Thanks for keeping this going, folks. Updates are the top; I've moved the original diary and Update 1 down below the squiggle.
Update 3: Many of us have noticed the Rovian smell of these voter-suppression tactics. Several alert readers have pointed out the connection between Pinpoint Staffing (Small's employer) with Nathan Sproul's Strategic Allied Consulting. Now a link comes forth that nails it (h/t to Glen the Plumber):
http://www.bradblog.com/...
Update 2: Here's what we know so far about the arrest in Virginia of Colin Small for destroying voter registration forms.
So far I've only seen two mainstream (more or less) outlets pick this up, but these are good overviews:
http://www.latimes.com/...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...
A couple of sources are linking Small's employer, Pinpoint staffing, to Nathan Sproul's company, Strategic Allied Consulting:
http://notlarrysabato.typepad.com/...
http://www.bluenc.com/...
Check out Small's resume in his Linked In profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/...
Of course, it's just pure speculation to think this activity could be more widespread or politically motivated in any way!!!!! /snark (sorry, I couldn't resist).
Ok, back to serious business. Here are the charges placed Small:
Four (4) counts of Destruction of Voter Registration Application, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Section 24.2-1002.01, Code of Virginia
Eight (8) counts of Disclosure of Voter Registration Application, Class 5 Felony, Section 24.2-1002.01, Code of Virginia
One (1) count of Obstruction of Justice, Class 1 Misdemeanor, Section 18.2-460(A), Code of Virginia
These charges are based upon lengthy consultation with and assistance from the Rockingham County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office regarding the investigation.
Penalties for Class 5 felonies in Virginia:
(e) For Class 5 felonies, a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 10 years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.
H/t to
dances with beagles and
notagain for making the charges & penalty info easy for me to find. H/t to all who've provided links. This is probably all we're going to get tonight, but surely more will unfold if we help keep the pressure on the "media" to report it. Someone suggested clicking the various links, especially the mainstream ones, to give it more oomph with teh google. That's not a bad idea ;)
Here's the original opener of this diary, plus my first update:
Brief diary: This story is heating up the timelines on Twitter, where I first saw it. I don't see any diaries about it here, yet:
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/...
From the article:
A Pennsylvania man employed by a company working for the Republican Party of Virginia was arrested by investigators from the Rockingham County Sheriff’s office on Thursday and charged with destroying voter registration forms.
I've seen other tweets indicating that the employing firm and the GOP are involved, but haven't found any verification of that. I'm sure more will be revealed.
Get your popcorn ready ;)
Update #1: Readers on this thread have been posting some useful information about (a) the charges the suspect is facing and (b) sources supporting the connection between this guy's employer, Pinpoint, and the big firm Strategic Allied Consulting of FL voter suppression fame. Do read the comments. H/t's to all.
I would also like to extend my personal kudos to the good citizen who turned a tip last Monday that got the investigation going. According to the TPM article,
Hutcheson’s office began investigating after the manager at a Tuesday Morning store in Harrisonburg, Va., allegedly spotted a man on Monday afternoon throwing eight voter registration forms into a dumpster behind the shopping center where he works.
Finally, I'd like to note that there are several other diaries being posted about this story. Readers are urging that this gets more attention. I'm not proud; read 'em - link 'em - and rec 'em all if they're worthy!
Update 1a "aw, shucks": The Rec List - really? This is my first time. "blush" Thank you readers. And, I really need to break for some din-din and laundry. Keep it going, folks. BBL!