On August 8, behind a strip mall in Centreville, Virginia, an incident involving Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Clingan unfolded that would ripple through the community and prompt debates over the conduct of public officials. Clingan, 57, was captured on police bodycam being issued a Class 4 misdemeanor summons for public drinking, without arrest. This footage, released by the Fairfax County Police Department, has since shed light on the challenges of maintaining public trust in legal authorities.
The video reveals officers recognizing Clingan upon arrival. Initially denying the act, Clingan later admits to consuming one beer. The smell of alcohol was noticeable, but no sobriety test was given. Instead, the officers opted to give Clingan a ride home, a request he made, to avoid any potential safety risks. This decision was made after confirming that Clingan was not due in court that day.
Clingan's role in the Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office since October 2021 has involved handling some of the county's major cases, including the upcoming “au pair affair” double-murder trial. Prior to this, he ran a private legal practice and vied for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates as a Democrat in 2011, after departing from his conservative roots over policy disagreements.
This incident is not without precedent; reports suggest Clingan was spotted engaging in similar behavior on various occasions. Local business employees witnessed Clingan drinking and smoking in the early mornings, sometimes in professional attire. The officers expressed concern over his capacity to perform his duties unimpaired, although Clingan assured them he was not intoxicated and had no court engagements that morning.
The repercussions have extended to Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano's office, already under scrutiny for perceived leniency in handling other cases. Concerns heightened when the office declined to prosecute certain cases, including one involving a registered sex offender and another concerning an individual accused of grooming a minor.
Following the public drinking citation, Clingan was placed on leave. The court hearing is set for October 23, and legal commentators emphasize the importance of accountability for senior legal figures. Public perception of the justice system is at stake, as is confidence in local law enforcement. The Clingan case is a stark reminder that public officials are subject to stringent conduct standards.
The incident also probes the interplay between political and professional pressures in Fairfax County's legal circles, especially amid nationally scrutinized cases. As the county assesses the situation, questions linger over the lasting impact this event may have on the integrity of the justice system. The bodycam footage, shared on social media, underscores the gravity of the issue and the expectation for legal authorities to uphold the laws they enforce.
