A police officer from Prince William County has been arrested on charges of stalking and unauthorized use of a department computer. The allegations against Godson Vondee, a 42-year-old officer, emerged from an investigation initiated in July 2024. According to a news release from Prince William County police, Vondee was taken into custody on Wednesday and is currently being held without bond at the Prince William-Manassas regional jail.
The investigation revealed that Vondee, who has served as a sworn officer for over six years, allegedly accessed law enforcement databases to gather identifying information about a man associated with a female acquaintance. Lt. Jonathan Perok of the Prince William County police stated that Vondee accessed the Virginia Criminal Information Network once in 2023 and four times in 2024 while on duty, lacking the necessary criminal justice justification for these actions.
The police report indicates that Vondee was also seen near the victim’s residence multiple times over a 15-month period. When the allegations were reported, Vondee was immediately stripped of his police authority, prompting both administrative and criminal investigations by the department’s Office of Professional Standards and Criminal Investigations Division.
As of now, Vondee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. Chief Peter Newsham expressed strong disapproval of Vondee’s actions, stating, “These actions are a betrayal of our oath of office and are not reflective of the values and professionalism expected of the members of this agency.” He emphasized the violation of trust within the community and stressed the importance of accountability.
Vondee faces one count of stalking and five counts of illegal use of a computer to obtain identifying information. A court date has been scheduled for August 19, 2024. The case highlights the critical need for integrity among law enforcement personnel and the serious implications of misconduct within the police force.
