted that he was actively transporting farm supplies at the time, suggesting the firearms charge might be contestable. This perspective furthers the complexity of a case laden with varying circumstances and cross-claims.
Adding to the legal drama, a protective order associated with the earlier hit-and-run trial was active during the time of the March traffic stop. Fariss’ attorney stated that motions were underway to dissolve this order, but it was still effective when the incident occurred.
Intriguingly, Fariss waived his preliminary hearing in June and currently awaits further court proceedings. The date for his next appearance, however, remains undetermined.
Fariss’ continued entanglement with the law underscores a dramatic fall from grace for the former legislator. His decade-long tenure in the Virginia House of Delegates now overshadowed by his legal battles, which generate significant local and state interest due to his past political influence.
As the case unfolds, it remains a significant point of interest for both the local community and former constituents who once supported Fariss’ legislative endeavors. How this case resolves may also set precedents for how similar cases are treated in Virginia, particularly those involving former or current public officials.