CHARLOTTESVILLE—Special Prosecutor William F. Neely of Spotsylvania ruled today that he found “no merit” in Republican allegations that former Delegate Mitch Van Yahres acted illegally or improperly with his political fundraising activities, and that he considers “this matter closed.”

            Allegations were raised in the spring of 2005 by Charlottesville Republican Party chair Bob Hodous and Republican House Caucus Chairman Steve Landes that the activities of Van Yahres’ “Democratic Road Back” political action committee were illegal and violated state restrictions on members of the General Assembly soliciting or receiving campaign funds while the legislature was in session.  The Republican duo accused Van Yahres of illegal activity and filed a complaint with the Charlottesville Commonwealth Attorney, David Chapman, and also with the State Board of Elections.

             Republican Delegate Rob Bell also criticized Van Yahres for the PAC’s activities.

            Chapman in turn requested that Spotsylvania County Commonwealth Attorney William F. Neely handle the investigation.

            “Unfortunately, my family and I have endured undeserved stress and embarrassment as a result of this capricious, politically motivated action by the local Republican leadership,” said Van Yahres.  “Their frivolous complaint has only produced a great waste of taxpayer dollars.”

            “For years I’ve been on first-name basis with Bob, Rob, and Steve.  All they needed to do was pick up the phone and call me and we could have resolved the whole thing in a matter of minutes,” said Van Yahres.  “Instead they chose to politicize the issue at the expense of my reputation.”

            Van Yahres has consistently maintained that his activities and the activities of the PAC were well within legal requirements, and in fact went to extraordinary lengths to ensure compliance with the law.

            In addition, Neely noted that Van Yahres sought advice from legal counsel and the State Board of Elections prior to the PAC’s activities, and had been assured by both that all the actions were completely lawful.

            Neely also ruled that not only had Van Yahres not received or solicited contributions from the PAC during the disputed period, he had never on any occasion received contributions from the PAC.

            “It’s a sorry example of the local Republican leadership attempting to manufacture headlines at the expense of a distinguished public servant’s reputation,” said Democratic spokesperson Tom Vandever.

            “One of the hallmarks of Mitch’s career as a legislator has been his civility to everyone—Republican, Democrat, or independent.  It’s a shame that his partisan opponents prefer to pursue a path of vicious slander,” said Vandever.

            Van Yahres retired from the General Assembly in 2005 after 25 years as a legislator.  He served on the Charlottesville City Council from 1968-1976 and was Mayor from 1970-72.  Democrat David Toscano succeeded Van Yahres in the 57^th House District.

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