Richmond Juvenile Detention Center criminal investigation | News

New information into accusations of fraud at the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center.

Thursday afternoon, prosecutors announced where the criminal case stands — and cleared up what's being called an unusual recommendation.

The move was in response to the state board of juvenile justice ordering the city to bring in a third party to investigate allegations of forgery at the detention center.

The Richmond's commonwealth's attorney, Michael Herring,  says he has no plans on sharing or surrendering the investigation to any third party.

"I don't plan to engage in a joint investigation. I don't intend to consult a third party on a charging decision," said Herring.

The announcement comes one day after board members with the state department of juvenile justice extended the probation period for the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center.

A condition of that extension — is to bring in a third party to investigate whether management at the facility forged training documents.

For several months the commonwealth's attorney has been investigating the matter.

"We've never been consulted, apprised, or notified that anyone was considering third party involvement.  The only thing I can gather is folks on the board were concerned with our pace or character of our investigation and thought or think they need someone else to come substitute for us," he added.

herring says, his office is in the process of interviewing people and reviewing documents to determine if a crime was committed at the detention center.

"This case will turn, at least the criminal case, will turn on the outcome of our investigation.  Until a judge orders me and the lawyers in my office to stop our investigation and turn our materials over to a third party we will continue to do it," said Herring.

The Richmond Juvenile Detention Center was placed on probation because of safety and maintenance problems.