Councilman indicted on election fraud

Manassas Park City Council member Peter Farrell was indicted this week on a charge of election fraud.

The indictment, handed up by a grand jury in Prince William Circuit Court, charges that Farrell lied about being a resident of Manassas Park.

A grand jury indictment means that prosecutors have enough evidence to take a case to trial. It is not a finding of guilt or innocence.

Election fraud is a class five felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, up to 12 months in jail or a fine of up to $2,500.

“The basis of the charge is that he is not a resident of the city of Manassas Park and he said that he was,” Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert said Wednesday.
Farrell, 51, a Democrat, was elected to the city council in November.

Reached by phone Wednesday, Farrell said he is waiting to receive more information about the charge from prosecutors.

“I am still trying to understand what the indictment is about,” Farrell said.

He said he could not comment further until he had more information.

When asked if he was a resident of Manassas Park, Farrell said, “It’s inappropriate at this time to answer that question.”
Farrell said he currently plans to remain on the city council.

Manassas Park Mayor Frank Jones and other city council members did not immediately return calls seeking comment Wednesday.

Farrell owns a business in Manassas Park, Peter Farrell Supercars Inc., on Manassas Drive.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton can be reached at 703-369-6707. Staff writer Amanda Stewart can be reached at 703-878-8014.