Retired Buena Vista Police chief facing embezzlement charge

BUENA VISTA, Va. (WDBJ) - Former Buena Vista Police Chief Richard Hartman, who retired December 1, has since been charged with one count of felony embezzlement of public funds, according to Buena Vista Circuit Court records and Virginia State Police, who are investigating.

Hartman was released on a secured bond after he surrendered and was arrested by state police December 16 on a charge of Misuse of Public Assets.

The charge is the result of a grand jury returning a true bill in the case, and a special prosecutor has been called in from Giles County.

If convicted, Hartman could be sentenced to two to ten years in prison and/or up to a $100,000 fine, according to Virginia code.

In a statement, the city of Buena Vista says, “As this is a continuing matter the City cannot comment on it at this time other than to say the City is aware of the arrest of the former Chief and that we have been fully cooperative with the State Police and will continue to do so.”

The city manager is conducting a search for a new police chief.