Local Trooper Indicted

LYNCHBURG – Virginia State Trooper Derrick A. Thompson of Drakes Branch has been indicted by a Grand Jury in Lynchburg following his arrest for public intoxication in Lynchburg on June 16, 2016.

Thompson appeared in Lynchburg General District Court on July 14, 2016. Thompson pled not guilty to the charge but was found guilty. He was fined twenty-five dollars and ordered to pay eighty-six dollars in court costs totaling $111.

According to court records, an appeal was filed in General District Court on July 26, 2016. Several court dates have been scheduled (September 7, September 13, and October 3), all of which have been continued. The next court date is December 19, 2016.

Additionally, on October 3, 2016, a Grand Jury in Lynchburg handed down an indictment for an additional charge. The indictment states: “On or about June 16, 2016, while being permitted to carry a concealed handgun, did carry a concealed handgun in a public place while under the influence of alcohol, in violation of §18.2-308.012 of the Code of Virginia (1950) as amended.”

Violation of §18.2-308.012 is a Class 1 misdemeanor.  The code goes on to state: “A person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall be ineligible to apply for a concealed handgun permit for a period of five years.” The same court date has been set to hear both cases.

Corinne Geller, Public Relations Director for the Virginia State Police, confirmed that Trooper Thompson was suspended on leave pending the outcome of the court process. Following that, there will be an administrative investigation by the Virginia State Police.