Richmond sheriff accused of sexual battery

RTD-VERY POOR Journalism in this matter. An investigation of an allegation made??? In an environment such as a city jail where people are brought in under all kinds of conditions that can impair their judgment ranging from a mental disorder, drug addiction to intoxication it is very likely there are allegations of this nature made on a regular basis. For all those who have worked in receiving/intake at city lock up they can attest to this.

The fortunate thing is all complaints are taken seriously and investigated even if they are “unfounded”. This incident could very well be a result of a weekender DUI who was brought in and due to a drunken state of mind which resulted in beligerent behavior had to be restrained and felt or believed as though she was being sexually assaulted, made this statement and this is what initiated an investigation.

This also could very well be someone who was sexually assaulted according to the state code definition and Sherriff Woody is guilty, has been doing this for years to multiple victims, this is the first one who has spoken up and now he will be revealed and a predator will have been captured.

My point is we don’t know and for the newspaper to throw out this minute bit of information under these circumstances is not newsworthy to me. It almost appears slanderous and defaming.

If your newspaper were to print an article everytime one of my teenage children accused me or their father of doing something to cause harm in their lives, we would be on the front cover at least once a week. I will not ever deny we are perfect parents and have not made mistakes and of course their accusations do not equate with anything close to “sexual battery” however they can easily take something as small and innocent as reaching down to help them pick up their back packs and something accidentally falling out on their foot and turn it into assault and battery in no time flat and they honestly believe it and will have you believing the same. Sometimes you have to consider the source.

That’s the purpose of an investigation.

Sexual Battery is also a misdemeanor

I am someone who has worked for the last three sheriff’s in Richmond. what I see in these comments is typical of what happens when news like this crops up.
1. Supporters of the sheriff will proclaim his/hers innocents. Their job may depend on it.
2. Those against the sheriff will naturally point the blame of guilt regardless of the situation. These are probably individuals who were terminated by the sheriff, or a disgruntled employee who may wish bad tidings to the sheriff. To a lesser extent it may be former inmates who had a bad experience while incarcerated at the jail.

As for RTD report on the situation, I see no sinister conlusion to this. What I see is what has happened in response to the (allegation)in this report. Notice that the words allegation and alleged have been used, I see no conclusion in this report.

This is my opinion fwiw.

I am truly disappointed in the Richmond Times Dispatch for their irresponsible journalism in demonstrating such a lack and absence of “context”.  We certainly know and respect Sheriff C.T. Woody, however, some of you are drawing sinister conclusions, based on “news” that a faceless & nameless woman has made allegations of sexual misconduct against him.  What is HER name, who is she, what is she, does she have a personal or professional agenda she’s pursuing, or an “ax to grind” perhaps? I was pleased with some of my citizen’s comments about negating a “rush to judgment,“ however, disappointed by such comments as rendered by “123456” (original) in which he draws an unsubstantiated and arbitrary opinion that in most cases involving accused individuals, who possess reputations of integrity and character, that they are typically guilty.  123456, have you ever noticed in your “research”, that such allegations are in fact alleged against individuals much younger than in their 60s, and most often, by those who are known to have demonstrated a “pattern” of such deviant behavior? It’s all really quite academic though, because C.T. Woody will emerge the victim, in this unfounded slanderous venture. (Unfortunately, he is already a victim.) I know C.T. Woody, I know him well, personally and professionally.  I don’t simply “know” that he possesses character, but rather, I know his character, and I know his integrity!  I worked with him for years in a time and a place where character was tested often.  He always stood steadfast, with his inherent character, guiding him.  He has continued, through the years, to demonstrate great character and integrity, and he always will, no matter the circumstances.  Character, or a lack, thereof, is a part of one’s very being.  Sheriff Woody is character. I know nothing of his accuser . . . do you?  Finally, 123456, why don’t you “sign your work?“  My name is Jim Crotty and my email is:

Woody has a loyal following here, as evidenced by the comments, but its strange because it appears none of these devotees seem to know why they look up to him. One commenter below said “I do not know Mr. Woody and have never met him, but I have a lot more respect for him than I do for most of the others.“

????? Its like one person back in the very beginning touted Woody as “a man of integrity” & everyone else simply joined the bandwagon afterward. Without knowing why. Because my neighbor said he was a good guy.

He might be innocent, he might be guilty. Time will tell. Your perception of his character has nothing to do with that. But if turns out the lady is lying then yes, she should be given serious time in prison (not counseling, as is usual). Sexual charges are serious.

I hope these accusations are not true. I do not know Mr. Woody and have never met him, but I have a lot more respect for him than I do for most of the others that work for the city. He has done a lot better job than the sheriff before him. I will hold my judgement until the facts come out.