NEW KENT, Va. (WAVY) — A source recently confirmed that a special prosecutor has been appointed in Jay Jones’ reckless driving community service investigation, though that person told 10 On Your Side that he will be unable to serve in that capacity.
Jones, who is the current Democratic nominee for Virginia attorney general, was sentenced to 1,000 hours of community service after a reckless driving conviction in 2022 in New Kent County.
The appointing of a special prosecutor came amid questions on whether Jones served some of the community service hours for his own political action committee. In addition, Jones is also under fire for recently unearthed text messages from 2022 in which Jones talked about shooting a former Virginia GOP House Speaker in a hypothetical scenario.
While a judge in New Kent County signed off on an order to appoint Williamsburg James City County Commonwealth’s Attorney Nate Green as the special prosecutor in the Jones’ case, Green stated a new order will have to be requested due to him being unable to accept.
When asked for a comment as to why Green could not accept the appointment, he would not give a reason why.
In addition, New Kent County Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott Renick also would not comment on why he is recusing himself.
Jason Miyares, the Republican incumbent for Virginia attorney general, released a statement following the announcement, which can be read in full below:
“The Attorney General is the chief law enforcement office of Virginia. Virginians deserve an Attorney General whose integrity is beyond question. Jay Jones had already disqualified himself with his violent text messages against political opponents and their children. Now we learn that he may have misled the courts to avoid jail time for recklessly driving 116mph. It is not possible for Jay Jones to fulfill the duties of that office while under an open criminal investigation. If Jay Jones stays in the race, it shows a contempt for voters never seen in modern Virginia political history. Jay Jones has not taken accountability for his words or actions. That fact has never been more apparent. For the sake of public trust and common decency, Jay Jones should suspend his campaign and withdraw from the race for Attorney General. Virginians deserve honesty, humility, and sound judgement in their top law enforcement officer. Jay Jones has shown time and time again that he possesses none of these qualities.”
10 On Your Side has also reached out to Jones for a comment, but have yet to hear back.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
