Former county director charged

STAUNTON — Augusta County’s former information technology director has been indicted on charges he misused government equipment.

Authorities recovered computers and electronics worth “several thousand dollars” from the home of Rick L. Vernier after receiving a tip that he had county property in his Stuarts Draft home, said Lt. A.C. Powers of the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office. 

Vernier is charged with misuse of public assets.

The tip and search came around the time of Vernier’s Aug. 18 resignation from his job.

He had worked for the county since March 1, 1999, county officials said, and was being paid $84,820 annually.

Powers said authorities did not obtain a search warrant for Vernier’s property and that he believed all items had been returned.

Augusta County Administrator Pat Coffield confirmed that no items are missing.

Coffield said Vernier’s position has not been filled and that he has recommended maintaining that vacancy through the fiscal year. The county has saved $44,000 throughout the vacancy, he said.

“We haven’t advertised it, nor do we plan to,” he said.

Vernier faces a 10-year prison sentence. He is not in custody.

No other charges are expected, Powers said.

Staff Writer Chase Purdy contributed to this report.