Former Democratic Senate staffer Jeffrey Gary has been charged with multiple felony offenses after allegedly assaulting two women in Alexandria, Virginia. The 35-year-old, who also held a senior position at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), was arrested on June 1 following an incident near the Braddock Metro Station on May 30.
According to police reports, Gary attacked a woman in her mid-30s as she walked along Madison Street after exiting the metro station. He is accused of wrestling her to the ground in an attempt to restrain her. The victim managed to escape and immediately called 911.
The City of Alexandria detailed the arrest in a press release, crediting the use of public safety cameras and collaboration between the Alexandria Police Department and Metro Transit Police for Gary's identification. Surveillance footage played a crucial role in the coordinated investigation that led to his apprehension.
Gary faced charges including two counts of abduction with force, assault and battery, and sexual battery. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence with assistance from Fairfax County Police, leading to a nonviolent arrest. Officials confirmed that no weapon was involved in the assault.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Alexandria Circuit Court Judge Katie Uston approved Gary's release on June 13 after he posted four bonds totaling $14,000. The judge's conditions for bail included house arrest with GPS ankle monitoring, mental health and substance abuse evaluations, and a prohibition from entering the areas near the Braddock Road and Potomac Yard Metro stations.
Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter expressed his opposition to the bail decision and has since filed an appeal. "We do not agree with the court’s ruling on bail and are appealing it to the Court of Appeals," Porter said, emphasizing the limitations on public commentary during an ongoing case.
Gary's employment with the FCC was terminated following the incident. "Upon hearing of this disturbing incident, we took immediate action against this employee," the FCC stated. Gary had previously worked as a staff assistant for Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) in 2015 and as a law clerk for Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) between 2017 and 2018. He also founded Gary Consulting, as listed in OpenSecrets records.
The case has raised concerns about the bail system and the protection of public safety. Gary is scheduled for another court appearance on July 7 and is currently represented by a public defender. Neither Senator Cantwell nor Senator Wyden, nor the Alexandria Public Defender's Office, responded to requests for comment on the matter.
