News Releases

WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN       

Highlights violent crime reduction strategies in Danville, shares statement on SCOTUS decisions, and marks the anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges 

RICHMOND, Va. -- Attorney General Jones visited Danville to discuss how the city’s violent crime reduction strategies could be utilized across the Commonwealth, shares statement on final decisions from the Supreme Court of the United States, which narrowly preserved birthright citizenship but attacks trans rights on the final day of Pride month, and highlights the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI).

Keeping the Commonwealth Safe 

Attorney General Jay Jones visited Danville, Virginia on Friday, June 26, to discuss the city’s violent crime reduction strategies and resources. Danville reported a historic 40-year low in violent crime for 2025, continuing an overall crime reduction trend there for a sixth year in a row. Attorney General Jones praised the collaboration between these entities and for the progress they have made together in service of their communities.   

PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Visited Danville to Highlight Historic Crime Reduction Initiatives   

“As communities around the Commonwealth look to reduce violent crime and keep their residents safe, it was a privilege to sit down with local leaders from Danville to learn more about the partnerships they have built to achieve a 40-year low in violent crime,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “The tremendous results we are seeing in Danville demonstrate that when we bring a diverse set of stakeholders together and work to address the drivers of violent crime comprehensively, we can make a difference. I applaud local leaders for their efforts and look forward to seeing continued progress in the years to come.”   

Danville Register & Bee: Virginia AG highlights Danville’s crime decline in visit 

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones hosted a discussion Friday morning on Danville’s drastic reduction in violent crime. 

Ten years ago, Danville had a record-breaking 16 homicides — fueled by gang warfare — that rattled residents and put a negative spotlight on the city. 

[...] 

Danville has only recorded one homicide this year. That was a shooting involving multiple people that left four others injured. 

“When we talk about Danville, we have to talk about crime reduction and the things that you've been doing in this community to find real success,” Jones said at the talk Friday morning at city hall. “One of the things that I feel very strongly about in my role as attorney general is using these conversations to find solutions that may work in your community that we can take elsewhere.” 

WSLS: AG Jay Jones highlights Danville’s crime reduction efforts as model for other Virginia communities 

Virginia Attorney General (AG) Jay Jones visited Danville to highlight the city’s efforts to reduce violent crime and discuss how its approach could serve as a model for other communities across the state. 

AG Jones met with city leaders and community partners during a crime reduction roundtable, where officials discussed the partnerships and programs they credit with helping Danville reach historic lows in violent crime and overdoses. 

“We want to make sure that we’re spreading that message and going into other communities that may need to find some new solutions,” said AG Jones 

The roundtable brought together 15 people involved in the city’s crime prevention efforts, including Danville Mayor Alonso Jones, Vice Mayor James Buckner and Violence Prevention Manager Robert David. 

[...] 

“I think we have a unique situation here in Danville,” David said. “We have various resources coming together in order to fight the violent crime in the city.” 

Danville officials say the city saw violent crime reach a 40-year low in 2025, decreasing by 28%. The city also reported a 48% reduction in overdoses during the same year. 

David said addressing the root causes behind violence, including poverty, education gaps and a lack of resources, has been central to the city’s strategy. 

WSET: Virginia attorney general praises Danville's crime reduction efforts during visit 

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones visited Danville on Friday to meet with city leaders for a roundtable discussion on reducing violent crime, as the city celebrates a historic drop in crime rates. 

According to the Danville Police Department's 2025 Crime Statistics Report, violent crime fell 28 percent in 2025, contributing to the city's lowest overall crime rate in 40 years. The report shows declines in homicide, aggravated assault, robbery and rape. Property crime also decreased. 

City officials credited continued collaboration between law enforcement, community organizations and violence prevention programs for the progress. 

"There's really no boundaries on what can be done as a whole," said Robert David, the city's violence prevention manager. "We continue to grow and continue to do the work that we've been doing and create this atmosphere where everyone is welcome in the city." 

Safeguarding Fundamental Rights  

As the U.S. Supreme Court finished up announcements from this term, Attorney General Jay Jones reflected on some of the decisions released.   

PRESS RELEASE: Statement from Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones on Today’s United States Supreme Court Rulings 

“Today’s birthright citizenship decision is a victory for the Constitution of the United States and the basic promise that every child born in this country is born under the full protection of American law. But we should never have come this close. President Trump’s attack on birthright citizenship placed real families and children in unnecessary fear and uncertainty. There was no crisis, no ambiguity, and no lawful basis to cast doubt on the citizenship of children born in America. Trump tried to manufacture doubt where the Constitution leaves none. 

“I am profoundly saddened by the Court’s decisions in Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J., which weakened the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection for trans youth who deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to grow up without being made the subject of political battles. And in National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission, the Court’s misinterpretation of the First Amendment further empowers big money in our politics, weakens anti-corruption safeguards, and makes it harder for the voices of everyday Americans to be heard. 

“As Attorney General, I will continue to defend Virginians, protect fundamental rights, and work to ensure the law remains what it must be: a shield for the people, not a tool for discrimination or unchecked political power.” 

Reaffirms Commitment to the LGBTQ+ Community 

On the 11th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court of the United States decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, Attorney General Jay Jones recognized the significance of this moment, the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, the perseverance and persistence of advocates, and the dedication of the legal team that fought to bring this right to reality. The Office of the Attorney General reaffirms its commitment to creating a Commonwealth that is safe and fair for all, particularly our vulnerable communities who are under attack at the federal level.  

Attorney General Jones stopped by a Richmond PRIDE event and took a photo with members of He, She, Ze and We, a local advocacy organization. 

PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Celebrates Anniversary of Marriage Equality Decision in Obergefell v. Hodges   

“On this day 11 years ago, after decades of courageous and tireless advocacy, the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges declared once and for all what should have been the law of the land long ago – that marriage equality is a fundamental right no matter who you are or who you love.   

This decision came just one year after my predecessor, Attorney General Mark Herring, made the historic announcement that he would not defend the unconstitutional Virginia Marriage Amendment, which defined marriage as solely between one man and one woman. His action and steadfast commitment to fighting for Virginians’ rights was vital to the legalization of same-sex marriage our Commonwealth. The Obergefell decision then solidified that right for the rest of the nation.  

This is a day to celebrate the immense progress that Virginia has made, and it is also a day to recommit ourselves to the important work ahead to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community as we collectively strive for a fairer and more equal Commonwealth. This November, Virginians will have the opportunity to make their voices heard in this fight as they consider a constitutional amendment that will permanently enshrine the right to marriage equality in our constitution and finally eradicate the hateful and bigoted language embedded in our constitution today.   

“I am confident that Virginians will do the right thing and vote “yes” on the ballot referendum. And as Attorney General, I will continue to fight for the LGBTQ+ community and aggressively defend against any efforts to erode or attack Virginians’ right to marriage equality.”   

PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Celebrates PRIDE Month   

“Across Virginia, LGBTQ+ individuals contribute to our communities as teachers, first responders, small business owners, public servants, and so much more, which is why I’m so proud to honor the resilience, joy, and courage of LGBTQ+ Virginians today in celebrating PRIDE Month,” said Attorney General Jones. “It is also a time to reflect on the important work that lies ahead to ensure that every Virginian can live and love openly and authentically without fear. That is why my office is working tirelessly to rebuild our Office of Civil Rights in order to stand up for and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ Virginians.”    

OAG Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Helps Solve Cold Case 

On June 15, 2026, thanks to the evolution of DNA technology, Maurice Muhammad Moore was sentenced to life in prison for a crime he committed in 1992. Original DNA testing was unable to identify a suspect at the time. Over three decades after the crime was committed, the kit was retested under an Office of the Attorney General Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) grant program using state-of-the-art DNA testing. This new testing identified Moore as the primary suspect through a Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) hit.   

PRESS RELEASE: Richmond Jury Convicts Man for Sexual Assault in a 34-year-old Cold Case   

“The Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative has brought resolution and justice to a case that had gone unsolved for far decades, delivering justice for the victim of this heinous crime and bringing closure to the victim’s family and loved ones. I’m proud of the dedication and close collaboration between the Richmond City Police Department, Richmond City Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, and my office’s SAKI team, which brought this cold case to a just resolution,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “My office will continue to provide every resource available to law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth and work to support sexual assault victims, always.”   

NBC12: Man sentenced in 34-year-old sexual assault cold case 

A Richmond jury has convicted Maurice Muhammad Moore in a sexual assault case dating back to more than 30 years, after modern DNA testing helped investigators identify a suspect. 

Original DNA testing conducted in 1992 was unable to identify a suspect. More than three decades later, the sexual assault kit was retested through the Office of the Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) grant program using updated testing methods. 

That work identified Moore as the primary suspect after a hit through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), officials said. 

[...] 

Jones credited collaboration between the Richmond City Police Department, the Richmond City Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, and the Attorney General’s SAKI team. 

###