Virginia Judge Richard T. McGrath Faces Bribery Charge Over Court Staff Salary Demands

On Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Fredericksburg Free Press reported that a Fredericksburg-area judge faces a felony bribery charge related to efforts to secure pay raises for court staff.

Richard T. McGrath, chief judge of Virginia’s 15th Judicial District, which covers the Fredericksburg region, was indicted on June 2, 2025. The Mechanicsville resident is scheduled to appear in Spotsylvania County Circuit Court on July 7, 2025, represented by Richmond attorney Craig Cooley.

Special Prosecutor Nate Green, Williamsburg Commonwealth’s Attorney, clarified that McGrath is accused of soliciting a bribe, not offering one. According to Green, McGrath did not seek personal financial gain but instead requested funds to increase salaries for court personnel, including clerks.

The allegations stem from a private meeting involving multiple public officials, where McGrath reportedly threatened to dismiss traffic tickets, such as those for speeding and reckless driving, which contribute to county revenue, unless his staff received raises.

The meeting included representatives from the sheriff’s office, County Administrator Ed Petrovich, court staff, and Jacob Lane, a Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors member and then-board chair from the Livingston District. McGrath allegedly attempted to bribe Lane during this discussion.

The Virginia State Police launched an investigation into the matter in August 2024. At the conclusion of the Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors meeting on August 13, 2024, following a closed session, Supervisor Drew Mullins of the Courtland District moved to authorize County Attorney Karl Holsten to assist state police in their investigation of an individual under the oversight of a county public body. The board unanimously approved the motion before adjourning.

Spotsylvania County’s Director of Community Engagement and Tourism, Michelle McGinnis, who manages press inquiries, declined to comment, citing the county’s policy of avoiding statements on active criminal cases to prevent interference with prosecution. She referred all inquiries to Special Prosecutor Green.

McGrath’s attorney, Cooley, did not respond to requests for comment.