More than 11,600 Virginians have signed a petition demanding the removal of Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano, according to the Washington Times.
Recall Petition Surges After Daughter’s Murder
Cheryl Minter, whose daughter Stephanie was stabbed to death by an illegal immigrant with a 30‑plus arrest record, launched the recall effort.
She said the tragedy was preventable and blamed Descano’s policies for releasing dangerous offenders.
Descano Faces Additional Scrutiny
Descano, a Soros‑backed prosecutor, faces intense scrutiny after a recent incident in which he permitted a murder suspect to leave a state mental hospital on a 48‑hour pass.
Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda, found not guilty by reason of insanity, is now believed to reside in Tajikistan, raising public safety concerns.
House Judiciary Committee members accuse Descano of withholding information about alleged preferential treatment of illegal aliens.
A committee letter warned, “We reject your claims that our requests stem from a misunderstanding and reiterate our demand for cooperation,” adding that non‑compliance could trigger compulsory process.
Political Implications
Republican lawmakers argue that Descano’s policies prioritize criminal aliens over victim safety, a claim the prosecutor’s office disputes.
The growing recall effort reflects broader frustration with criminal‑justice reforms in Virginia and could influence upcoming elections.
