Haysi’s mayor, who was arrested earlier this month on fraud and embezzlement charges, was granted bond during a court appearance Monday.
Larry Yates, 72, will be released from jail on a $2,500 unsecured bond, meaning the money does not have to be posted, with terms including good behavior and refraining from drugs and alcohol. He is also not permitted to go on town property or contact town employees before his Nov. 12 court date at the Clintwood courthouse. The hearing is for a plea, according to online court records.
Phillip Foy, an assistant commonwealth’s attorney from Tazewell County, said Yates does not have a criminal history and he was not opposed to bond as long as those conditions were agreed to.
Over a video court appearance, Yates agreed to the terms. The records department at the Southwest Regional Jail Authority in Abingdon said they could not confirm when he will be released.
Yates, who qualified for a court-appointed lawyer, will be represented by attorney Stuart Collins of Wise, Circuit Judge Brian Patton said during the hearing.
Virginia State Police are continuing an investigation into the longtime mayor, who was arrested on charges including embezzlement, use of public assets for personal benefit, credit card fraud, receiving goods obtained through credit card fraud and credit card theft.
Debbie Wood, vice mayor of Haysi, told Cardinal News that the town council members requested the state police investigation after months of questioning the mayor’s spending and tightening their finances.
She said the council is committed to financial safeguards going forward and is calling for Yates’ resignation. If he declines to resign, she said the council will petition the Dickenson County Circuit Court for his removal.
