Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, a Republican running for governor, is calling for the recall of Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, a Democratic official, after the county released a suspect days before he attempted a kidnapping at a mall. Sears accused Descano of failing to protect Virginians by allowing high-profile criminals to remain free, including a man who is alleged to have tried to abduct a toddler just three days after his release from jail. The incident has drawn widespread attention and has become a major issue in Sears’s race against Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is also a Democrat.
Descano is currently under investigation by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has called for a review of the circumstances surrounding the release of the suspect, who had over 30 previous encounters with the law in Fairfax County. The case has sparked outrage, particularly among conservative and law-and-order groups, who are demanding stricter oversight of the county’s legal system. Sears, who previously faced criticism for her handling of immigration-related crimes, has made crime and immigration policy a central part of her campaign, citing the Trump administration’s policies as a model for her approach.
The controversy has also drawn the attention of other political figures, including Attorney General Jason Miyares, who has publicly criticized Descano’s approach to criminal cases, particularly with regard to high-profile individuals like Navarette Romero, an illegal immigrant accused of rape who was released back into the community. Additionally, Fox News Digital reported that Guatemalan national Wilmer Osmany Ramos-Giron, an illegal immigrant, was arrested by ICE after a plea deal from Descano’s office. Despite multiple felony charges, the suspect only spent two months in detention before being apprehended by federal authorities.
Descano’s campaign, which has previously contributed to Spanberger’s gubernatorial bid, now finds itself at the center of a contentious political debate. Sears has publicly challenged Spanberger to take a stance on Descano, asking whether she supports the current county attorney or a recall. The situation has further intensified the political divide in Virginia, with Descano’s alleged failures to protect the public serving as a focal point for both state and national-level discussions on law enforcement and criminal justice reform.
As the investigation into Descano continues, the incident has become a flashpoint for broader debates about the role of prosecutors, the handling of high-profile criminal cases, and the impact of political influence on law enforcement. The outcome of the recall effort and the resolution of the case could have significant implications for the future of public safety and the legal system in Fairfax County and beyond.