Kanawha County Prosecutor to seek heaviest possible sentences for violent offenders through new initiative, VOICE

CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Kanawha County Commissioners joined with Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney, Debra Rusnak on Monday to announce the Violent Offender Initiative for Community Empowerment – also known as VOICE.

The initiative, Rusnak says, will serve as a means of standing up for the victims of violent crimes throughout the county, Additionally, the initiative will see the highest possible bonds and sentences sought out for offenders charged with violent crimes.

“This program is designed to hold the most violent offenders accountable including no agreed bond reductions for any defendant charged with a violent gun crime, violent sex crime or violent crimes against children,” said Kanawha County in a statement.

It was additionally stated that no agreed release for treatment or misdemeanor pleas on felony charges will be considered for offenders being charged for violent crimes involving firearms, sexual misconduct, or children.

Kanawha County Commissioners Marc Slotnick and President Lance Wheeler were in attendance for the announcement on Monday morning, with the Commission commending the efforts of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the VOICE initiative.

“The Kanawha County Commission strongly supports this initiative,” read a statement from the Commission. “Great job Prosecutor Rusnak and her team for getting this up and running.”

Rusnak was sworn in as the Prosecuting Attorney for Kanawha County by Judge Tera Salango in June to fill the vacant, unexpired term of retired Kanawha County Prosecutor, Chuck Miller. The term will continue through the remainder of the year.

Rusnak joined the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for Kanawha County in 2017 and would serve the county as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney before stepping into the lead role vacated by former Prosecutor, Chuck Miller.

“I am honored, I am humbled, and I am driven. I am so excited to serve as your Prosecutor,” she said upon being sworn in before members of the Kanawha County Commission.