CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW.COM) – On August 5, 2024, the Charlottesville Police Department (CPD) was made aware of an allegation that a non-sworn employee had accessed DMV information of a family member for a non-criminal justice purpose.

Once the allegation was made, Chief Michael Kochis immediately notified Commonwealth Attorney, Joe Platania, and requested that Virginia State Police investigate the allegation.

On August 22, 2024, CPD Employee, Paul Jones, was arrested and charged with Virginia State Code 18.2-152.5 (Computer Invasion). That after a joint criminal investigation of the Charlottesville Commonwealth Attorney and Virginia State Police.

During the criminal investigation, Jones was placed on administrative leave and will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of an administrative investigation, which is now underway.

“The alleged misuse of law enforcement databases is a breach of trust that will not be tolerated,” said Police Chief Michael Kochis. “Thank you to our Commonwealth Attorney and the Virginia State Police for acting so swiftly in investigating and determining a charging decision in this case.”

Because this is a personnel matter, no other information will be made available.