Griffith: Robber sentenced to 22 years, four months

Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney Justin L. Griffith announced today that David Simpkins has received an active prison sentence in Pulaski County Circuit Court of 22 years and four months for robbery of a local business in Pulaski.

“Twenty-two years, that is justice,” Griffith stated. “That is Pulaski County justice. This case is another example of what a united county we have. The terrified, yet brave store clerk called 911 for help, the brave Samaritan answered the clerk’s cry for help, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office answered the call for assistance, and the court answered the demand for justice.”

Griffith noted that in 2019, “A parole board may have thought he (Simpkins) deserved to be free, but in 2021 a Pulaski County lead justice system ensured that our brothers and sisters in the Commonwealth won’t have to worry about him for another 22 years. He is returning back where he should have been all along – prison.”

Griffith noted that Simpkins was released by the Virginia Parole Board in 2019 after 56 felony convictions and 14 robbery convictions.

“His criminal reign should end right here in Pulaski County,” Griffith said during today’s sentencing hearing, adding that “Any reliance on what the Parole Board may do to Simpkins down the road would be a mistake because they are part of the reason we are here today.”

Griffith added that Simpkins should never had the opportunity to come to Pulaski County.

“Our job is law and order and maintaining justice,” Griffith stated. “We may not always win, but here in this county, we will always fight. Make no mistake; today is a victory, a victory for justice.”