​Former Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Indicted for Sexual Battery

Abingdon, Virginia – On January 24, 2023, a Washington County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment against Troy Hinchey for the misdemeanor offense of Sexual Battery. The indictment involves an incident that took place on July 23, 2022, while Hinchey was on duty with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. After allegations were reported the to the Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police began an investigation. Hinchey is no longer employed with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The Washington County Circuit Court appointed Zack Stoots, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Russell County, to prosecute any charges arising out of the investigation. Zack Stoots stated, “The Rules of Professional Conduct prevents any lawyer participating in the prosecution of a criminal matter that may be tried to a jury from making any extrajudicial statements that the lawyer knows or should know will have a likelihood of interfering with the fairness of a trial by jury.” Stoots said, “Based on the Rules of Professional Conduct, my office will not be making any further statements on the pending matters.” The investigation was conducted by the Virginia State Police with cooperation from the Washington County Sheriff's Office. The defendant was released on a $5,000 secured bond and his next court is set February 6, 2023