An Alford plea agreement entered in Henrico County Circuit Court Friday outlines the evidence prosecutors allegedly had against Delegate Joe Morrissey (D-Henrico).
Morrissey’s plea means he was convicted of a misdemeanor stemming from a sexual relationship with a teenage girl.
Included in the plea, several text messages Morrissey allegedly wrote to the teen.
“A pic you lying there fantasizing about me f*** you…send me a pic and then I’m gonna call you.”
Prosecutors also highlighted a text message Morrissey allegedly sent to a friend before sending that friend a naked picture of the 17-year-old.
“Hey Buddy, I just f*** her on my conference table and again on the floor for good measure!”
The girl’s father and sisters spoke to the media after the plea agreement.
“His conduct leading up to and in the courtroom he exhibits, is not that of a lawmaker.. or even a conscionable adult that should have the public’s trust,” the trio said.
Morrissey’s plea means he will spend at least three months in jail, but be granted work release to head to the General Assembly during session.
“This is the absolute biggest nightmare for the General Assembly and particularly members of Joe Morrissey’s political party, the democratic party,” CBS 6 political analyst Dr. Bob Holsworth said.
For that reason, Holsworth said he doesn’t believe Morrissey will remain a delegate.
“One can just imagine the pictures and the crowds that would be watching a delegate come in to the general assembly while he is on work release. My thinking is that over the next few days and certainly over the next few weeks, you’re going to see many calls for Joe Morrissey’s resignation,” Holsworth said.
Still, the people who voted Morrissey into office seem to have different opinions on the subject.
“He’s done a good job, and I don’t think this should interfere with his job,” Thomas Williams, who voted for Morrissey, said.
“I think he should step down…I’m shocked and appalled,” Sabrina Berkley, who also voted for Morrissey, said.
