Haysi VA Mayor arrested for multiple financial fraud charges

Haysi Mayor Larry Yates was arrested Thursday on multiple financial fraud charges. The charges against Yates, who is 72, include of embezzlement public funds, use of public funds for personal purposes, credit card theft and credit card fraud. Yates had a court hearing Monday in Dickenson County. A spokesperson for the Town of Haysi provided a lengthy statement about the arrest, and to assure Haysi residents that the Town Council remains committed to protecting the public trust, safeguarding taxpayer resources, and ensuring that the business of our town continues responsibly and transparently. Yates is presumed innocent until proven guilty. According to Virginia election records, he was first elected as mayor back in 2012. He recently won reelection in 2024.