5 Shocking Updates On The Chesapeake VA Sheriff Office: Election Battle, Ethics Claims, And New Programs

The Chesapeake, VA Sheriff's Office is currently at the center of a high-stakes political battle and significant departmental changes as of late 2025. This office, responsible for the security of the Chesapeake Correctional Center, court services, and various community programs, is facing one of its most contentious election cycles in recent memory, marked by a write-in campaign and serious ethics complaints. The focus on correctional reform and community outreach remains strong, however, with the opening of a major new facility and specialized programs for veterans and victims. The upcoming November 2025 general election for the Sheriff of Chesapeake has become a focal point, pitting the incumbent against a primary winner in a dramatic contest that has drawn the attention of federal prosecutors. Beyond the political drama, the department continues to roll out key initiatives that directly impact public safety and the welfare of the inmate population, solidifying its role as a critical component of the Chesapeake justice system.

Key Figures and The Controversial 2025 Election Battle

The Chesapeake Sheriff's race is not a typical election; it is currently a two-way contest between a primary winner and the incumbent, who is running a write-in campaign following a primary loss and subsequent resignation from the Republican Party. This section outlines the key figures and the political landscape as the November 2025 election approaches.

• Incumbent Sheriff: Dave Rosado
  • Role: Current Sheriff of Chesapeake, Virginia.
  • 2025 Campaign Status: Lost the Republican primary but has launched a write-in campaign for the November 2025 general election.
  • Political Affiliation: Resigned from the Republican Party after the primary loss.
  • Allegations: Federal prosecutors have filed an ethics complaint alleging that Sheriff Rosado abused his authority to coerce employees into supporting his 2025 campaign, which could be a violation of the Hatch Act.
• Challenger: Wallace Chadwick III
  • Role: Republican primary winner and candidate for Sheriff.
  • 2025 Campaign Status: Projected to win the primary and is running against the incumbent's write-in campaign in the general election.
  • Political Affiliation: Republican.
• Other Key Entity: Undersheriff Pascal
  • Allegations: Also named in the ethics complaints filed by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, alongside Sheriff Rosado, for alleged campaign coercion.

The unprecedented nature of an incumbent running a write-in campaign after losing a primary and facing federal ethics complaints has made the 2025 Chesapeake Sheriff election one of the most closely watched races in the region.

New $29 Million Community Programs Center and Correctional Reform

A major development in the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office's focus on rehabilitation is the near-completion of the new Community Programs Center at the Chesapeake Correctional Center. This multi-million dollar investment highlights a commitment to reducing recidivism and providing inmates with the tools for successful re-entry into society.

The Focus on Inmate Rehabilitation and Re-Entry

The new $29 million facility is specifically designed to focus on comprehensive community programs for inmates. These programs are not just about passing the time; they are structured to address core issues that lead to incarceration, including mental health, substance abuse, and lack of professional skills. The ultimate goal is to equip individuals with the resources and mindset necessary to become productive citizens upon release, thereby improving overall public safety in the City of Chesapeake. One of the most specialized and lauded initiatives is the Veterans PTSD Program. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by incarcerated veterans, the Sheriff's Office introduced this program to support those dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other service-related mental health issues. This initiative is a critical component of the broader correctional reform efforts aimed at providing targeted, evidence-based care.

Critical Public Safety and Community Outreach Initiatives

Beyond the correctional center, the Chesapeake VA Sheriff's Office maintains a robust presence in the community and the courts, focusing on protection and support for the city's most vulnerable populations.

Support for Victims and Witnesses

The Sheriff's Office runs a dedicated Victim Witness Program to help victims and witnesses of crime navigate the often-complex legal system. This support is crucial during what is typically a traumatic and confusing time. A specific component of this is the Elder Victims Assistance Program (EVAP), which provides specialized assistance to senior citizens who have been victimized. These programs ensure that the judicial process is less intimidating and that victims feel supported throughout their ordeal.

School Resource Officers and Youth Safety

The School Resource Officer (SRO) Program is another vital service provided in partnership with Chesapeake Public Schools. SROs are highly trained deputies who work within the schools to ensure a safe learning environment, build positive relationships with students, and act as a resource for conflict resolution and education on topics like drug awareness and safety. This proactive approach to youth engagement is a cornerstone of the department's community policing philosophy.

Ongoing Law Enforcement Partnerships

The Sheriff's Office is also involved in critical partnerships that affect its operational procedures. Notably, the office has extended its partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This agreement now allows the Sheriff's Office to increase the hold time for individuals detained and awaiting ICE processing from 48 hours to 72 hours. This change has implications for federal immigration enforcement within the Chesapeake jurisdiction.

The Future of Leadership and Accountability

The outcome of the November 2025 election will undoubtedly shape the future direction of the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office. A victory for Wallace Chadwick III would bring a new leader to the office, potentially shifting priorities and approaches to correctional management and community engagement. Conversely, a successful write-in campaign by incumbent Dave Rosado would be a political feat, though the office would still have to navigate the fallout from the federal ethics complaints filed by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. Regardless of the election's result, the department's focus on specialized training for new recruits—covering essential skills like interpersonal communication, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operation, and law—demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a professional and highly capable force. The ongoing development of the Community Programs Center and the continuation of key initiatives like the Veterans PTSD Program and Victim Witness Program ensure that the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office will remain a central institution in the city's public safety and justice landscape for years to come.

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