Two Waynesboro police officers indicted for alleged on-duty crimes

WAYNESBORO, VA (Rocktown Now) — Two Waynesboro Police Officers are in trouble with the law.

Waynesboro Police and the Commonwealth’s Attorney say that on April 25th an allegation of on-duty misconduct was reported to department members.

The incident reportedly occurred on April 6th between several Waynesboro police officers at a location on the south end of the city. As reported, it potentially violated the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. To ensure that a transparent and impartial investigation was completed, the Waynesboro Police Department requested an external investigation by the Virginia State Police and the Waynesboro Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. The accused officers were placed on administrative leave and had their police powers suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Last Friday, a special grand jury reviewed the matter at the request of the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and the grand jury returned two felony indictments against 30-year-old Corporal Jacob Moore and 29-year-old Officer Jospeh Meadows.

Moore is a 7-year employee of the department, is charged with the following alleged offenses:
One count of 18.2-57 (C) Assault and Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, a Class 6 felony.
One count of 18.2-57.02 Disarming a Law Enforcement Officer of a Firearm, a Class 6 felony.

Both were arrested on Monday and released on a personal recognizance bond.

The accused officers were placed on administrative leave and had their police powers suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, which will proceed through circuit court. After the criminal matter concludes, the police department will conduct an internal investigation to assess whether involved officers violated department policies. Officials say findings from this investigation will be treated as a personnel issue under Virginia law, allowing for certain disclosure exemptions.