Chesterfield Sheriff Leonard declines interest in VADOC director position under Gov.-elect Spanberger

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- When asked by Democratic Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger's administration about his interest in the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) director position, Chesterfield County Sheriff Karl Leonard reportedly declined.

Before Spanberger's inauguration on Saturday, Jan. 17, VADOC director Chadwick Dotson announced on Tuesday, Jan. 13, that he would be leaving his position at the end of the week as part of the standard transition process.

Following the announcement, the department thanked him for his service and boasted his crackdown on drugs in the prisons, as well as the creation of the Virginia Model -- a program where inmates are rewarded for good behavior -- and for achieving one of the lowest recidivism rates in the country.  

Despite his accolades, Dotson’s departure comes on the heels of a tumultuous time in the VADOC, which has experienced rampant understaffing, as well as the killing of Jeremy Hall, the first corrections officer killed on the job in 50 years. 

Dotson was appointed to the role in 2023 by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R).

With the VADOC director position opening up, and Spanberger's administration's search for a replacement underway, Leonard was asked about his interest, according to a spokesperson for the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office.

The spokesperson clarified to 8News that Leonard was not offered the position, but was instead asked about his interest, which he reportedly declined.

Leonard has become well known in the community for founding the Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) program, which has provided therapeutic and educational approaches for inmates struggling with addiction in Chesterfield since 2016.

Less than two years ago, during the 2024 general election, Leonard endorsed then-former President Donald Trump while in uniform in a video shared by multiple users on social media.

A spokesperson confirmed the video's authenticity to 8News, which was filmed outside of the opening of Trump's campaign office in Chesterfield County.

Though Spanberger's cabinet picks have rolled in steadily over the past weeks, it is not yet clear who will take up the role.

8News has contacted Spanberger's office for comment. This article will be updated when new information becomes available.