Police Employee Arrested for Accessing Private DMV Records

Paul David JonesPhoto byCharlottesville Police Department

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A non-sworn police department employee was arrested after gaining unauthorized access to DMV information.

According to online court records, the incident occurred July 31, 2024. According to a media release from the Charlottesville Police Department (CPD), Chief Michael P. Kochis became aware of the incident on August 5.

Kochis immediately notified the Commonwealth Attorney’s office about the breach, and Virginia State Police began a formal investigation.

On August 22, 2024, Paul David Jones, of Troy, was arrested for accessing the DMV information of a family member for non-criminal justice purposes. He was charged under Virginia State Code 18.2-152.5 (Computer Invasion).

Jones was placed on administrative leave during the investigation and remains on leave pending the final outcome of an administrative investigation.

“The alleged misuse of law enforcement databases is a breach of trust that will not be tolerated. Thank you to our Commonwealth Attorney and the Virginia State Police for acting so swiftly in investigating and determining a charging decision in this case,” said Kochis, in the media release.

According to the CPD, this issue is now considered a personnel matter, and no other information will be released regarding Jones’ employment.