Delegate Mark Keam (D-Fairfax) is the first elected official to call for the resignation of Delegate Joe Morrissey (D-Henrico) who has been charged with having sex with an underage girl. Keam urged Morrissey to step down “to deal with his legal problems as a private citizen.”
“As with all criminal allegations, the accused deserves to be treated as innocent until proven guilty by … a jury of his peers,” he said in a statement. “But whether these charges ultimately prove to be true or not, one thing is absolutely clear — no person accused of such horrendous acts should hold a position of public trust.”
“The job requires each of us to uphold the highest standard of ethics in order to earn and to retain our constituents’ trust in their government. Unfortunately, just in the past few years alone, we have seen too many members of the House and the Senate, and even a governor, leave their positions under dark clouds of ethical lapses or criminal suspicions.”
Today outside the Henrico County Courthouse Morrissey told the press there is no chance he will resign because he is completely innocent of any wrongdoing.
Speaker of the House of Delegates, William Howell, has been silent on the charges against Morrissey. It would take a two-thirds vote of the House of Delegates to expel Morrissey.
9 comments
Why should he resign, it’s a tremendous Democrat resume enhancer.
While I’m a big believer of “presumed innocent” – there are alot of disturbing facts here as well as a long history of this Morrissey guy acting in a rather bizarre manner. The House of Delegates needs to put the stem on the apple and boot Morrissey and now.
All I know is what I read in the news. Maybe the twit is as innocent as the driven snow. But, nude photos? It is news to me that sex with a minor is not a felony. Even if he is innocent, is this what the Commonwealth wants in Richmond?
Morrissey was 55 years old at the time he seduced a 17 year old girl who was in his employ. One word comes to mind: “YUCK!” Morrissey has three daughters around his victim’s age. I wonder how he’d feel if one of his daughters was the victim of a lecherous middle-aged cad such as himself?
Del. Mark Keam has done the absolute right thing! I’m disappointed he is still alone in his stance.
Democrats don’t care about stuff like this. They’re about to put the Clintons back in the White House.
Kind of stupid that the state doesn’t have statutory rape laws, just misdemeanors and fines for exploiting teens. If I recall, that was what the whole Cuccinelli defense of the sodomy law was over. Some 40yo raped some 16yo, and the sodomy law presented the best opportunity to prosecute criminally. Of course the progressives went insane because it was a sex issue and they’re libertines, even on statutory rape.
One good thing about this Country… We have the presumption of innocence. I know for a fact – Law Enforcement can be a tool for someone’s agenda. Without having a wet ink ORDER entered on the record that ascertains the man’s innocence or guilt, I’ll uphold the presumption of innocence and allow the Courts to do its job and protect the man’s – due process rights. It’s interesting that this comes out right after Pucket steps down – not that there’s a relationship but noting the timing.
Keam’s statement: “But whether these charges ultimately prove to be true or not, one thing is absolutely clear — no person accused of such horrendous acts should hold a position of public trust.” ……is a good “throw-up in your mouth comment” to contemplate and kick around… Is he actually an American Citizen?
Btw: How old was the girl?
17
The issue isnt that she was 17. the issue is that Joe is 50(or whatever age he is) 17yr olds have sex all day long w/ 18-21 year olds and the Commonwealth passes those by with Prosecutorial Discretion. Im sure I’ll get blasted for that but like I said – Joe is the quintessential “Loosest of the loose cannons” and they knew what they were getting in that district when they put him there.