Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Morales is vying for a third full term in office while facing significant challenges from two well-known local attorneys. Nathan Chapman and Steve Heretick contend that Morales’ office has made numerous mistakes that have compromised justice in the community. This election cycle marks Chapman’s first attempt at public office, while Heretick, a former member of the Portsmouth City Council and state delegate, brings years of political experience to the race.
Throughout Morales’ tenure, her office has faced criticism for dismissing several high-profile cases, including murder charges. Judges have thrown out cases due to errors such as missing filing deadlines and failing to provide necessary information to the defense. Notably, a murder case was dismissed last year after a judge ruled that prosecutors violated the defendant’s right to a speedy trial. Additionally, all charges against a man accused of killing four individuals at a Portsmouth boarding house were also dismissed after the court determined that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence for trial.
In 2023, charges against an operator of an illegal home daycare, linked to injuries sustained by children in a fire, were dropped because prosecutors failed to meet required obligations regarding evidence disclosure. These incidents have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of Morales’ office. Currently, her staff consists of approximately half the number of prosecutors for which they are funded, and two of her attorneys have faced multiple suspensions of their law licenses.
Chapman highlighted the staffing issue, stating, “She can’t get people to work there because the office’s reputation is so bad.” He emphasized that the remaining staff is overburdened, which contributes to the mistakes that have raised concerns among the public and legal community. In contrast, Morales acknowledged that “staffing challenges” are common among chief prosecutors but noted that other offices in the Hampton Roads area are either fully staffed or nearly so.
Morales has indicated that her office is actively working to enhance recruitment and retention through initiatives such as training, mentorship, and partnerships with law schools. In response to criticisms regarding dismissed cases, she expressed her commitment to continuous improvement. “We are consistently working to strengthen internal systems, enhance training, and expand the tools available to our attorneys and staff,” she stated in an email. Morales emphasized the importance of streamlining case preparation and improving communication and workflow efficiency.
Heretick remarked that the errors made by Morales’ office are unacceptable. “These are very basic mistakes that should never happen,” he said. He pointed out that no other commonwealth’s attorney’s office in the state experiences the same level of case dismissals, suggesting a failure in management within Morales’ office.
Despite the criticisms, Morales expressed pride in her team’s professionalism and dedication. “Allegations of unpreparedness do not reflect the reality of the commitment and hard work demonstrated daily by the members of my office,” she stated.
Endorsements play a significant role in this election. Chapman has garnered support from the local Fraternal Order of Police and the Police Benevolent Association, while Heretick has received backing from several local politicians, including Vice Mayor Bill Moody and former Vice Mayor Elizabeth Psimas. Morales, on the other hand, has received endorsements from prominent state leaders such as Virginia House Speaker Don Scott and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott.
Financial contributions also reflect the competitive nature of this race. Morales leads with over $97,000 collected this year, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Heretick, who entered the race later, has raised $87,000 in less than six months, while Chapman has secured $21,000.
Both Chapman and Heretick have identified staffing as a priority and aim to rebuild the office’s relationships with local police and the community. “Portsmouth has a reputation as a dangerous city, and we’ve got to address that,” Heretick said, highlighting the need for a safer environment to promote economic growth in the region. Chapman added that he would focus on dedicating resources to asset seizure from convicted criminals, investigating cold cases, and addressing gang-related activities.
If elected to another term, Morales aims to expand crime prevention programs, provide increased support for victims, and enhance case management through improved technology. Each candidate presents their own vision for the future of the office, with Morales advocating for accountability under the law and statewide criminal justice reforms, while Chapman and Heretick emphasize the need for operational improvements and community engagement.
The upcoming election in Portsmouth is poised to be a pivotal moment for the local justice system, as voters consider the candidates’ qualifications and their plans for addressing the challenges facing the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.
