SUFFOLK, Va. — Virginia Delegate Rick Morris announced Tuesday that he is not planning to resign from his position in the Virginia House of Delegates and will continue to fight against multiple charges of child abuse and domestic violence.
A statement from his attorney Nicole Belote says the following:
“Delegate Morris adamantly denies these allegations which are nothing more than distortions, misrepresentations, and lies, and he is confident that the truth will be revealed through the legal process.”
Morris has been charged with three felony counts of cruelty and injuries to children, three counts of child endangerment, three misdemeanor counts of domestic assault involving a minor, and two misdemeanor counts of domestic violence involving an adult.
The charges stem from multiple incidents that go back as far as December 2015.
In the wake of his arrest, several leaders from the Virginia House of Delegates asked Morris to step down from his position.
In the statement released Tuesday, Morris’ attorney says he will not be resigning.
“Delegate Morris respects Speaker Howell’s decision to request his resignation; however, Delegate Morris knows he is innocent and fully believes in the rule of law and the legal process. As such, he will not resign and will see this matter through to its conclusion.”
Morris’ next court appearance is scheduled for December 15.
