Purcellville, VA — Special Prosecutor Eric Olsen has filed a petition to recall Vice Mayor Carl “Ben” Nett from the Purcellville Town Council amid ongoing legal proceedings involving allegations of bid rigging, misuse of the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), and concerns related to his involvement in the selection of Interim Town Manager Anthony Sabio. If granted, the motion would suspend Nett from all Council responsibilities until the legal process concludes.

Nett is currently facing six felony charges, including conspiracy and improper use of law enforcement databases. Additional charges stem from a consulting contract intended to evaluate potential restructuring of the Purcellville Police Department—a process in which Nett was allegedly involved. Former Town Manager Kwasi Fraser faces similar charges tied to the same contract.

Both Nett and Fraser were indicted in July, arrested, and later released on bail. The charges have amplified community debate about governance, ethics, and transparency within the town.

Background

The situation traces back to January 1, 2025, when Nett began his role as a Purcellville Town Council member while simultaneously serving as a police officer with the Purcellville Police Department.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson recommended restricting Nett from accessing police records and from voting on police-related matters due to potential conflicts of interest.

On April 4, Nett was terminated from the Police Department.

The following day, the Town Council, including Nett, voted to eliminate the entire Police Department—an action Anderson later described as “retaliation” and “a blatant conflict of interest.”

On April 22, Anderson issued an advisory opinion stating his belief that Nett had violated Virginia conflict-of-interest laws.

Nett challenged his termination, and the Purcellville Employee Grievance Panel—composed of individuals appointed by Fraser and Nett—unanimously overturned the firing, ruling that the process was improperly influenced by political pressure. The panel ordered Nett’s full reinstatement with back pay and reimbursement of legal fees.

The Town then petitioned the Loudoun County Circuit Court to review whether the grievance panel decision complied with Town policy and state law.

Court Ruling and Referral

On August 12, 2025, the Town formally petitioned the Loudoun County Circuit Court to review the grievance panel decision.

On October 27, 2025, the Court dismissed the petition with prejudice, citing lack of subject matter jurisdiction. In its Letter Opinion, the Court referenced Virginia Code §15.2-1507(A)(10)(a)(7), stating that when the Court lacks jurisdiction and the Town’s chief administrative officer has a conflict, the matter must be referred to the Commonwealth’s Attorney of the jurisdiction.

Acting Town Manager Diana Hays later recused herself from further involvement due to conflict, triggering statutory referral to the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Motion to Appoint Special Prosecutor

On November 20, 2025, Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson filed a motion seeking to appoint Stafford County Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Olsen as Special Prosecutor, pursuant to Virginia Code §19.2-155, citing a conflict of interest.

The motion states:
– A conflict prevents the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office from participating.
– It would be “improper for the Commonwealth’s Attorney, or any Assistant Attorney for the Commonwealth in Loudoun County, to decide the matter.”
– Mr. Olsen has previously handled Commonwealth matters involving Nett and Purcellville and is “intimately familiar with the issues at hand.”
– Mr. Olsen has agreed to accept the appointment if approved by the Court.

If appointed, Olsen would oversee review of the grievance panel decision, evaluate potential conflicts of interest, and manage all future legal proceedings related to suspension, reinstatement, or removal.

Updated Timeline of Events

• February 25: Nett reportedly tells Police Auditor Michael Jones he anticipates being appointed police chief.

• April 4: Nett is terminated from the Purcellville Police Department.

• April 9: Town Council votes to eliminate the police department; Nett votes in favor.

• April 21: Virginia Attorney General authorizes a criminal investigation.

• July 23: Nett and Fraser are arrested and charged with felony counts tied to bid rigging, conspiracy, and VCIN misuse.

• August 12: The Town petitions the Circuit Court to review the grievance panel decision.

• October 27: Court dismisses the petition with prejudice for lack of jurisdiction under §15.2-1507.

• November 12: Sabio appointed Interim Town Manager; questions arise about proximity, campaign, and conflict concerns.

• November 13: Acting Town Manager Diana Hays recuses herself from the grievance decision, citing conflict.

• November 14: Loudoun Commonwealth Attorneys’ office filed a motion to appoint Special Prosecutor Eric Olsen to make the decision regarding the grievance panel. 

• November 20: Eric Olsen, as Special Prosecutor, agreed to accept the appointment to review the grievance panel decision and subsequently filed a recall petition on behalf of Concerned Citizens of Purcellville, citing sufficient evidence to pursue the show cause removal of Nett from the Purcellville Town Council.

• December 1 at 9am: Ben Nett’s 3 Day Removal Hearing at the Loudoun County Courthouse. 

Residents continue to express frustration and concern over the mounting legal and governance issues.

“I don’t care who’s acting like this—it’s embarrassing for our town,” said resident Beth Goldsmith. “Our town deserves so much better than that.”

Purcellville News will continue to follow and report on all developments in this unfolding matter.