Holloway Convicted of Embezzling Public Funds, Sentencing Set for September

The Case Against Councilor Dominic Holloway

A jury in Charles City has found Hopewell City Councilor Dominic Holloway guilty of embezzlement of public funds. This decision came after a trial that took place on July 29, focusing on an event that occurred over two years ago on July 1, 2023. The central issue revolved around the use of a city-issued credit card to purchase approximately $700 worth of food from Mr. B’s in Chester, which was then delivered to the event.

The prosecution argued that the event was hosted for Holloway’s family following the murder of his cousin, William "BJ" Jamal Claiborne. In contrast, the defense claimed it was part of a series of “Stop the Violence” events attended by Holloway. These events were intended to offer grief support for those affected by violence in the community. However, the nature of the event and the legitimacy of its purpose became the focal point of the legal battle.

Legal Challenges and Defense Issues

This was not the first time the case faced delays due to issues with witnesses or Holloway himself. On this occasion, however, the trial proceeded as planned. Prospective jurors arrived at the Charles City Courthouse early, and the final jury was seated by 10:15 a.m. Holloway pleaded not guilty and rejected all plea deals offered by the prosecution. His defense attorney, Todd DuVal, highlighted communication problems between himself and Holloway before the trial began, noting that Holloway was difficult to reach and did not return calls.

DuVal expressed frustration, stating he was close to requesting to be relieved from the case. Holloway, however, did not disagree, and DuVal moved for dismissal based on Holloway’s statement. Judge Joshua DeFord denied the motion, emphasizing that DuVal had been doing a good job up until that point. Despite this, tensions continued throughout the trial, with Holloway requesting to represent himself, claiming his attorney was not asking the right questions about city finances.

After a recess and discussions involving Holloway, DuVal, and Holloway’s brother, who was not officially part of the defense, DuVal remained as counsel for the entire trial.

Stop the Violence or a Private Family Event?

Holloway maintained that the event was part of the “Stop the Violence” campaign, which aimed to provide grief support for those impacted by violence. He testified that Hopewell had recently been recognized by the state government for having a high violent crime rate. According to Holloway, he had previously used his personal card to purchase $400 worth of food for another event, which was later reimbursed by the city.

He approached Cocetta Manker, the city manager, to request funding for another event. Manker testified that while there was a form for financial requests, it was not typically used. Instead, councilors would either speak with her in person or send an email. She would then confirm via email. These funds are not usually presented to the council and are accounted for during budget reconciliation.

Manker stated that Holloway indicated he had an event but did not provide details. At the time, she was leaving for a family emergency and asked City Clerk Brittani Williams to assist. Williams, who had been in the role for only three weeks, was told to use her credit card. Manker expected Holloway to return for further discussion, but he did not.

The Role of the City Manager and Clerk

Williams later placed an order with Mr. B’s for the food, which required an in-person payment. She and Holloway went to the restaurant and paid for the order. The next day, Williams and a friend delivered the food to Hopewell Heights Apartments, where it was set up by Kena Stith, the community manager. Stith testified that she had no idea the event was related to “Stop the Violence.”

Vanessa Patrick, Claiborne’s aunt, testified that the funeral was attended only by family members, and the event was described as being for older mourners. Holloway claimed he coordinated the event directly with Stith, referencing “Stop the Violence.” However, Patrick clarified that she was responsible for organizing the funeral, and the event was held at a different location.

Mayor Johnny Partin's Testimony

Williams entered the transaction into the city’s money management system, describing it as “funeral catering.” This was done because she knew Holloway’s cousin had died earlier that day. The system required a description, and she made an assumption based on the timing. Holloway later requested the description be changed to “Stop the Violence,” and the entry eventually included both terms.

Williams also testified that Holloway never specified which account to pull funds from. He believed the expense would come from the Ad/Comm account, which has a less formal approval process than ward funds. Vice Mayor Jasmine Gore testified that events should not come out of the Ad/Comm account but go through the ward fund approval process.

Mayor Johnny Partin was informed of the transaction by a city staff member. He sent an email to Williams indicating that either she or Holloway would need to reimburse the funds. However, this email was not sent to Holloway. Partin testified that he was unaware of any attempts to inform Holloway about repaying the money.

Closing Arguments and Verdict

In closing arguments, the defense emphasized that the event was open to the public and had been planned before Claiborne’s death. They pointed to a flier published on Holloway’s Facebook page as evidence. The prosecution, however, argued that the event was private and located in a space reserved for residents of Hopewell Heights Apartments.

Special prosecutor Derek Davis highlighted the difference between reimbursements, such as the one for the high school event, and direct expenditures by the city. DuVal argued that Holloway followed official channels by working with the city manager and clerk. He cited the informal nature of the Ad/Comm funding process, leading to a miscommunication between Manker, Holloway, and Williams.

The jury found Holloway guilty after approximately an hour of deliberation. Holloway declined to make a statement after the ruling. His case is now set for sentencing on September 2. Earlier this year, Holloway announced his resignation from the council, though he has yet to submit his letter.