12:00PM
Richmond, VA
MINUTES
Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council
919 E. Main Street, Richmond
June 26, 2024
Council Members Present
Officers:
Anton A. Bell (Hampton), Chairman
Bryan L. Porter (Alexandria), First Vice Chairman
Shannon L. Taylor (Henrico County), Past Chairman
Council District Representatives:
1. Krystyn L. Reid (York County)(Pre-approved Zoom)
2. Matthew R. Hamel (Chesapeake)(Pre-approved Zoom)
5. Bethany A. S. Harrison (Lynchburg)(Pre-approved Zoom)
6. David L. Ledbetter (Waynesboro)(Pre-approved Zoom)
7. Elizabeth K. Humphries (Fredericksburg)
9. Robert M. Lilly (Giles County)(Pre-approved Zoom)
11. Steve Descano (Fairfax County)(Pre-approved Zoom)
Other Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Present
Donald S. Caldwell (Roanoke City)
Jeff Haislip (Fluvanna County)
Meredith D. Adkins (King & Queen County)
Jane Wrightson (Northumberland County)(Zoom)
Georgette C. Phillips (Isle of Wight)
Ramin Fatehi (Norfolk)(Zoom)
Derek A. Davis (Surry County)(Zoom)
Regina T. Sykes (Sussex County)(Zoom, then in person)
Megan L. Clark (Prince Edward County)(Zoom)
John Alexander (Botetourt County)(Zoom)
Heather D. Hovermale (Winchester)(Zoom)
Clarissa T. Berry (Madison County)
Eric L. Olsen (Stafford County)
Michael D. Jones (Wythe County)(Zoom)
Amy K. Ashworth (Prince William County)(Zoom)
Scott C. Hook (Fauquier County)(Zoom)
Rob Cerullo (Powhatan County)
Russ Rabb (Culpeper County) (Zoom)
Gray Collins (Colonial Heights) (Zoom)
Andrew Nester (Henry County) (Zoom)
Dayna Bobbitt (Patrick County) (Zoom)
Erin Barr (Chesterfield County) (Zoom)
Marie Walls (Matthews County) (Zoom)
Mary Pettitt (Montgomery County) (Zoom)
Rick Newman (Hopewell) (Zoom)
Susan Fierro (Prince George County) (Zoom)
Tiffany Buckner (Petersburg) (Zoom)
Tyler Klink (Charles City County) (Zoom)
Wendy Hannah (Cumberland County) (Zoom)
Guests
Lt. Saterfield, VSP
Olive Powhatan
Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorneys Present
Lori DiGiosia (Stafford County)
CASC Staff Present
Jane Sherman Chambers
Lida Kharooti Sayeed
VACA Staff Present
Amanda Howie, Administrator
Call to Order
Mr. Bell called the meeting to order at 12:02 p.m.
Minutes
The draft minutes from the May 8, 2024, meeting were previously posted and circulated to Council. The minutes were approved as submitted.
Chairman’s Report
None.
Administrator’s Report
Ms. Chambers introduced CASC’s newest employee, Lida Kharooti Sayeed, to Council members. Lida is CASC’s new Program Specialist. Ms. Chambers then reviewed the agenda items:
Old Business
CATF Update
Ms. Chambers reviewed the CATF balance sheet reflecting account activity through May 31, 2024.
CASC Finance Committee Meeting
Ms. Chambers reminded members that the CASC Finance Committee will meet at the conclusion of today’s Council and Board meetings. She estimated a 2:00 PM start time. The primary purpose of the meeting is to approve the CASC budget for FY25.
2024 Annual Summer Conference Draft Agenda
Ms. Chambers circulated the most updated summer conference agenda along with the Council meeting agenda. She noted that the selections for the “Best of Spring Institute” video replays have been added.
2024 CASC Legal Update for Law Enforcement
Ms. Chambers reminded members that CASC’s 2024 Legislative & Appellate Updates for Law Enforcement were circulated on June 4, 2024. The materials include both PowerPoint presentations and very lengthy handouts. The materials also are supposed to be linked on the DCJS website, but that has not happened yet. Mr. Casey sent DCJS a reminder, but so far they have not been uploaded. If anyone would like the materials to be resent, please email Ms. Chambers.
New Business
Powhatan County Therapy Dog Program
Hon. Rob Cerullo from Powhatan County joined the meeting, along with his special guest, Olive. Olive is a rescued Mastiff who has received training qualifying her to work as his office’s victim-witness therapy dog. He described the training that she received, noting that the program also collaborates with DOC where inmates work to train the dogs. His purpose in attending the meeting was to see if there was interest in a therapy dog “how to” presentation at the Executive Program. There was a unanimous positive response, so Ms. Chambers will ensure that they have 45 minutes on the 2024Executive Program agenda in December.
CASC 2024 Faculty Awards
Ms. Chambers circulated the 2024 CASC Faculty Award nomination packets with the meeting agenda. She reported that the Faculty Awards Committee members had all voted in favor of the nominations. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed to approve the nominations as submitted. The awards will be presented at the Annual Summer Conference.
Vacancy on CASC Faculty Award Committee
Ms. Chambers reported that Ms. Sichol’s ascension to the bench creates a vacancy on the Faculty Awards Committee. Mr. Lilly volunteered to fill the vacancy. He was unanimously approved.
Lease on Truist Place Suite
Ms. Chambers reported that the lease for the CASC suite in Truist Place will be renewed until May 31, 2030. She reminded members that the lease is negotiated and signed by the Department of General Services on behalf of CASC.
Adjournment
There being no further business before Council, the meeting adjourned at 12:24 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting is August 1, 2024, at 3:00 PM, at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel.