A Democratic candidate for Virginia’s 8th Congressional District has accused Alexandria Sheriff’s Office deputies of wrongfully arresting him during an eviction Monday morning, despite having what he claims was a pending appeal with the Virginia Court of Appeals.
Frank Ferreira, one of three Democrats challenging five-term incumbent Rep. Don Beyer in the primary, issued a press release early Tuesday morning detailing his arrest at 409 N. Pitt St. on Aug. 18. According to Ferreira’s account, he was arrested for obstruction after requesting to speak with Sheriff Sean Casey during the eviction process.
Ferreira has provided ALXnow with more than 120 press releases since announcing his candidacy earlier this year. His latest release, his 124th, was sent at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday morning detailing his experiences being homeless since the eviction.
Claims of constitutional violations
In his press release, Ferreira alleges multiple constitutional violations during his arrest, including:
- Miranda rights not being read until after transport to the detention center
- Denial of requests to speak with an attorney
- Refusal to allow contact with his ambassador (Ferreira claims to be an elected Portuguese official)
- Being arrested despite showing deputies documentation of his pending court appeal
“Deputies insisted that they contacted the General District and Circuit Courts, and were told they had nothing on file,” Ferreira wrote. “I offered to show the Deputies stamped copies filed with the respective clerks, the same that were shared with the Sheriff’s leadership.”
Magistrate dismisses criminal complaint
According to documents provided by Ferreira, a magistrate at the Alexandria Sheriff’s Department detention center found “no evidence of obstruction” and rejected the deputies’ criminal complaint. The magistrate’s decision shows the case was marked as “DENIED” for “eviction of obstruct.”
Ferreira was subsequently released with no criminal record.
Sheriff’s office response
Amy Bertsch, a spokesperson for the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, said the department is taking the allegations seriously.
“The Sheriff’s Office takes all complaints seriously and we are now conducting a comprehensive investigation regarding this incident,” Bertsch said. “Because of this, the Sheriff respectfully declines to comment at this time.”
Background on legal dispute
The eviction stems from an ongoing landlord-tenant dispute between Ferreira and Laura Shouldis. Court documents show Ferreira had filed multiple appeals and motions challenging the eviction, including an emergency stay request with the Virginia Court of Appeals on Aug. 14.
In his filings, Ferreira argued that the General District Court lacked jurisdiction over the case due to the amount in question and inconsistencies in court website information about jurisdictional limits.
Current situation and homelessness
Following his release, Ferreira reports that he is now homeless, with his belongings having been placed on the street during the eviction. In a series of emails to Sheriff’s Office leadership Monday evening, he indicated he was unable to find shelter and was seeking assistance from St. Mary’s Cathedral.
In his latest press release titled “Homeless and Unemployed in America,” Ferreira detailed spending two nights trying to find shelter at various hotels, being asked to leave multiple locations, and receiving no response from the sheriff’s office, the Portuguese Embassy, or city officials despite repeated requests for assistance.
“I am past being humiliated and embarrassed. I’m now focused on surviving. I will prevail,” Ferreira wrote in the release, which included photos of locations where he attempted to stay overnight.
Ferreira has also launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking assistance with employment and housing.
Political implications
Ferreira, who describes himself as a former FEMA whistleblower, is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Rep. Don Beyer in Virginia’s 8th Congressional District. Former Alexandria City Councilman Mohamed “Mo” Seifeldein announced his own bid for the seat last week, making it a three-way Democratic primary race.
In his release, Ferreira expressed concern that the arrest could impact his candidacy and potential business opportunities.
“This arrest may have also jeopardized a business and employment opportunity,” he wrote, referencing a potential collaboration with a firm associated with retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal.
Ferreira has requested a full investigation, an apology, release of body camera footage and compensation for what he terms “gross violations of my constitutional rights.”
The 8th District includes Alexandria and parts of Arlington and Fairfax counties. Political analysts rate the seat as safely Democratic, making the Democratic primary the determining contest.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
