Stafford, Va. – It appears any legal questions about Eric Olsen’s residency in Stafford County were quelled by a judge Friday.
Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Lon E. Ferris tossed out a Writ of Quo Warranto lawsuit filed by a Stafford citizen, David Johnston, questioning Olsen’s residency in Stafford. The case was heard by a Prince William judge after all of Stafford’s judges recused themselves from the hearing.
Olsen is running for Commonwealth Attorney in Stafford County, and by election law must live in the jurisdiction he wishes to represent. Olsen lives in an apartment in Stafford County but still owns a home in Fredericksburg he is in the process of selling.
“The judge upheld all of the legal points of this lawsuit and also determined that a private citizen is not the legal party to file a Writ of Quo Warranto, so I don’t know what they expected to gain here. Any question about my residency were answered during the Primary Election,” said Olsen.
Olsen, who’s worked as an assistant prosecutor in Stafford County for more than 20 years, said Friday’s hearing was not publicized but was still attended by, Jason Pelt, whom he faced during the Primary Election, as well as other Independent and Democratic candidates who have long challenged him.
“I think that speaks for itself who is behind all this. This was a hearing that was never publicized but they were all there,” said Olsen.
In the end, Ferris said the lawsuit against Olsen was based on rumors and innuendo.
Ferris also found the Writ of Quo Warranto suit unmerited because Olsen has yet to be elected to public office, and Johnston not a true interested party because he, himself, is not running for the same office.
Voters will go to the polls Tuesday to vote for Stafford’s next Commonwealth Attorney. Olsen is running against Independent Tim Barbrow.
Long time Stafford County CA, Daniel Chichester, is retiring from the post after 40 years in office.
Olsen this year has campaigned on a platform of community prosecution where members of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office venture out and educate residents about the workings of the courthouse, and provide contact information to their office. Olsen said that work has already begun as assistant prosecutors have appeared at middle schools to educate students about the workings of his office.
Recent Stories
After months of construction delays and missed opening dates, Signal Bay Waterpark will finally welcome the public back today, Friday, July 25, for a long-awaited soft reopening — and admission is completely free on Friday.
A fire broke out Friday afternoon at the LIDL grocery store on Liberia Avenue near Prince William Parkway, just outside the City of Manassas.
he Oak Valley Homeowners Association is sharply criticizing a Virginia Court of Appeals decision that upholds the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ approval of a controversial land use amendment—despite what residents say was a deliberate disregard for public input.
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that the U.S. Department of Education has determined that Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is among five Northern Virginia school divisions found to be in violation of Title IX, a federal civil rights law, due to policies allowing students to access restrooms and participate in sports based on gender identity.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
