Suffolk’s top prosecutor, Commonwealth’s Attorney Narendra Pleas, is running for her second four-year term leading prosecutions in the city. Pleas first won the seat in 2021, following the retirement of Phil Ferguson, who was the city’s prosecutor for 44 years. A Democrat, she faces local attorney Patrick Bales, who is running as an independent.
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Patrick Bales
The Virginian-Pilot did not receive a response in time for publication from Patrick Bales.
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Narendra R. Pleas
Age: 47
Employment: Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney since 2022. Experience as a prosecutor in Emporia and Greensville and Sussex, deputy commonwealth’s attorney in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science from Agnes Scott College; law degree from Indiana University.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Website: pleas4suffolkva.com
What do you believe is the most important issue facing the office now?
Our greatest issue is that the work of law enforcement is seen as inherently negative. There are great people serving in this office working tirelessly to ensure the rights of all are upheld. They strive to protect this community and often do it in the shadows. They expect no commendations and many of them would prefer you not know them at all. The job of prosecutor requires a person to have excellent moral character and fitness, always remain above reproach, and to be prepared to do what is fair and just — even if that decision is unpopular; not all who apply are qualified for this role. We do this work because it is a calling, and while the perception of others may occasionally mar the many strides we make; we press on. It is crucial that we maintain the trust and help of our community and that our community knows that we will continue to zealously fight for its safety.
Why do you think you’re the best candidate for the job?
Having served as a prosecutor for almost 20 years (10+ in Suffolk), I am uniquely qualified for the job. I am able to navigate the systems affecting this office, willing to collaborate to achieve our goals, and I continually reassess to ensure we are delivering our best product to our citizens. Since taking office, we have launched our Behavioral Health Docket. Individuals charged in our lower courts with crimes linked to their mental health may have the ability to receive services in lieu of serving active jail time. In further addressing the needs of the Suffolk community, we launched our Environmental Justice Initiative. This has been a years-long effort in partnership with various city departments to investigate and prosecute environmental crimes. I am the best candidate because I care about the safety of Suffolk and am willing to make the changes needed to grow with the city.
If you could pick only one solution, how would you reduce violent crime in our community?
The occurrence of violent crime has nothing to do with the prosecutor’s office, or the police, and everything to do with the ills of society. Greed, jealousy, hatred, failure to respect humanity – these are just some of the causes of violent crime. Personally, I think we, as a society, could start by treating others the way we would wish to be treated. This was one my mother’s favorite biblical requirements to quote while raising us and one that if followed, would inherently reduce violent crime. For example, you would not want someone to shoot you so you, in return, would not shoot another. You would not want to go hungry, so you feed someone else, so that they do not rob to eat. It is really quite simple. But to make it work, we all have to subscribe to this viewpoint, and clearly, collectively, we do not.