
On the night of April 16, Corporal David W. Robinson was arrested in Henrico County and charged with multiple counts of cruelty to animals, as well as promoting or engaging in animal fighting.
Animal control officers seized 20 pit bulls from Robinson’s home in the 6400 block of Miller Rd. Four dogs were injured and were taken for veterinary care, police also recovered a dead dog from the property.
Henrico County police also found several pieces of equipment commonly used in dog fighting. ‘Breaker bars,’ a ‘pulling sled,’ and a ‘potable ring.’ Robinson claims that he has never used any of the items.
Robinson, who has been with the sheriff’s department since 2003, was released early Friday morning. His trial is scheduled for June 9. The case is still under investigation and more charges could be forthcoming.
Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody said of Robinson: “He done his job here, no write ups or anything like that nature but you never know what’s going on, on the outside.”
Despite the serious charges against him, Corporal Robinson will stay on the payroll.
Sheriff Woody told Richmond’s WWBT that Robinson will be placed in a “no contact” position.
*Reporter’s note: While under the law, we are all presumed innocent until proven guilty, law enforcement is always (and should be) held to a higher standard of conduct, than is the general public. It erodes public confidence in those who police their community, when an officer is found to be engaging in illegal activities.
To allow Corporal Robinson to stay on the job and draw a paycheck, courtesy of the Richmond taxpayers is outrageous and gives the entire department an undeserved black eye. Corporal Robinson should be suspended without pay, until his trial is concluded. If he should be found not guilty, the department could simply issue back-pay for the pre-trial period.