12:00PM
Richmond, VA
MINUTES
Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council
Richmond, Virginia
November 7, 2024
Council Members Present
Officers:
Anton A. Bell (Hampton), Chairman
Bryan L. Porter (Alexandria), First Vice Chairman
R. Bryan Haskins (Pittsylvania County), Second Vice Chairman
David L. Ledbetter (Waynesboro), Secretary
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)
3. Colette Wallace McEachin (Richmond City)
4. David L. Ledbetter (Waynesboro)
5. Elizabeth K. Humphries (Fredericksburg)
6. Bryan L. Porter (Alexandria)
7. Steve Descano (Fairfax County) (Pre-approved Zoom)
Other Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Present
Donald S. Caldwell (Roanoke City)
Nate Green (James City County/Williamsburg)
Colin D. Stolle (Virginia Beach)
Ramin Fatehi (Norfolk)
Derek A. Davis (Surry County)
John Alexander (Botetourt County) (Zoom)
Heather D. Hovermale (Winchester) (Zoom)
Eric L. Olsen (Stafford County)
Michael D. Jones (Wythe County) (Zoom)
Amy K. Ashworth (Prince William County)(Zoom)
Marie Walls (Matthews County) (Zoom)
Russ Rabb (Culpeper County) (Zoom)
Tyler Klink (Charles City County) (Zoom)
Wendy Hannah (Cumberland County) (Zoom)
Leanne Watrous (Nottoway County) (Zoom)
Erin Barr (Chesterfield County) Zoom
CASC Staff Present
Elliott Casey
VACA Staff Present
Amanda Howie, Administrator
Call to Order
Mr. Bell called the meeting to order at 12:13 p.m.
Minutes
The draft minutes from the September 25, 2024, meeting were previously posted and circulated to Council. The minutes were approved as submitted.
Chairman’s Report
None.
Administrator’s Report
Mr. Casey reviewed the agenda items:
Old Business
CATF Update
Mr. Casey reviewed the CATF balance sheet reflecting account activity through September 30, 2024.
CASC Administrator Retirement
Mr. Bell reported the Council’s hiring committee selected a candidate from the applicants for the position of CASC director. That person will be submitted for a Council vote at the December 4 meeting.
2024 Executive Program Draft Agenda
Mr. Casey shared and reviewed a copy of the draft agenda for the 2024 Executive Program.
New Business
2024 CA Election Results
Mr. Casey reviewed the winners of the 2024 elections for Commonwealth’s Attorney, to wit:
Clarke County: “Matthew E. “Matt” Bass” (Previously Anne Williams)
Greensville County/City of Emporia: Phillip Nichols (Previously Patti Watson)
Essex County: J. Mike Sitton (Previously Vince Donoghue)
Westmoreland County: Chris Robison (Previously Julia Sichol)
Draft 2025 Meetings & Events Calendar
Mr. Casey reviewed the schedule of meetings and events for Council in 2025. The group made two changes in the proposed schedule for 2025: First, for Bill Reading #1, it said:
“Thursday January 9, 10:00 AM – Friday, January 12, 2025.” That appears to have been a typo and the group changed it to “Thursday January 9, 10:00 AM – Friday, January 10, 2025.” For Bill Reading #3, the members of VACA present decided to call it “VACA Crossover Bill Review” in the future.
2024 Comp Board New Officer Training
Mr. Casey reviewed the Compensation Board’s upcoming training for newly elected officers, including the CASC portion of that event, to be held December 11 – 13, 2024, in Richmond. Mr. Casey also mentioned that for the first time, this event will carry MCLE credits.
Summer Conference Faculty Request
Mr. Casey shared a request from Jill Harris, CASC Staff Attorney, regarding the CASC training curriculum at the VACA Summer Conference. Ms. Harris is seeking volunteers to teach a section on “Voir Dire in Mandatory Minimum Cases & Jury Nullification Issues.”
December Council Meeting Update
Mr. Casey reminded members that the December meeting will be on December 4, during the annual CASC Executive Program. There also will be a Council meeting on Friday, December 6, 2024, after the VACA Annual Meeting.
Public Comment
None.
Adjournment
There being no further business before Council, the meeting adjourned at 12:27 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting is December 4, 2024, 12:00 noon, at the Boar’s Head Inn, 200 Ednam Drive Charlottesville, Virginia 22903.