Sheriff Robby Richardson didn’t pull any punches Monday night when he stepped up to the podium at the Board of Supervisors meeting. Before even getting to his requested agenda item – a grant discussion – the Sheriff laid out some sobering statistics from recent law enforcement activity right here in Appomattox County.

Richardson detailed a significant drug roundup, rattling off numbers that should get any resident’s attention: 17 individuals arrested recently on drug charges. The indictments included multiple counts of possession and distribution of methamphetamine, along with charges involving heroin and the deadly synthetic opioid, fentanyl. Worryingly, several charges involved possessing firearms while dealing drugs. “That’s 17 drug users and dealers off our streets that were here in the county,” Richardson stated flatly, adding that drugs found during the arrests would lead to further charges.

He wasn’t finished. The Sheriff also reported arrests related to violent crimes, including four indictments for sexual assault of a victim under 13, another involving a victim under 15, plus charges of sodomy by force, object sexual penetration by force, rape, and indecent liberties with minors. “That’s all happened within the last few months in this county,” he emphasized, driving home the point: “We’re working diligently to make sure we get stuff off the streets… That’s why we come to you and ask for more people and ask for more money to make sure these streets are safe.”

With that stark backdrop established, Richardson pivoted to his reason for being on the agenda: seeking the Board’s commitment for a potential grant match. The Sheriff’s Office applies annually for a JAG (Justice Assistance Grant), which requires a local match – in this case, 25%. If fully awarded, the grant would bring in federal funds to purchase roughly $68,663 worth of updated technology, primarily Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) for patrol cars and new office computers.

The need, Richardson explained, is pressing. The department is still running on Windows 10, an operating system nearing the end of its supported life, leaving them vulnerable. Furthermore, IT Specialist Ace Bailey (who works with the county and Sheriff’s office) has been pushing for MDT upgrades for some time. The grant would allow these necessary upgrades with the County only needing to potentially pony up $17,165.75 (the 25% match). Richardson needed the Board’s commitment to that match before finalizing the grant application.

Supervisor Reverend Jones quickly made the motion to commit the matching funds, seconded by Supervisor Carter. After confirming with County Administrator Adams that the funds wouldn’t be needed until the next fiscal year (starting July 1) and amending the motion to specify the match would be “up to” the $17,165.75 figure, the Board voted unanimously in favor.

It was a clear sequence of events: the Sheriff lays out the serious challenges his deputies face on the streets, then asks for the tools needed to keep doing the job effectively, and the Board gives the necessary (potential) financial backing. Just another night tackling crime and budgets in Appomattox County.