HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- After several viewers contacted CBS 6 with concerns over what appeared to be flexibility with the terms of State Delegate Joe Morrissey's jail work release, we took those concerns to Henrico County Sheriff Michael Wade.
Wade said because of Morrissey's position as a state lawmaker, his situation was unique. The sheriff insisted some changes have been made to ensure Morrissey would not receive special treatment.
Morrissey would only be allowed out of jail from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., instead of the original curfew which was set at 10:00 p.m. Morrissey was still limited to where he can go. He wears an ankle monitor which allowed deputies to know where the state delegate was every moment of the day.
"Right now he's on a leash," Sheriff Wade said. "We know where he is at all times and really basically he's at his office, the General Assembly building or he gets approval to go somewhere else."
Last week Morrissey was sentenced to 12 months in jail with six months suspended after he was convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The charge stemmed from allegations the 57-year-old lawyer was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old member of his legal staff.
Sheriff Wade said Morrissey is serving his time at Henrico County's Regional Jail East "where doctors and lawyers" typically go after being sentenced.
When questioned at this General Assembly office on Monday, Morrissey refused to comment on the growing number of politicians calling for his resignation.
"I’ve got some constituents that need some matters taken care of," Morrissey said from outside his office. "I’ll make my decision on what to do certainly by the end of the week."
Morrissey’s law partner, Paul Goldman, was at the Capitol Monday, researching the history of impeachment proceedings. Goldman said no member has ever been expelled for a misdemeanor charge.
