Commonwealth’s Attorney Speaks Against City Noise Ordinance

Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Herring spoke Wednesday against the noise ordinance adopted by City Council in February, saying the law “is bad and needs to be stricken.”

styleweekly.com Don Harrison and Sara Dabney Tisdale.

Noise law exemption ‘probably unconstitutional’

Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring said the city should “scrap” the ordinance and adopt one based on set decibel levels.

Richmond General District Chief Judge Robert A. Pustilnik said, “I am not crazy about most language in the statute.”

timesdispatch.com Reed Williams.

Lilly Ann Pauley; Where’s the Reward for the Harvey/Baskerville-Tucker Murders?

Lilly Ann Pauley says she feels betrayed by the Richmond police department.

via wtvr.com Sandra Jones.

Police Officer Arrested for DUI

Henrico Police arrested a Richmond Police Sergeant Sunday night in Short Pump.

via wtvr.com.

Hung jury in Shockoe Bottom slaying; defendant to be retried

A bloodhound tracked Taylor’s blood from the crime scene to an alley behind Have a Nice Day. But no weapon was found and no effort was made to obtain gunshot residue from Taylor’s hands.

via timesdispatch.com Bill Mckelway.

Towing Fees – Letter From Victoria Benjamin

August 17, 2010

Mr. Taylor,

In response to your FOIA request included below – please be advised that the tow rate of $95 only refers to tows from public property owned by the City.  As such, the $95 rate pertains to a contract term included in the City’s contract for “public tows” from public property.  The Virginia Code allows local jurisdictions to contract and set contract terms for towing of public property – See VA Code § 46.2 -1217.

Victoria Pearson Benjamin, Esq.
General Counsel
Richmond Police Department

Towing Fees – Letter From Victoria Benjamin

June 8, 2010

Hi Mr. Taylor,

This email is in response to your email to the Mayor in which you asked a total of 6 questions.  For convenience purposes, I will include your questions along with their corresponding answers:

1. Do you intend to raise the parking violation towing fee from $65 to $95?

As of June 1st the parking violation towing fee increased to $95.

2.  Do you intend to raise the disable/stolen vehicle towing fee from $75 to $95?

I will need to verify this rate and get back with you.

3.  Do you intend to raise the abandoned vehicle towing fee to $95?

I will need to verify this rate and get back with you.

4.  Is the potential additional annual revenue approximately $313,000?

The projected increase in revenue for the city if the standard tow (parking violation towing) rate is increased to $95 was $36,236, with an overall profit to the City projected at $215,000.

5.  What portion will be given to Seibert’s Towing?

Under the new rate of $95, Seibert’s will receive $73 per tow.

6.  Is the portion given to Seibert’s Towing a gift?

The portion Seibert’s receives is their fee for providing the service, i.e. the time involved, the gas, the truck, the insurance costs, the labor cost, licensure of the driver, securing the vehicle, etc.

I hope this email has addressed your questions.  Please let me know if this prompts further questions.

Victoria Pearson Benjamin, Esq.

General Counsel
Richmond Police Department           

Johnson on loan to VUU as Interim Police Chief

When asked “Isn’t VUU a private school? Does Richmond have enough police to be loaning ‘em out like this?”, Richmond police spokesman Gene Lepley didn’t clarify, but stated that “the RPD has a responsibility to ensure public safety in the city.”

via chpn.net.

Two Richmond officers on loan to VUU

Richmond police and officials at VUU did not respond when asked whether the university is subsidizing Johnson’s and Bynum’s salaries or a portion of them. City police also would not immediately provide documents spelling out the agreement between city police and VUU.

via timesdispatch.com.

See, Public Fund – Public Purpose

Richmond police lieutenant charged with assaulting wife

Court documents say that Meadows allegedly assaulted his wife “by punching, scratching and choking her during an argument.” He also is charged with brandishing a firearm at her and allegedly saying that “if she called police, it would not be the end of the incident.”

via timesdispatch.com.