Former Virginia Lawmaker Arrested on Felony Charges

Matt Fariss faces gun and drug charges weeks after being acquitted of separate allegations.

Former Virginia lawmaker Matt Fariss was arrested over the weekend on felony gun and drug charges, along with a misdemeanor charge of violating a protective order.
Fariss, who served in the House of Delegates as a Republican before running unsuccessfully as an independent, remains in custody.
The charges include possession of a Schedule I or II drug and possession of a Schedule I or II drug while possessing a firearm.
This arrest comes just weeks after Fariss was acquitted of felony hit-and-run and malicious wounding charges related to an incident involving his ex-girlfriend.
A court date for Fariss is listed for Monday, though no specific date was reflected in the state’s online court system.