Late into Former Virginia Governor McAuliffe term, Merle Rutledge would directly confront the state on why Lydia Bowers, of Chatham, Va, whom was convicted in Danville, Va Circuit Court of sexual offenses to a minor, was allowed to continue working at Danville, Va Community College Daycare after she was arrested with charges pending. After months and months of Merle Rutledge reaching out for answers to state officials, Ralph Northam that inherited in part McAuliffe would have a staffer get back in contact with Merle Rutledge in regards to the allegations. In a FOIA request made by Merle Rutledge, it was clear that the communications between the Governor’s office was to make sure information was withheld in regards to any investigations or actions that was being made in response to the scandal. It was clear after the conversation between Rutledge and the Virginia Governor’s staffer, that whomever was suppose to report back to the Governor was to shield them of any responsibility. Rutledge says, “Nothing ever happen as a result of that conversation and the problems got worse, not better until I stepped up for the victim! The staffer made it clear that McAuliffe took the claims seriousness, but went short of any relief that could be done in the process. I would never hear back from them again in regards to this issue.
During this time, the victim family was harassed and even charged with offenses, as the brother of the victim was estranged and married to Lydia Bowers. Lydia Bowers family had strong ties to wealthy businessmen and even the mother worked for Ben Davenport of First Piedmont. Lydia Bowers would receive a 6 month sentence and the worse of the worse tape recordings of Lydia Bowers blaming the victim was unearthed and posted on Youtube. Governor McAuliffe made no effort to address this issue, while being the official head of all public colleges and universities in Virginia. During his tenure, protections for victims of sexual assaults would erode by the Democratic Party. Even to the point that now, schools are not required to report sexual assaults of children to their parents. All newspaper would fail to report on any information about Lydia Bowers still working at the Daycare around children while her case made it’s way through the courts. She would plead guilty to all of the charges.
In conclusion, 2021 Virginia Governor’s Candidate for the Republican Nomination Merle Rutledge Jr would go to bat for the victim that was dealing with the harassment and the threats that came from the Bower’s family and friends. Rutledge would lead the charge in trying to get answers to why a registered sex offender was allowed to work around children after being charged with heinous acts towards them at a Community College Daycare. Rutledge would also go to war with Lydia Bowers family by making sure everything unearthed from the investigation was posted online for the public to inspect. Rutledge had no care at all and with risk to his life and safety took on the pedophile intimidation propaganda with pure viciousness. Under the Democratic Party leadership – pedophiles, rapists, and murderers have been released in secret hearings by the now scandal ridden Parole Board and the victims are left defenseless. McAuliffe may have not signed the order, but he damn sure allowed the buttons to be pushed further on whether their is a adequate justice system in Virginia. Too bad, Rutledge wasn’t Governor than compared to the Democrats that has continued to leave sexual assault victims behind unless it’s politically advantageous to the Party.
Note: Victim name was withheld from this article, as she was a minor at the time of the assault and is protected by Virginia law!
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