Heather Bell
BLACKSBURG – The Blacksburg Town Council has requested Council Member Liam Watson take a leave of absence from the council following his arrest in July on felony election fraud and illegally voting.
In a written response to the request, which was made on behalf of the council by Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin, Watson said he will not be taking a leave of absence.
“Given the nature of the charges that you are facing, the council believes that it would be in everyone’s best interests if you took a leave of absence while these charges are pending,” Sutphin said to Watson via email Aug. 7. “Council could take a formal action to approve the request and excuse your absences from meetings during that time. Town Charter § 3.10 (b) provides that the town council may excuse absences.
“I’d be happy to discuss this with you in person if you’d like; it would probably be a good idea to include a staff member in any such meeting,” he continues. “We also realize that you will likely want to discuss the implications of this with your legal counsel.”
Watson responded to Sutphin’s request Aug. 12.
“I am in your receipt of your suggestion that I take an approved leave of absence from my position as Councilman on the Blacksburg Town Council,” Watson wrote. “After careful consideration, I decline to accept your offer. I will not take a leave of absence from my position as Councilman on the Blacksburg Town Council. I look forward to continuing my representation of the people of the Town of Blacksburg.”
Watson was indicted by a Montgomery County grand jury. The Virginia State Police began an investigation in March 2024 after an allegation was made regarding election fraud. The investigation was assisted by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Watson was arrested on three counts of felony election fraud and one felony count of illegally voting.
