The ongoing legal issues involving Purcellville Town Manager Kwasi Fraser and Vice Mayor Carl “Ben” Nett have encountered further delays. The trial date remains undetermined, with a review hearing originally set for September 4 now postponed to September 25.
During the recent session at Loudoun County Circuit Court, Kwasi Fraser appeared with his attorney, John Boneta. Vice Mayor Nett, however, was absent but represented by his lawyer, Ryan Campbell. The special prosecutor, Eric Olsen from Stafford County, participated via phone. Both defense teams faced challenges in securing essential discovery materials and grand jury transcripts, prompting their request for a hearing postponement. Olsen acknowledged these difficulties and indicated that a discovery order could be finalized soon.
Judge Jim Plowman consented to reschedule the next hearing for September 25 at 1 p.m.
The case originates from a special grand jury indictment dated July 23, accusing Vice Mayor Nett of computer trespassing. The charges allege misuse of his position to access information on political rivals and others through the Virginia Criminal Information Network in 2024. Further accusations of conspiracy related to bid-rigging and fraudulent activities in Purcellville from January 1 to May 31 this year compound the case. Fraser faces similar charges for the same period. These allegations are classified as Class 6 felonies, which could result in penalties of one to five years of imprisonment or fines up to $2,500 if convicted.
Historically, Fraser supported Nett during the 2024 elections. On January 8, 2024, Nett voted to dismiss the then-current town manager and appointed Fraser. Both defendants’ legal teams are currently seeking a joint hearing.
Following the court session, former Senator Dick Black held an impromptu press conference to voice his support for Fraser. Addressing the political undertones, Black stated, “I don’t want to suggest that there’s some person who’s the puppeteer who’s orchestrating it. But I know how politics work, and there’s a tendency for politicians to do things that favor very wealthy, very powerful interests. And I think that influences what’s happened here.”
Black has previously suggested that the charges against Fraser and Nett might be linked to the potential approval of the VCC annexation application, which he notes involves substantial financial stakes. The annexation could significantly increase property density, leading to a rise in value from millions to potentially billions of dollars. Mayor Kwasi Fraser had spoken positively about a Data Center proposal on this parcel when Chuck Kuhn presented the annexation to the Purcellville Town Council in October 2020. To date, current Council Members have also expressed no support for the VCC annexation proposal as presented.
Moreover, Dick Black’s political career in Virginia saw him receiving thousands in campaign contributions from the development industry, as documented by VPAP.org. It’s common for candidates to receive donations from various businesses and political groups that they believe align with serving their constituencies, without any expectation of a direct return.
In addition, Purcellville News has reached out to Senator Black’s office for further information regarding his recent meeting with Sheriff Mike Chapman and Kwasi Fraser concerning the Purcellville Police Department.
Stay tuned with Purcellville News for the latest developments in this case.