A former Democratic staffer and official with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been released on bond following his arrest on serious charges, including abduction with the use of force, sexual battery, and assault and battery.
The individual in question, 35-year-old Jeffrey Gary, hails from Fairfax County and was apprehended in connection with an assault on a woman near the Braddock Metro Station, as detailed in a press release from the City of Alexandria.
"The Alexandria Police Department (APD), in collaboration with the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD), has arrested 35-year-old Jeffrey Gary, a resident of Fairfax County, in connection with assaulting a woman on Friday evening near the Braddock Metro Station," the release stated.
According to American Military News, Gary approached a woman from behind on a Friday night at 9:41 p.m., forcibly grabbing her and attempting to restrain her. The victim, demonstrating remarkable courage, managed to fend off her attacker and escape to safety, subsequently contacting the authorities. Importantly, the assault did not involve the use of any weapon.
Further reports from ABC 13 News indicate that Gary had earlier assaulted another woman at the Potomac Yard Metro station, where she was accompanied by her four-year-old child, at 8:45 p.m. The City of Alexandria has confirmed that Gary faces charges including one count of assault and battery, one count of sexual battery, and two counts of abduction with force.
Gary's professional background includes a stint as an assistant division chief at the FCC, a position he held until his arrest on June 1. The FCC responded to the incident by terminating his employment, stating, "Upon hearing of this disturbing incident we took immediate action against this employee. His employment with the agency has been terminated," as reported by The Daily Caller. Prior to his role at the FCC, Gary served as a staff assistant for Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) in 2015 and as a law clerk for Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in 2017 and 2018.
Court documents obtained by ALXnow reveal that Gary was released on four bonds totaling $14,000 on June 13. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 7. Alexandria Commonwealth Attorney Bryan Porter expressed disagreement with the decision to release Gary on bail, stating, "The Commonwealth disagrees with the bail decision and is appealing the matter to the Court of Appeals."
Porter emphasized the presumption of innocence, noting, "The defendant is presumed to be innocent, and the fact that he has been charged should not be taken as evidence that he is guilty. Given that the matter is pending, the Commonwealth cannot make further comment about the case."
The case has drawn significant attention, with a photograph of Gary circulating on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The situation underscores the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, even as the legal proceedings continue to unfold. The community remains vigilant, with law enforcement agencies committed to ensuring public safety and justice.
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