Latest news with #DonaldSmith
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Lawsuit filed against Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith seeks $5.3 million
A former Augusta County deputy is suing Sheriff Donald Smith in federal court for $5.35 million amid allegations he created a hostile work environment, violated the former employee's constitutional rights and sent him numerous text messages, some of which were allegedly sexually charged. The lawsuit was filed by Dennis B. Reynolds, who worked at the Augusta County Sheriff's Office as a deputy and K-9 handler from 2016 to 2023. "The violations are especially concerning because they were committed by an elected Sheriff who swore an oath to uphold the law but instead weaponized his official authority to retaliate against a subordinate seeking legally protected accommodation," the lawsuit states. Smith said he could not comment on the lawsuit. During Reynolds' time at the sheriff's office, the lawsuit says he and Smith exchanged more than 1,100 texts over 107 conversations, with almost 70 percent of them initiated by Smith. "The volume and content of these messages demonstrates the unusual nature of this supervisor-subordinate relationship," says the lawsuit, which also claims Smith "consistently sought personal rather than professional contact with Plaintiff." According to the lawsuit, in one of the texts, Smith is alleged to have commented on the size of Reynolds' genitalia, and in others he reportedly stated "I love you and just want you to be alright" and "You know I support whatever makes you happy … But I do miss you when I can't talk to you." One text reportedly showed that Smith invited Reynolds to stay at his Churchville home, and in another the sheriff allegedly told him he could "come cuddle," the lawsuit says. "Plaintiff was afraid to report this conduct because he feared losing his position or his K-9 partner," the lawsuit states. The texts would come into question after a vehicle crash involving Reynolds' brother, according to the lawsuit. Following the December 2021 accident in Augusta County, Reynolds reached out to the Emergency Communications Center and told them his brother would handle the accident, and requested that Virginia State Police not be notified. But after Reynolds' brother determined there was more damage to the vehicle than originally thought, according to the lawsuit, Reynolds contacted state police to report the crash. But in January 2022 during an internal investigation by the Augusta County Sheriff's Office, a trooper learned Reynolds had instructed the ECC not to report the incident, prompting a state police investigation into possible obstruction, the lawsuit says. During the state police investigation, which cleared Reynolds of wrongdoing, the lawsuit states, a search warrant for his phone was obtained. The lawsuit alleges Smith got wind of the search warrant and instructed Reynolds to delete any communications concerning the crash. "Defendant Smith further ordered Plaintiff to delete ALL text messages between Defendant and Plaintiff, going beyond just the accident-related communications and extending to their entire message history," the lawsuit states. Despite Reynolds being cleared, the investigation "created significant stress and anxiety," according to the lawsuit, negatively impacting his mental health. "Moreover, Defendant Smith's directive to delete evidence demonstrated a willingness to obstruct an official investigation and placed Plaintiff at risk of potential criminal liability, creating a profound ethical conflict in their professional relationship," the lawsuit states. The lawsuit claims Smith was aware of Reynolds' "mental clarity" issues as early as March 2020, when the sheriff signed an Optima Health Referral. In early 2023, Reynolds was diagnosed with a tumor on his spine. Ultimately, the tumor was not cancerous but Reynolds continued to experience physical pain as well as heightened anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms, the lawsuit states. More: Waynesboro drug dealer gets 7 years tacked onto sentence as more prison time looms By May 2023, Reynolds' mental health condition had intensified to the point where he required accommodations, including time off work to address his health and wellbeing. After requesting additional time off, the lawsuit states he was denied due to staffing needs, reportedly a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Eventually, Reynolds refused to sign any disciplinary letters and, after speaking with Smith, the lawsuit says he was immediately placed on suspension, turning in his badge, firearm and vehicle. In July 2023, the lawsuit says Reynolds was reportedly issued an official termination letter by Smith that listed the reason for separation as "resigned." That same day, Smith is said to have submitted a notification of eligibility for decertification to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. But in January 2024, Reynolds' certification as a law enforcement officer was reinstated on appeal, the lawsuit says. However, when Reynolds sought employment at the Nelson County Sheriff's Office, the lawsuit says he wasn't hired after being told of a "Brady letter" provided by the Augusta County Sheriff's Office. A Brady letter is a notice sent to law enforcement agencies concerning credibility issues. "Despite the Criminal Justice Services Board's ruling that Plaintiff had not lied and its decision to reinstate his certification, Defendant Smith continued the delivery of 'Brady Letters' to potential employers," the lawsuit states. In Reynolds' eight count civil lawsuit, he cites disability discrimination, defamation, First Amendment retaliation, a hostile work environment, and Family Medical Leave Act interference and retaliation. He is seeking $5 million in damages and $350,000 in punitive damages. Reynolds is being represented by attorney Elliot M. Harding of Charlottesville. The lawsuit was filed May 14 in the United States District Court in Harrisonburg. More: Trice retiring as superintendent of Virginia School for The Deaf and the Blind Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@ You can also follow him on X (formerly Twitter). This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Former deputy sues Augusta County sheriff for $5.3 million
Vancouver Sun
17-05-2025
- General
- Vancouver Sun
This Day in History, 1942: The Empress of Asia is sunk during the Second World War
On May 19, 1942, Vancouverites woke to shocking news: the iconic Canadian Pacific steamship Empress of Asia had been sunk near Singapore. 'EMPRESS OF ASIA FUNERAL PYRE,' screamed an all-capital letter headline in the Vancouver Daily Province. 'Giant Canadian Liner Now Pile of Twisted Steel in East Indies.' Built as a luxurious passenger ship for Canadian Pacific in 1912, during the Second World War the Empress of Asia had been converted to a military transport. It was bringing British troops to Singapore when it was attacked by Japanese planes. But news that it had been sunk was delayed over three months by the British admiralty — the ship had actually gone down Feb. 5. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The Empress of Asia was in a convoy of four transport ships escorted by the British cruise Exeter when the convoy was attacked by 27 Japanese planes. 'The Empress was last in line and came in for a severe attack, but escaped any direct hits, although bomb splinters damaged lifeboats and deck planking,' said a Canadian Press story in the Vancouver Sun. 'The lethal attack came while the convoy was approaching Sultan Shoal, 16 miles from Keppel harbour…' the story described as pilots had to slow down to travel through the mines area. The ship's chief officer Donald Smith said 'successive waves of low dive-bombers flew over (the ship) at an estimated height of 600 feet.' 'Finally the ship was hit, as far as can be ascertained, in three places simultaneously — forward of No. 1 funnel, after end of the lounge dome, and through cabin No. 126 on the starboard side. 'The bombs penetrated through all decks down to the Fan Flats, causing casualties and starting fires. Although fire parties sprang into action immediately, there was no water available, apparently due to damaged mains. The fire was soon out of control.' Incredibly, almost everyone on board was rescued when the Empress of Asia sank. 'Of 413 crew members and 2.235 troops on board, there were only 16 (killed),' said Dan Black, author of a new book, Oceans of Fate: Peace and Peril Aboard the Steamship Empress of Asia. 'An Australian warship, the Yarra, came alongside and did a very courageous maneuver. She was able to nudge herself along her port quarter and was able to take on something like 1200 to 1600 men off the Asia.' A May 19, 1942 story put it this way: 'The little fighting ship sidled up to the blazing liner and took off the men, all the time keeping her guns pumping lead into the bomber-filled skies.' The Vancouver Sun reported that 37 Vancouver men were aboard the Empress of Asia when it was attacked. (Vancouver had been its home port before the war.) Twenty-five-year-old Douglas Richard Elworthy of 26 East 7th Ave., Vancouver, had been killed, but the other 36 had survived. The news of the sinking had been delayed so long, 22 survivors were back in Vancouver when the tragedy was announced. The Empress of Asia was the second big Canadian Pacific ship to be the lost in the Second World War: the Empress of Britain had been sunk off the coast of Ireland on Oct. 28, 1940. The Empress of Asia was built by the Fairfield Shipbuilding Company on the River Clyde near Glasgow, Scotland. She was launched in November 1912, and had a twin ship, the Empress of Russia. 'Each ship measures 590 feet in length, 68 feet in breadth, and 46 feet in depth, and is of 15,000 ton gross,' said the Dec. 13, 1912 Province. 'The contract speed is 18 knots per hour. Each has accommodation for 1,100 passengers, 200 first class, 100 second class and 800 third class.' The large Canadian Pacific ships plying the Atlantic and Pacific were known as 'the White Empresses' for their gleaming white hulls. They were a key part of the CP motto, 'Canadian Pacific spans the world,' thanks to its railway and steamship lines. The Empress of Asia arrived in Vancouver on Aug. 31, 1913. After a couple of years as a luxury liner, she was taken over by the British navy during the First World War. She became a passenger liner again in the 1920s and 30s. An incredibly detailed scale model of the ship is on display at the Chung/Lind Gallery at UBC. jmackie@
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Twin brother of Augusta County sheriff pleads guilty to felony drug charge
STAUNTON — The twin brother of Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith appeared in Staunton Circuit Court on May 6, where he pleaded guilty to a felony drug charge. Ronald W. Smith, 42, of Churchville, was convicted of possession of a Schedule I or II drug. On Oct. 15, 2023, Smith was involved in a vehicle crash near Churchville Avenue and Va. 262, according to Staunton Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Matt Falwell. At the scene, Falwell said Smith began acting erratically and tried to walk away from police. Following a struggle, he was taken down to the ground and restrained. Smith was found to have a glass smoking device and a little less than three grams of methamphetamine, resulting in the felony drug charge. Prior to being sentenced, he apologized to his brother, Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith, who did not attend the hearing, as well as to other family members. "I'm very sorry," said Smith, who was in a wheelchair after suffering a fall while previously jailed. In a joint recommendation, Smith, who was represented by Staunton Public Defender Duane Barron, was sentenced to two years in prison with two years suspended, giving him no time to serve. He was also placed on two years of supervised probation. Smith, though, is still facing charges in Augusta County for an unrelated incident that took place a little more than two months after his Staunton arrest. During the late-afternoon hours of Dec. 26, 2023, Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith called his office and requested assistance with getting a stolen vehicle stopped. The vehicle, a semi-truck, was his. The sheriff said his brother was behind the wheel of the 2000 International that had a goose-neck trailer attached, and said he tried stopping the truck near the intersection of Churchville Avenue and Eagle Rock Lane but was unsuccessful. Authorities chased the semi to Verona, using a tire-deflation devices along the way. The chase ended at Clymore Elementary School, where Ronald Smith allegedly rammed a deputy's vehicle and reportedly attempted to pin a second deputy's vehicle between the semi and trailer. In May 2024, the Augusta County grand jury indicted Smith on two charges of attempted malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer, along with single felony charges of destruction of property and eluding. He's also facing a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated (first offense), according to court records. "Smith's life is completely different now, and he spends his time fighting for every little bit of movement he can recover after suffering devastating injuries while he was in jail," Barron said. Smith has a one-day jury trial set for Sept. 18 in Augusta County Circuit Court. The prosecution of the case is being handled by the Charlottesville Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. Smith remains free on bond. More: Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to benefit from Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive May 10 in Staunton, Waynesboro More: Area educators to perform free concert May 12 in Staunton as part of the Valley Wind Ensemble More: 'Diamond in the rough': Oak Grove Theater ready for its 72nd year of outdoor performances This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Brother of Augusta County sheriff pleads guilty to felony drug charge
