Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Sheriff renounce Democratic Party and will support Republican Party and candidates
Pulaski County’s top two law enforcement officers, Commonwealth’s Attorney Justin L. Griffith and Sheriff Michael W. Worrell, Thursday released a joint statement in which they renounced the Democratic Party and expressed their support for the principles of the Republican Party and their intent to support all its nominees in the ensuing election.
The following is their statement:
As two of the top law enforcement officials in Pulaski County, we have always believed in a united pursuit of justice. We are proud of the mutual respect and open lines of communication between our respective offices. These attributes flow outward to the community and allow for law and order in Pulaski to be performed in a safe and effective manner.
In 2020, the Virginia Democrat legislators made organized and concerted efforts to bring “transformational change” to the Commonwealth’s criminal justice system during a special session. Those changes included reforming criminal sentencing to prevent juries from sentencing; limiting the power of the courts to sentence defendants on probation violations; and passing legislation allowing for inmates to be released before serving their full sentences.
We will never stand with the notion that we trust a jury of one’s peers to determine guilt or innocence but do not trust them to sentence. The 2021 probation violation laws have already had detrimental effects on this county, as evidenced by the November 3, 2021, statement released to the public regarding a convicted sex offender that was barred by those new laws from receiving any incarceration on his probation violation.
Regarding the early release of prison inmates, this county has already felt, first hand, the predictable tremors of terror of that mindset when a Democrat controlled Parole Board released David Simpkins, a convicted felon, who promptly robbed a convenience store. As if the reign of chaos created by the former Virginia Parole Board wasn’t enough, the Virginia Department of Corrections expects an “immediate surge” of inmates to be released beginning on July 1, 2022, under legislation that passed during a Democrat controlled special session. “Virginia Department of Corrections estimates 62% of those being released early have a violent crime somewhere on their record and 54% have a high to medium risk of violent recidivism.”
Furthermore, these concerns for justice are not isolated to Pulaski County, alone. In 2020, Vincent Ray Martin, who was convicted of killing Richmond police officer Michael Connors in 1979, was paroled without following the board’s procedures. In 2021, our neighboring county, Wythe, became another victim of the former Democrat controlled Parole Board. Christopher Shawn Wheeler, convicted of the 1994 fatal shooting of Cliff Dicker, a Deputy for the Wythe County Sheriffs office, was sentenced to 43 years in prison. After serving 26 years of that sentence, the Democrat controlled Parole Board granted him an early release. In addition, after his unjust release, according to numerous news outlets he was re-arrested in June of 2022, while brandishing a firearm and bragging about killing a police officer. Thankfully, as promised, Governor Youngkin has replaced the entire Virginia Parole Board.
In the continuing trend of Southwest Virginia’s suffering the aftershocks of the former board, Hank Partin, a local stalwart in public service was blocked from joining the newly revamped Parole Board. Regarding the before mention blocking, to quote Democrat Senator Adam Ebbin from Alexandria “I think that the House needs to be taught a lesson”. We can assure the Northern Virginia legislators, that here in Southwest Virginia, we need no more lessons on how their actions can impact the New River Valley. David Simpkins and Christopher Shawn Wheeler have taught us enough.
In addition, Democrat legislators pursued avenues to eliminate qualified immunity provisions for law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity. Democrat led calls to action regarding reductions and/or removals of School Resource Officers have taken place in the last couple of years, prompting our County officials to draft joint letters of support for our School Resource Officers. Moreover, Democrat sponsored legislation to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences which protect the most vulnerable and punish the most wicked have routinely been under attack.
Recently, a dozen Democrat Commonwealth’s Attorneys throughout the state formed an alliance called the Virginia Progressive Prosecutors for Justice. In Pulaski County, we are not willing to allow a shadow of doubt be cast on justice by a progressive Democrat movement. We are united in announcing our formal renunciation of the Democrat Party. This has been a long and well considered decision. We are in accord with the principles of the Republican Party and are expressing our intent to support all of its nominees for public office in the ensuing election.
We are blessed to serve,
Justin L. Griffith,
Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney
Michael W. Worrell
Pulaski County Sheriff
June 17, 2022 @ 1:35 am
Thank God for your wisdom and courage to do what is right. We are proud of you for your decision.
June 17, 2022 @ 9:51 am
Nothing against Democrats, the majority are well reasoned and thoughtful of their fellow citizens.
For our Commonwealth Attorney and Sheriff to make such an important decision to change party affiliations is no small matter and I commend both individuals for their courage and dedication to their chosen professions.
It is regretful that they must change their chosen party affiliation, but when faced with the current situation within the Democratic party; there is little choice left.
We should remember that the Republicans have had problems as well and not take joy in this matter.
We must all become more thoughtful of what is happening in America and recognize our real enemies and they are not our family, friends, neighbors, or members of the other party.
June 17, 2022 @ 9:52 am
Thank God that we have people like you two in our county. God bless you and your families and God bless the United States of America.
June 17, 2022 @ 11:18 am
My hat is off to both of you gentlemen for your steadfast loyalty, not to a party, but to the principles of good government and law enforcement. Thank you for your service to Pulaski County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. May God bless you both.
P.S. Sheriff Mike, I am so thankful to have you as part of the family.
Leonard Burcham
June 17, 2022 @ 9:34 pm
Democrats under FDR fed the people of this county. Democrats fought for civil rights of minorities. Democrats continue to embody the values of democracy. It saddens me you have turned your backs on these principles.
June 18, 2022 @ 3:13 pm
Lisa. Please read the article again so you can fully understand their sound reasoning for doing this. Releasing violent criminals to harm again isn’t protecting anyone’s rights. It’s violating them. Tying the hands of a jury isn’t doing so either.
Sadly the Democratic Party at the top has embraced progressive ideas that are way outside of the majority of American values. They push socialism which harms everyone in the end. They ignore those with values that don’t match their social agenda and force their agenda on the same.
This is not the same country as it was under FDR. Same name but the situation is entirely different. I for one am thankful our law enforcement leaders have made the decision they did,
June 18, 2022 @ 8:54 am
I cannot say how proud I am and thankful for you two to take a stand for principles we all cherish! May God bless and protect you both, and your families.