On the job

Sheriff’s office makes arrest

Yesterday, March 25, Goochland Deputies arrested Vernard Jefferson Kirby, 47, of Old River Trail in Powhatan for soliciting sex from a person he believed to be a fourteen year- old Goochland boy.

According to a press release distributed by Goochland Sheriff James L. Agnew, Kirby faces a charge of using a cell phone to solicit oral sex.

The arrest was the culmination of an investigation set in motion when a Goochland citizen delivered a note found under the Rt. 522 Maidens Bridge written by someone soliciting oral sex from “white Goochland boys” to the Sheriff’s office containing several phone numbers.

Goochland deputies began a text message dialog with Kirby and set up a meeting near the Maidens Bridge for the afternoon of March 25.

An undercover Chesterfield County police officer posing as a 14 year-old met Kirby around 4:30 p.m. During the ensuing discussion Kirby “proposed oral sex and other sexual acts.” Deputies arrested Kirby shortly thereafter and transported him to the Goochland Sheriff’s Office and eventually the Henrico Jail where he is being held without bail.

Agnew, deputies and Goochland Commonwealth’s Attorney Claiborne H. Stokes and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Nancy Oglesby, will meet on Friday, March 26 to determine if Kirby’s actions warrant additional charges.

Kirby will appear in Goochland General District Court on Monday, March 29.

This rapid and effective response to a potential threat to our young people is but one example of the effective and comprehensive community protection provided by the Goochland Sheriff’s Department. It is also a good illustration of collaborate between citizens and local law enforcement.

Law enforcement in Goochland is far more complicated than writing traffic “tickets” and catching burglars. We have the same kind of crime that is found in larger jurisdictions and fewer resources to for its prevention. In order to effectively remove bad guys from society, deputies must work closely with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to ensure that charges meet standards set forth by the law while protecting the rights of the accused.

We are fortunate to be served by a Sheriff’s Department that uses innovation to leverage limited resources for the good of the community.