Lobbyist Holds Technician Hostage, Demanding Computer Repair: Police

PHOTO: Joseph “Joe” N. Mondello photo courtesy of Arlington County Police

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ARLINGTON, VA — A lobbyist and self-proclaimed communications expert who got mad when a computer tech couldn’t make repairs Monday began threatening to kill him with a gun he was holding if he couldn’t fix the computer, according to Arlington County Police.

The ordeal started Monday at about 11 a.m., when the computer tech for Dell reported to a house in the 2700 block S. Grove Street in Arlington to try to fix the computer.

The tech told the homeowner, Joseph “Joe” Nestor Mondello, 50, that he would have to leave because he needed a part to fix the computer, police said.

The news “sent our subject over the edge,” said Dustin Sternbeck, Arlington County Police spokesman. “He became furious and clearly agitated,” telling the tech ”your’e not leaving this house until the computer is fixed.”

Mondello left the room and returned with what looked like a gun held at his side, and began pacing back and forth, said Sternbeck, telling the tech ”I’m going to kill you slowly.”

Mondello’s wife then intervened, coming downstairs after hearing her husband make threats, Sternbeck said, and got between her husband and the tech.

At that point, the tech was able to flee the residence; he contacted his office and they told him to call 9-1-1, Sternbeck said.

Arlington County Police sent a SWAT team to the house and search warrants were executed; after a brief period of time, Mondello turned himself in.

Mondello, 50, was arrested Monday night and charged with abduction. Mondello is a lobbyist, principal with The Mondello Group; he is a former staffer for former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, according to his LinkedIn profile.

The ”gun” turned out to be a fake.

Sternbeck said that no one should wave around fake guns. “They look like the real thing,” he said. “Replica weapons have serious consequences as well.”