A candidate for the Patrick County Board of Supervisors has been arrested on multiple felony sex offense charges, according to Sheriff Dan Smith.
Malcolm Roach Sr., 70, of 170 Fairystone Church Loop in Stuart, was arrested Monday, June 9, on 10 felony counts of attempting to possess bestiality materials.
Smith said his office executed a search warrant at Roach’s residence on January 8. Computer devices seized during that search were analyzed by the Virginia State Police High Tech Crimes Division.
According to Smith, the analysis indicated that multiple bestiality websites were accessed between February 13–15, 2024. He also alleged the analysis showed attempts to delete content related to those websites.
Patrick County Commonwealth’s Attorney Dayna Bobbitt said the charges stem from indictments handed down by a grand jury seated in Patrick County on June 2.
An indictment is not a determination of guilt, but rather a finding that enough evidence exists to proceed to trial.
The indictments allege that Roach “unlawfully and knowingly attempted to produce, distribute, publish, sell, transport, finance, possess, or possess with the intent to distribute obscene material depicting a person engaged in sexual contact with an animal,” Bobbitt said.
Each offense is classified as a Class 6 felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.
“These charges reflect the Commonwealth’s commitment to thoroughly investigate and prosecute crimes involving obscene and exploitative content,” Bobbitt said in a Monday release.
“These investigations are lengthy, technical, and can be complicated,” Smith added. He said the investigation is ongoing.
Patrick County Sheriff’s Lt. Steve Austin is leading the investigation in coordination with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the Virginia State Police.
Roach was released on a $7,500 secured bond.
Last month, Roach announced his candidacy for the Smith River District seat on the Patrick County Board of Supervisors.
He attended the regular board meeting on Monday, June 9. Speaking afterward, he said he was shocked by the charges.
He said authorities initially seized his computer while investigating the death of his wife, Angela Laprade Roach.
“On the computer they found pornography. I’m not denying it, it’s there. But I counseled with a young guy who was on meth, and he come to my house quite often, would spend an entire day, and he’s doing well,” Roach said, adding that he made the mistake of letting the man use his computer.
“I came in, and I actually caught him looking at porn,” Roach said. “He lost his computer privileges, and that’s basically the whole story. There’s nothing else to it.”
He said he doesn’t know what authorities have done or are trying to do. “But at this time, all I can do is just push the paperwork onto an attorney and go on,” he said.
Roach said he still intends to run for the Smith River District seat in the November election.
“Why not?” he asked.
Roach has not yet submitted the necessary paperwork to qualify for the ballot. “I was going to do it today (Monday), but I was busy,” he said, chuckling.
“You know what? God is always in control, always. So, while I was there (sheriff’s office), I actually got to talk to a young guy, another young man who I helped with meth, but unfortunately, he had a relapse. But God put me in the right place at the right time, and I got to talk to him today too, so God makes good things come from bad,” Roach said, adding that people will make up their own minds.
“People who know me know, and people that don’t (know me) can come to a conclusion. They’re entitled to that,” he said. “But I’m not going to run, I’m not going to hide, I’m not going to stay at home. This is me, take it or leave it.”
