Eric Kolenich

The Henrico Doctors' abuse case has become an issue in the race for Congress between Rob Wittman and Shannon Taylor. Wittman accused Taylor, a Henrico prosecutor, of letting the nurse go back to work, resulting in more babies being hurt. richmond.com/news/state-regi…

Shannon Taylor lies. Shannon Taylor says Erin Strotman’s three-year sentence “wasn’t my choice” and blames Virginia’s sentencing guidelines. The court record says otherwise. The nine felony child-abuse convictions carried a maximum of 45 years. The guidelines, which are advisory only, suggested up to six months. Taylor then negotiated a deal with the defense: in exchange for the pleas, the Commonwealth would seek no more than three years. On June 5, 2026, Judge Richard Wallerstein imposed the full 45 years, five years on each count. But because Taylor’s plea agreement capped active incarceration at three years, he was required to suspend all but three. The judge didn’t treat the guidelines as a limit. He went past them and explained why in writing: “Written plea agreement. Guidelines fail to take into consideration the extent of the mental & physical harm for the most vulnerable children.” Three years was not the most Virginia law allowed. It was the most Taylor’s deal allowed.

NEWS: James Madison has accepted membership to the American conference. jmusports.com/news/2026/10/1…