Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has raised serious allegations against Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano, claiming that Descano’s office has been too lenient toward illegal immigrants charged with serious crimes. Miyares made these claims during a press conference outside the Fairfax County Courthouse, where he was joined by victims of crime who feel let down by the legal system.
Miyares stated that Descano instructs his staff to consider the immigration status of defendants when deciding on charges. This practice, he argues, leads to illegal discrimination against U.S. citizens, as they do not receive the same leniency as illegal immigrants. He pointed out that this approach violates both due process and a federal law from 1996, which prohibits states from providing benefits to illegal immigrants that are denied to citizens.
One example cited by Miyares involved Wilmer Ramos-Giron, who had been deported twice and was charged with choking his ex-wife and threatening her with a knife. Descano downgraded the charges to a misdemeanor, which could lessen the risk of deportation. Miyares contends that this decision was not in line with what the victim wanted, as she later clarified to the media.
Another alarming case involves Hyrum Baquedano Rodriguez, an illegal immigrant with a history of sex crimes. He was charged with attempting to abduct a child but had his charges downgraded, and eventually, they were dropped altogether. Federal authorities have since detained him for deportation.
Miyares also highlighted several other cases where illegal immigrants received reduced charges or were not prosecuted at all, including serious offenses like aggravated malicious wounding and child rape. He argues that these decisions create a dangerous precedent and undermine public safety.
The controversy surrounding Descano’s practices has drawn attention to broader issues in Virginia’s criminal justice system. Miyares criticized Descano for failing to enforce laws he disagrees with, which he believes has led to a lack of accountability for criminals. He noted that the lack of recourse for the Attorney General’s office in Virginia limits their ability to intervene in local prosecutions.
As the upcoming elections approach, these issues could become significant talking points for voters. Many Democrats have expressed concern over Descano’s handling of cases, especially after he declined to prosecute a registered sex offender who exposed himself in a girls’ locker room, citing the individual’s claims of transgender discrimination.
Victims of crime have shared their frustrations, feeling that the legal system has failed them. One victim, Janine, described how her rapist was let go due to missed deadlines by the prosecutor’s office. Another case involved a child victim whose abuser received a lenient plea deal despite having strong evidence against him.
Miyares concluded his remarks by urging Descano to refocus on his role as a prosecutor and to prioritize the safety of the community over political considerations. He emphasized the need for accountability and justice for victims, stating that the current approach is failing those who rely on the legal system for protection.
