Commonwealth’s Attorney Madden requests Special Grand Jury

Today, March 27, 2019, Commonwealth’s Attorney Brian Madden released the following:

Yesterday this office formally requested that the Honorable Clifford Athey, Jr. empanel a Special Grand Jury to assist with an ongoing investigation into possible criminal activity based on the actions of the former director of the Economic Development Authority (EDA).

Since August of last year we have been working with the Virginia State Police as they investigated suspicious financial activities.

Yesterday’s lawsuit filed by the EDA’s attorneys raises issues that are not presently being addressed by t h e VSP. In reviewing the bill of complaint most of the allegations arise from an outside
investigation conducted at the EDA’s request. To date this office has not been able to review any report generated by the outside investigation.

Considering the complex issues involved and the allegations against those not directly related to the EDA, we believe the best a venue for future investigation into possible criminal activity is with a
Special Grand Jury.

If there are any questions, please contact Brian Madden at bmadden@warrencountvva.net.

Norma Jean Shaw and Roger Bianchini have been on this story since day one. It’s their reporting that has brought this story to the attention of the public and government officials. They will continue to keep it in focus as in unravels before us.