VIRGINIA BEACH — A former prosecutor pleaded guilty Friday to stealing thousands of dollars from a fund meant for crime victims in order to cover his extensive online gambling debts.
James Spero Panagis Jr., 46, pleaded guilty to five felonies: embezzlement of more than $500, two counts of uttering a forged check and two counts of embezzlement by a public officer.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison. Five other counts were withdrawn in exchange for Panagis’ plea. Sentencing was set for June 26.
Panagis worked as a prosecutor in Fairfax County for several years before joining the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in 2015. He left in February 2022 to take a job with Wolcott, Rivers and Gates, a…
