Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Sunday that he has pardoned a father who was convicted of disorderly conduct for protesting his daughter's sexual assault and the school's attempt to cover up the attack.
The Republican governor said in a statement that he granted an absolute pardon to Scott Smith, the father from Loudoun County "who was wrongfully prosecuted and convicted for standing up for his daughter at a 2021 Loudoun County School Board meeting."
Youngkin explained that after a careful review of the circumstances surrounding the case, it was determined that Smith should never have been prosecuted for being a good father and defending his daughter from an attack that was also covered up by the school's superintendent, who has subsequently been fired.
"In Virginia, parents matter and my resolve to empower parents is unwavering. A parent’s fundamental right to be involved in their child’s education, upbringing, and care should never be undermined by bureaucracy, school divisions or the state. I am pleased to grant Scott Smith this pardon and help him and his family put this injustice behind them once and for all."
The aggression of the minor
In May 2021, Smith's daughter was sexually assaulted in the bathroom of her Stone Bridge High School by another 14-year-old student who claimed to identify as a woman and was wearing a skirt, according to reports.
The father, upon learning of the attack, confronted school officials during a Loudoun County School Board meeting and criticized them for ignoring the red flags about the young man who was later convicted of two separate sexual assaults.
I’m pleased to grant Scott Smith a pardon. He is a dedicated Loudoun County father who was wrongfully prosecuted and convicted for standing up for his daughter at a 2021 Loudoun County School Board meeting after she was sexually assaulted at school. https://t.co/6dWf88U2b1 pic.twitter.com/WCEvciUfzT
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) September 10, 2023
Smith's protests led to his conviction for disorderly conduct. However, he will now finally be released again and reunited with his family.
Smith appreciates the insult
Smith issued a statement through his lawyers that was published on NBC4, in which he thanked the governor for the absolute pardon and highlighted the nightmare that he and the rest of his family had to live through.
"My family has been living a nightmare that no family in America should have to endure. But rather than sit quietly and take it, I decided to stand up against the government - and for that I was branded a 'domestic terrorist' and charged with crimes that I did not commit. I want to thank Governor Youngkin for his declaration that I am innocent, and for his absolute and unconditional pardon."
