An investigation by Botetourt County Commonwealth's Attorney Joel Branscom has resulted in an indictment of former Mayor, Charles Dougherty Jr., of 37 felony counts of voter fraud by a Scott County grand jury.
Of the 37 class five felonies against Dougherty, 18 charge he helped people violate absentee voting procedures, 17 charge he made false statements on voter applications, and two are for conspiracy to hinder a free vote.
This guy is facing 37 felony charges for wanting to be the Mayor of Gate City, Jerry Kilgore's hometown. Dougherty could face up to 370 years in prison.
Many people told a state police investigator that they 'were voted' by the candidate. 'It's a new phrase that I am still trying to find a definition for - 'He voted me,' Branscom said.
Have you ever been voted? If so, you may want to contact Mr. Branscom.
I am sure everyone is wanting to know where this leaves Willie Mae, Jerry and Terry's mom.
[Branscom] said the investigation to date has found evidence to support charges only against Dougherty.Branscom noted that the probe is ongoing.
'When you stir a pot like this, you never know what might come up,' he said.
One is free to take that however he or she wishes, but it sounds like to me more indictments are forthcoming. The current and rightfully elected Mayor of Gate City, Mark Jenkins, hopes more are on the way.
The mayor said he hopes the investigation will yield additional charges against others whom he believes have been involved in manipulating the absentee vote in Scott County. "This has been going on for years," he said.
Now we just have to wait and see what comes out in Dougherty's trial and if any other indictments are made.