Press Releases
Official statements and announcements from the Sussex County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.
Showing 22 releases
Sussex County Circuit Court Sentences Shelton Lemarshall Hardy to 83 Years of Active Incarceration
On July 15, 2026, Judge Wallace W. Brittle sentenced Shelton Lemarshall Hardy to an aggregate 83 years of active incarceration following his jury conviction on two counts of First Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder, Malicious Wounding, three counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and related charges.
Sussex County Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Offenses Involving a Minor
Ryan O'Neal Williams, Jr. pleaded guilty to Forcible Sodomy, two counts of Indecent Liberties with a Minor, and Aggravated Sexual Battery, and was sentenced to the maximum 22 years of active incarceration on June 10, 2026.
Commonwealth's Attorney Issues Statement on New Virginia Laws Taking Effect July 1, 2026
Commonwealth's Attorney Regina Sykes issued a statement regarding several new Virginia laws taking effect July 1, 2026, that will impact Sussex County residents, including updates to domestic violence protections and firearm regulations.
Sussex County Defendant Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter in Death of Jarrod Hill
A Sussex County man charged in connection with the January 14, 2026 death of Jarrod Hill has pled guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter and Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Sussex County Circuit Court.
Commonwealth's Attorney's Office Joins Community Discussion on Elder Abuse Prevention and Mental Health Awareness
The Sussex County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office joined Pastor Dillard and his wife for an important community discussion on elder abuse prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month on May 21, 2026.
Commonwealth's Attorney's Office Participates in Friends & Family Day at Liberty Baptist Church
The Sussex County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office joined the community for Friends & Family Day at Liberty Baptist Church in Waverly on May 17, 2026, celebrating fellowship and community connection despite the summer heat.
MMIW Awareness Day – Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People
On May 5, 2026, the Sussex County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office paused to honor and remember the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people, standing in solidarity with the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia.
The Mission Does Not End With the Month: A Commitment to Advocacy Beyond April
As April closes, the Sussex County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office reflects on Child Abuse Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and National Crime Victims' Rights Week — and reaffirms that the commitment to advocacy continues every day of the year.
National Denim Day – Standing With Survivors, Challenging Victim-Blaming
The Sussex County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office observed National Denim Day on April 29, 2026, standing in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence and advocating against victim-blaming.
Office Participates in National Crime Victims' Rights Week
The Sussex County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office and Victim/Witness Assistance Program participated in National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19–25, 2026, reaffirming the office's commitment to supporting crime victims.
Important Courthouse Reminder – Dress Code Enforcement
A new order from the Chief Judge of the 6th Judicial Court District requires all visitors to the Sussex County Courthouse to follow updated dress code standards. Members of the public who do not meet these requirements may be denied entry.
Sussex County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office Joins Statewide Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative
In recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Sussex County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office announced its participation in a statewide awareness initiative to educate residents about recognizing and reporting human trafficking.
CAO Staff Adopts Family from Sussex DSS Christmas Angel Tree
This holiday season, the staff of the Sussex County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office came together to adopt a family from the Sussex Department of Social Services Christmas Angel Tree, giving back to the community and helping make the season brighter for a local family in need.
Faith & Blue: Commonwealth's Attorney's Office Joins Sussex Sheriff's Office Community Event
The Sussex County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office was honored to participate in the Sussex County Sheriff's Office's Faith and Blue Event — a day dedicated to unity, fellowship, and strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the community.
Sussex County Grand Jury Indictments – November 2022
The Grand Jury sitting for Sussex County handed down indictments on November 3, 2022 against seven individuals on charges ranging from Aggravated Sexual Battery and Grand Larceny of a Firearm to Forcible Sodomy and Aggravated Malicious Wounding.
Leonard Myron Gray Convicted of Use of a Firearm, Reckless Handling of a Firearm, Reckless Driving and Assault
Commonwealth's Attorney Regina Sykes announced that a Wakefield County man has been sentenced to serve 4 years in prison following a jury conviction on charges of Assault, Use of a Firearm, Reckless Driving, and Reckless Handling of a Firearm.
Adrian Timothy Dobbs Convicted of Rec/Buy Stolen Goods >$1,000 & Larceny W/I Sell, Distribute
Commonwealth's Attorney Regina Sykes announced that a City of Hopewell man has been sentenced to serve 1 year and 6 months in prison following his guilty plea to Receiving/Buying Stolen Goods over $1,000 and Larceny with Intent to Sell or Distribute.
Damontae Lamar Diggs Convicted of Use of a Firearm & Robbery
Commonwealth's Attorney Regina Sykes announced that a Suffolk County man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison with 10 years suspended following his conviction for Use of a Firearm and Robbery in Sussex County Circuit Court.
Attorney General Miyares & Sussex CA Sykes Announce Indictments Against Four MS-13 Gang Members in Killing of K-9 Rivan and Assault of Correctional Officer
Attorney General Jason Miyares and Commonwealth's Attorney Regina Sykes announced that a Sussex County Grand Jury returned multiple felony indictments against four MS-13 gang members for the April 2, 2024 assault of a correctional officer, stabbing death of K-9 Rivan, and stabbing of a prison inmate at Sussex I State Prison.
County Staff Meet to Address Truancy Problem
Commonwealth's Attorney Regina Sykes joined staff from the 6th District Judicial Court, Sussex DSS, Sussex County Schools, Court Services Unit, and the Sussex Sheriff's Department for their third collaborative meeting to address truancy and chronic absenteeism in Sussex County.
Cori Antoine Redd Convicted of Murder & Armed Burglary
A Sussex County jury convicted Cori Antoine Redd of Murder and Armed Burglary following a trial in Sussex County Circuit Court. The conviction stems from a violent home invasion resulting in the death of the victim.
Sussex County Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk – Walking Together in Strength, Hope, and Remembrance
Survivors, advocates, families, and community members walked together on October 9, 2025 in Sussex County's Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk — united in strength, hope, and remembrance, with support from more than a dozen state and local partner agencies.
Media Inquiries
Members of the media seeking comment or additional information regarding any press release or office matter may contact the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office directly.