Albemarle County Police Detective K.W. Robinson is back at his old job. Robinson was accused of beating detainee Corey Faison in August, an allegation that was shored up by the release of a video of the entire incident. Robinson was formally charged in December, and suspended from the force simultaneously. In January he was sent back to work, though in a limited capacity pending the outcome of the trial. In spite of that, Chief Miller has placed Robinson back on active duty. There is no policy in place that requires that Robinson’s duties be limited until the outcome of the trial. Detective Robinson has a history of misconduct: he was fired ten years ago by Chief Miller for kicking a man in the face while arresting him, though his job was reinstated by an appeals board. WVIR had the story on their 11pm broadcast last night.
Sideblog
Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
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this is rediculous, and thats all i have to say about it. i probably cant do anything to stop this idiot from being an officer of the law. how unfortunate… ::sigh::
Does the county have a “restorative” justice program for which Detective Robinson might be eligible?
Chief Miller does the majority of his officers and the citizens of Albemarle County a disservice by circling the wagons around assaultive officers. By putting Det. Robinson back on active patrol duty, he and whoever vetted the decision expose themselves and the County to serious liability should the detective again lose his temper while on duty. Esprit-de-corp is generally admirable, but this ill-advised action could eventually be mightily regretted. Det. Robinson should remain suspended or at the least given a desk assignment until his case is adjudicated. If found to have offended he should be kicked off the force. To do otherwise would seriously erode public confidence in law enforcement’s ability to self-inspect.