York County — The York County & Poquoson Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, under Commonwealth’s Attorney Krystyn Reid, has secured funding through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services’ Witness Protection Grant Program, strengthening its ability to protect witnesses, support victims, and ensure accountability in serious criminal cases.
The grant provides resources to assist witnesses and their families who may face intimidation or danger as a result of their cooperation with law enforcement and prosecutors. Funding may be used to provide short-term assistance, including lodging, transportation, food, medical needs, and relocation support, allowing witnesses to safely participate in the justice process.
While Virginia established a witness protection program in 1994, it was not funded until 2023 following bipartisan support in the General Assembly. This funding now allows Commonwealth’s Attorneys and law enforcement agencies to move beyond policy and provide real, on-the-ground assistance to witnesses facing credible threats.
This grant builds on the office’s recent work securing convictions in serious felony cases and coordinating with law enforcement across jurisdictions. Recent cases have resulted in decades-long sentences for violent offenders, including a 27-year sentence in a fatal DUI case and more than 48 years in a double homicide and arson case, reflecting the office’s continued focus on accountability and justice for victims and their families.
“From entirely preventable tragedies that take innocent lives on our roads to violent crimes that devastate families and communities, our responsibility is the same — to pursue the truth, hold offenders accountable, and ensure victims and witnesses are protected and supported every step of the way. This work does not end with a conviction; it continues in how we safeguard those who come forward and make justice possible,” said Commonwealth Attorney Krystyn Reid
The Witness Protection Grant Program provides up to 90 days of temporary assistance to individuals at risk due to their involvement in serious criminal cases, helping reduce intimidation and strengthen the integrity of prosecutions.
In recognition of National Victims’ Rights Week (April 19–25), the office is also supporting a community event, “Listen. Act. Advocate.”, on April 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 159 Goodwin Neck Road in Yorktown. The event will bring together legal services, crisis response teams, and community support organizations, offering residents the opportunity to learn about victim rights, connect with local partners, and access available services.
The grant also aligns with broader public safety efforts being advanced by the office, including support for the development of the Guardian Network app, a proposed statewide platform designed to centralize missing persons alerts and make critical information more accessible to the public.
Together, these efforts reflect a coordinated approach to public safety that prioritizes both prevention and accountability, ensuring that victims, witnesses, and the broader community are supported at every stage.
By securing this funding, the York County & Poquoson Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office continues to expand its role not only in prosecuting crime, but in building systems that strengthen trust and improve outcomes across the region.
