Updated at 10:10 p.m.
Brian Wishneff's lawyer releases a statement it reads as follows:
"Mr. Wishneff has cooperated significantly during this investigation. He is pleased to learn that the Grand Jury found that no felony had been committed. The two misdemeanor matters apparently deal with the alleged non-reporting of a political contribution. Mr. Wishneff looks forward to the opportunity to directly address this remaining matter."
John E. Lichtenstein
Counsel to Brian Wishneff
Updated 6 p.m.
Wishneff declined to comment on the indictments on camera or over the phone.
He said to look for an emailed statement from his attorney.
So far, it has not come.
Current Roanoke City council members Court Rosen and David Trinkle declined to comment.
Wishneff's ad in a pair of local newspaper's targeted Rosen.
It read "Who's Court Rosen?" and stated it was paid for by "Joe Smith."
The ads cost $8,000, according to special prosecutor John Alexander.
Alexander is an assistant commonwealth's attorney in Joel Branscom's Botetourt County commonwealth's attorney's office.
Alexander said he would pack his case file and send it to the Virginia State Board of Elections in Richmond.
The state board could impose additional civil penalties against Wishneff, or the person or people who made the contribution to pay for the ad.
Alexander said the report "contained the name" of the contributors, but declined further comment.
Wishneff seemed to almost always partner with now Vice Mayor Sherman Lea during his single term on council.
Lea called Wishneff a "friend," saying he didn't believe the accusations should "rise to the level of criminal charges."
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Original post:
A grand jury has indicted former Roanoke City Councilman Brian Wishneff on two misdemeanor charges. The charges include failure to report a campaign contribution and failure to file paperwork on a large campaign donation within 12 days of the election. The charges could carry up to 12 months in jail and $2500 in fines.
Information is being sent to the State Board of Elections, where civil action may be pursued.
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