A Fredericksburg-area judge facing a felony charge of bribery of a public official had his trial date set for April 21 of next year, on Monday in Spotsylvania County Circuit Court.
A motions hearing was scheduled for Dec. 3. Special Prosecutor Nate Green, the Williamsburg Commonwealth’s Attorney, said he is anticipating a two-day jury trial, but three days were reserved on the court docket.
Richard T. McGrath, the chief judge of the 15th Judicial District of Virginia, which includes the Fredericksburg region, was indicted on June 2.
Green said the 67-year-old Mechanicsville resident was not attempting to enrich himself in the alleged bribery attempt. McGrath is represented by Richmond-based defense attorney Craig Cooley, who declined to comment after the brief hearing on Monday. Thomas Horne, a retired judge from Loudoun County, is presiding over the case. Several supporters, including former court staff, were on hand Monday to offer McGrath encouragement. The judge embraced several individuals and thanked them after the hearing.
McGrath’s charge came after he allegedly sought pay raises for court staff, including clerks, in July of last year.
In a private meeting with multiple public officials, he allegedly threatened to start dismissing traffic tickets — including speeding and reckless driving — which generate revenue for the county, if his staff did not receive a raise.
The meeting included sheriff’s office personnel, County Administrator Ed Petrovich, court staff, and one member of the Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors. McGrath allegedly attempted to bribe Supervisor Jacob Lane of the Livingston District, who was the chair of the board at the time.
The Virginia State Police began investigating the alleged incident last August.
Toward the end of the Aug. 13, 2024, Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors meeting and following a closed session, the board voted on a vague motion, and county officials didn’t provide clarity afterward.
Courtland District Supervisor Drew Mullins made a motion to authorize County Attorney Karl Holsten to cooperate with the Virginia State Police in an ongoing investigation regarding the actions of a person subject to the oversight of a public body in the county.
The board unanimously supported the motion, and the meeting was adjourned.
