Fired officer sues Virginia Marine Resources Commission, claiming retaliation for exposing surveillance

HAMPTON — A former police officer with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission is suing three of the agency’s leaders, alleging retaliation for reporting internal surveillance on fellow officers.

David Townsend — fired in April 2024 after seven years with the Virginia Marine Police — filed suit in Hampton Circuit Court against Commissioner Jamie L. Green, Chief of Law Enforcement Col. Matthew Rogers and Human Resources Director Rebecca Herrington.