A Fredericksburg-area judge facing a felony charge of bribery of a public official did not attempt to enrich himself, the special prosecutor handling the case said.
Richard T. McGrath, the chief judge of the 15th Judicial District of Virginia, which includes the Fredericksburg region, was indicted on June 2. The Mechanicsville resident’s next appearance in Spotsylvania County Circuit Court is scheduled for July 7. He is represented by Richmond-based defense attorney Craig Cooley, who did not return a phone call seeking comment.
“What I can share is he was charged with soliciting a bribe, not offering a bribe,” said Special Prosecutor Nate Green, the Williamsburg Commonwealth’s Attorney. “He basically was asking someone to give money, not to give him money.”
McGrath allegedly sought pay raises for court staff, including clerks. 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.
Spotsylvania Director of Community Engagement and Tourism Michelle McGinnis, who handles press inquiries for the county, declined to comment on the case, referring questions to Green.
“It is the policy of Spotsylvania County to refrain from commenting on pending criminal matters, as not to interfere with the prosecution of the case,” McGinnis said.
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.
