NORFOLK -- A former candidate for state delegate has vanished, leaving behind a stack of debt, including a fine he owes the state.
Republican John Amiral ran in the 87th District race hoping to represent part of Norfolk.
The political newcomer lost to incumbent Democrat Paula Miller on Nov 3.
Since then, the State Board of Elections has fined him $250 for not filing a final campaign finance report, which would show how much debt he owes.
13 News has learned Amiral owes multiple media outlets, including WVEC-TV, thousands of dollars for unpaid campaign ads.
His campaign office on Shore Drive is now empty and no one has seen him for weeks at his East Beach apartment.
His cell phone no longer accepts calls.
John Amiral has been visiting family in Azerbaijan, according to Kenny Golden, an early Amiral supporter and former chairman of the Virginia Beach Republican Party.
"If the first part of the year comes and we can't get him then we'll have to start putting out feelers to find out where he is," Golden said. "If he has bills to pay and fines to pay, he needs to pay up because it reflects bad on us as a party."
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