Agency: Virginia Parole Board Violated Law, Policies in Case

A report from the state’s government watchdog agency says the Virginia Parole Board and its former chairperson violated state law and its own policies and procedures in granting the release of a man convicted decades ago of killing a Richmond police officer.

Republican state lawmakers made the report public for the first time Thursday, a week after the agency shared a version with the press that was almost entirely redacted.

The report's findings deal with the board's decision to release Vincent Martin, who served decades in prison. The report says the board did not attempt to contact the slain officer family, among other violations.

House of Delegates Minority Leader Todd Gilbert spoke during a virtual news conference after Republican leaders released the report to media organizations. "I think shedding light on this report that has been very difficult to get our hands on should go a long way toward restoring public trust that this process does work to keep them and their families safe. But that remains to be seen. I think some actions need to be taken before that trust can be restored."

Republicans are calling for all members of the state parole board to resign or for Governor Ralph Northam to fire them.  Northam said Wednesday he did not plan any changes to the board.