Lid Remains Tight on Assessor 'Investigation'

Since Todd Kaufman was escorted from the County Administration Building in Leesburg last week, little information has become available about the reason other than it’s been classified a “personnel” issue.

While the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of the investigation, it appears the county administration is handling at least the initial evaluation.

“At this time it’s still under review,” said Liz Mills, spokeswoman for the LCSO. When asked who was conducting the review, she said, “It’s really the county government.”

Mills referred further questions to the Loudoun Public Affairs and Communications Division. Anna Nissinen, Loudoun’s public affairs officer, said she could provide little information.

“He’s been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation,” she said. “It’s a personnel issue.”

Nissinen said no other information was available.

The board of supervisors hires the county administrator as well as the county administrator and the county attorney.

Kaufman has been Loudoun’s assessor since 2005. Kaufman has not shied away from disagreements with the Board of Equalization, testifying in court earlier this year about that panel's treatment of a resident during a BOE meeting last year. While Kaufman's office determines the value of land in the county, residents can appeal to the BOE for lower or higher assessments.

Kaufman previously worked for the City of Richmond’s Assessor’s Office and formerly served as president of an appraisal and consulting group. In addition, he has worked in law enforcement at the local and state level.