WASHINGTON – A member of the White House staff has been arrested on charges of assaulting a U.S. Capitol Police officer following a domestic dispute in Prince George’s County.
Barvetta Singletary, 37, of Upper Marlboro, has been placed on unpaid leave from her post as a special assistant to the president and legislative liaison at the White House, according to a statement provided to NBC Washington. Her access to the White House has also been revoked.
She was arrested Friday morning at her home after she fired a handgun at the officer, with whom she had a sexual relationship, according to court documents obtained by NBC Washington.
The officer, who was not injured, was off-duty at the time, according to Prince George’s County police.
Police say Singletary questioned the man about another woman he was seeing and demanded that he unlock his cellphones. When he refused, she pulled out his service weapon and pointed it at him.
According to court records, Singletary told the gun’s owner, “You taught me how to use this, don’t think I won’t.”
When he still refused, she fired one shot and he left to call police.
Singletary is charged with first- and second-degree assault plus reckless endangerment. A preliminary hearing has been set for September 2.
NBC Washington first reported her arrest.
