PURCELLVILLE, Va. — December 9, 2025 — A Freedom of Information Act request by Purcellville News has revealed that Carl “Ben” Nett, formerly a police officer and now Vice Mayor, is under review for decertification by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

The status indicates the DCJS has the necessary documentation to initiate the decertification process. According to Virginia law, an officer is not officially decertified until receiving notification and having the chance to appeal, which must be completed for the decertification to proceed.

Nett’s arrest in July 2025 followed a Virginia State Police inquiry approved by the Attorney General’s Office. He faces six felony charges, such as alleged misuse of the Virginia Criminal Information Network and charges related to bid-rigging and conspiracy. These charges require the employing agency to notify DCJS, triggering a decertification review.

Understanding “Pending Decertification”

This status indicates:

– DCJS has been formally notified of potential grounds for Nett’s decertification.

– The case is under active consideration by Virginia’s decertification regulations.

– No final decision on decertification has been reached.

– Nett can appeal within 30 days if a decertification decision is made.

If DCJS finalizes a decertification and Nett does not appeal within the legal timeframe, it would result in a permanent ban from certified law enforcement roles within Virginia.

DCJS does not disclose ongoing cases publicly, and decertification records are often sealed during active investigations or appeals. As a result, Nett is not currently on publicly available decertification lists, which usually only feature finalized, non-appealed cases.

In a final decision on decertification would prevent him from certified law enforcement roles in the state. Purcellville News will continue to update the public as the situation evolves.