Suffolk News-Herald

Portsmouth authorities arrested former city zoning official Jeffrey VanHosen at his home without incident around 10:50 p.m. Thursday.

VanHosen, 34, of the 1400 block of Richmond Avenue, Portsmouth has been charged with five counts of felony embezzlement against the city of Suffolk, said Lt. Debbie George, spokeswoman for the Suffolk Police Department.

VanHosen, who oversaw Neighborhood Development Services’ maintenance/zoning enforcement division until about two months ago, was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond, George said. He reportedly was fired after failing to show up for work after Hurricane Isabel.

According to police records, on at least five occasions over the past three years, property owners have paid VanHosen $40 to $50 in rental inspection fees. That money was never turned over to the city in the form of inspection payments, police said.

The report also noted that he was never authorized to collect money while working in the field.

More charges may be pending against VanHosen, George said.