"Former City Council candidate" seems a strange title for James Halfaday, who declared his intentions to run for Charlottesville office but allegedly filed a false address with the Charlottesville General Registrar. While certified as a candidate by the Charlottesville Democratic Party, Halfaday’s candidacy has been questioned for a number of inaccurate and confusing statements.
Now, according to a release from the Commonwealth Attorney’s office, Halfaday faces four charges of electoral fraud.
"Election fraud is a felony offense punishable by a maximum fine of $2,500 and up to 10 years in the penitentiary," according to the release. "The charges allege Mr. Halfaday used a false address when he certified his candidacy for City Council with the General Registrar for the City of Charlottesville."
Claude Worrell, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, said he believes Halfaday was served the four warrants in person.
"As far as I know, he was served at the Charlottesville Police Department," Worrell told C-VILLE.
While Halfaday has not been charged with claiming to be a co-owner of Snap Fitness, Worrell added that the investigation into Halfaday "is still open."
And while many of Halfaday’s statements may not be prosecutable, they raise questions about the candidate’s political tactics. In August, Halfaday released a statement that announced a meet and greet with U.S. Senator Mark Warner; roughly seven hours later, he recanted the statement, and instead wrote that he planned to welcome Warner’s state director, David Hallock. He also neglected to respond to a questionnaire sent by the Charlottesville Public Housing Association of Residents.
Nor is Halfaday among the 2011 graduates of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership listed on the program’s website. However, his campaign website alleges otherwise. His phone has been disconnected for roughly one month.