Fauquier County Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney

06/02/2026

June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence and the steps we all can take to help keep our communities safe.

Responsible firearm ownership plays an important role in preventing tragedies. Safe practices such as securely storing fi****ms, using gun locks or safes, keeping fi****ms out of the reach of children, and ensuring that fi****ms do not fall into the hands of prohibited individuals can help prevent accidental shootings and acts of violence.

Preventing gun violence is a shared responsibility. Parents, guardians, firearm owners, law enforcement, community organizations, and neighbors all have a role in promoting safety and accountability.

The Fauquier County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office remains committed to protecting public safety, supporting victims of crime, and working with our law enforcement partners and community members to reduce violence and prevent harm.

By promoting responsible firearm practices and looking out for one another, we can help make Fauquier County a safer place for everyone.

05/27/2026

Today, we are proud to welcome Amanda J. Lewis as she took the oath of office as a prosecutor for the Fauquier County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Amanda was sworn in by Yvonne Rankin, Chief Deputy Circuit Court Clerk for Fauquier County, and joined by Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott C. Hook.

Amanda was born and raised on a beef cattle farm in Central Kentucky, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for agriculture, hard work, and community. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Agricultural Economics and minors in Business and Animal Sciences before earning her law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law.

After relocating to Virginia, Amanda was admitted to the Bar in 2020 and began practicing family law. In 2022, she discovered her passion for public service and transitioned into local government law.

Amanda joined Fauquier County in 2024 as part of the County Attorney’s Office and transitioned to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in 2026. Her work focuses on a wide variety of matters involving enforcement of the Fauquier County Code of Ordinances.

Please join us in congratulating Amanda and welcoming her to her new role serving the citizens of Fauquier County! 👏⚖️

05/11/2026

During National Police Week, the Fauquier County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office proudly recognizes and honors the law enforcement officers who serve and protect our community each day.

We are grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and courage demonstrated by our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. Their commitment to public safety often requires sacrifice, long hours, and service under difficult circumstances, all in support of keeping our community safe.

This week also serves as a solemn reminder to remember and honor the officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We extend our deepest gratitude to the families who stand behind those who serve.

To all law enforcement officers, thank you for your service, your partnership, and your unwavering commitment to justice and public safety.

05/05/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health is an essential part of overall well-being for individuals, families, and our entire community.

In the work we do every day, we see firsthand how mental health challenges can intersect with the justice system, impact victims of crime, and affect those accused of offenses. These experiences reinforce an important truth: mental health matters at every stage of life, and support, understanding, and access to resources can make a meaningful difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are resources available both locally and nationally:

• Local support and services:
Mental Health Association of Fauquier County (www.fauquier-mha.org) offers education, support programs, and community resources.

• National resource:
Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.

04/24/2026

Yesterday, Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones presented the “Unsung Heroes” Award to individuals across the Commonwealth who serve as a powerful voice for victims of crime. This award is presented annually to individuals who have overcome significant challenges or implemented innovative and effective approaches in support of crime victims.

These honorees represent the very best of public service. Their hard work does not always make headlines, but their contributions are essential to the pursuit of justice. This group of honorees consistently goes above and beyond in their work for our community and, this year, included law enforcement officers, advocates, volunteers and prosecutors.

We are proud to announce that Fauquier County Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Cassandra was selected as an “Unsung Hero” in recognition of her incredible work pursuing justice in numerous cases of intimate partner violence in 2025. Her dedication and belief that survivors should be treated with dignity and respect builds trust and achieves results in the courtroom to make our community a safer place.

Congratulations to Amy and all of the honorees. We thank you for the difference you make every day.

This week, April 19-25 is National Crime Victim’s Rights Week, and we are reminded that to protect victims and serve communities, we must always: Listen. Act. Advocate.

Learn more at: https://victimsofcrime.org/national-crime-victims-rights.../

04/09/2026

April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month—a reminder that protecting children starts with strong families and supportive communities.

In our work, we see every day how early support, awareness, and connection can make a lasting difference. Prevention isn’t a single action—it’s a commitment we all share.

If you see something concerning, speak up. Together, we can help create safe, healthy environments where children can grow and thrive. 💙

April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month — a time to remember that prevention begins long before harm occurs. This month focuses on making intentional, everyday choices that strengthen families and build supportive communities.

Follow along this month for simple, meaningful ways to help keep children safe, and explore child abuse prevention resources at www.dss.virginia.gov/family/prevention/cap/index.cgi.

04/07/2026

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is any sexual activity where consent is not obtained or freely given. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities—regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Often, the person responsible is someone the victim knows. This may include a friend, current or former partner, coworker, neighbor, or family member.

Sexual violence can happen in many ways. This includes sharing or posting intimate images without consent.

This month—and every month—we stand with victims and survivors and remain committed to seeking justice.

03/19/2026

This week, we had the pleasure of hosting two outstanding high school students for a three-day "shadowing experience" with the Fauquier County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

Our Internship Program is designed to give students a firsthand look at what justice looks like in practice—exploring how prosecutors make decisions, serve victims, and balance fairness in the criminal justice system.

During their time with us, these students jumped right in and experienced the work from multiple angles, including:

• Observing trial preparation meetings with local law enforcement (Cpl. Shaver, WPD)

• Meeting emergency dispatchers and learning how critical calls are handled (Allison Marshall, Assistant Communications Manager, FCSO)

• Participating in a ride-along with the Sheriff’s Office (Deputy Lewis, FCSO)

• Visiting Adult Court Services to understand supervision and rehabilitation efforts (Tom Pavelko, Director and Tiffany Embrey, Assistant Director)

• Observing misdemeanor trials in General District Court

We are grateful to our partners in law enforcement and public safety who helped make this experience possible, and we are especially proud of these students for their curiosity, professionalism, and engagement throughout the week.

Investing in the next generation of public servants is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. We look forward to seeing where their paths lead!

12/12/2025

Today, as we remember Doug Rogers on the anniversary of his passing, our hearts are filled with both sorrow and gratitude. Doug played an instrumental role in the Barrett case. Yesterday, with the official signing over of the dogs, we feel this moment is a fitting tribute to Doug’s legacy. Thank you, Doug, for everything you’ve done. 🐾💗🐾

11/14/2025

Last night, our office was proud to be represented at William & Mary Law School’s 2025 Public Sector Networking Night, hosted by the Office of Career Services.

Fauquier County Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney James Hays, a W&M Law alum, attended the event to meet with 1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls to share insights about public service, prosecution, and the mission of the Fauquier County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

This “Table Talk” event provided a great opportunity to connect with students as they begin preparing for 2026 summer internships and post-graduate positions. We appreciated the warm welcome and the chance to speak with so many impressive future attorneys.

We look forward to reviewing applications and welcoming the next class of summer interns!