8 million reasons for a Special Grand Jury

Local attorney, John S. Bell, calls for Special Grand Jury to investigate the EDA

Attorney John S. Bell

Front Royal, VA — Former Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney John S. Bell, Esq., is demanding a Special Grand Jury be impaneled to investigate the alleged rampant financial discrepancies and possible fraudulent activities at the Front Royal/Warren County Economic Development Authority under former Executive Director, Jennifer S. McDonald.

Bell commented, “The local EDA’s financial irregularities have been the subject of a steady series of revelations over several years, culminated in the news reporting of last week. Some of the troubling allegations reported are: $540,000 blown on a Police Academy that will never be built and another $8 million in a loan that appears to be lost. The only proof that either of these projects were legitimate and not fraudulent, was supposedly stolen in a “break-in” of the EDA office. We have already had one criminal trial from the fallout of these incidents, to say nothing of the continuing public recriminations and dueling lawsuits making their way through our Courts. And this is what has been officially reported, it does not include the countless other rumors swirling around our community.”

Bell continued, “Many people I speak with have lost confidence in the very government and public agencies that are supposed to be investigating this situation. A Special Grand Jury is made up of ordinary citizens who are not and have not been part of the problem and who would have the independence to conduct a fair, unflinching, unbiased and complete investigation. Because they work in confidence, they can protect the good name of those who are innocent of any wrongdoing. We cannot allow even the appearance of a cover-up and corruption to cast a cloud over our hometown. Our hardworking men and women demand one rule of law for everyone, no matter who you are, no matter rich or poor, no matter young or old, no matter elected or not – justice must be fair and justice must be blind. The EDA must be investigated from top to bottom, inside and out, and if crimes have been committed by anyone, justice must prevail. A Special Grand Jury is the best and most fair way to investigate an organization as complex and connected as the EDA. The Warren County Commonwealth’s Attorney has the authority to request a Special Grand Jury and I call upon him to do so.”