ALBEMARLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – As first reported by the Charlottesville Daily Progress, (Hawes Spencer) three men in plain clothes claiming to be federal agents placed a man in handcuffs at the Albemarle General District Court without producing a warrant or a badge to identify themselves.  One of them was wearing a mask, and when questioned about their activities, one responded that if anyone tried to stop them he would call the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Hingeley has issued a public statement that he sent to Newsradio WINA regarding the incident:

“I was not at the courthouse yesterday when two arrests were made by individuals who claimed they were law enforcement agents from the Department of Homeland Security.  Because I do not have firsthand knowledge, I am investigating the circumstances of the courthouse arrests.  The information I have reviewed so far indicates that these alleged law enforcement agents did not display a badge or other indication of authority that would empower them to make lawful arrests in these circumstances.  I am grateful that no one was hurt in this operation, but I am also greatly concerned that arrests carried out in this manner could escalate into a violent confrontation, because the person being arrested or bystanders might resist what appears on its face to be an unlawful assault and abduction.  Further actions like the courthouse arrests yesterday would constitute a grave danger to our community.  I will continue to investigate and to consider what appropriate responses, if any, may be warranted in the exercise of my discretion as Commonwealth’s Attorney. “

Keep listening to WINA for updates on a developing situation.