Hutcherson resigns
By Conor Reilly mreilly@newsadvance.com May 4, 2006
Dozens of city workers and friends gathered at City Hall on Wednesday to listen to Lynchburg Mayor Carl Hutchersons announcement. With about four meetings left until his term expires, Hutcherson resigned his post on City Council after he was convicted of federal fraud charges Tuesday.
Hutcherson, 62, was flanked by his son and daughter as he made the somewhat-expected announcement.
I know what happened here, the now former mayor said. As difficult as this is for me and my family, I respect the jurys verdict and I accept my own responsibility in these matters.
The mayor was not forced by any law to step down Wednesday. State code allows public officials to stay in office after a felony conviction until all appeals are exhausted, according to City Attorney Walter Erwin.
The dozen jurors found Hutcherson - who served on council for the past decade - guilty Tuesday night of fraud, lying to investigators and obstruction of justice.
Now Vice Mayor Joan Foster will preside over meetings at least until June 30. Thats when the newly elected City Council will be constituted. Hutcherson looked weary Wednesday, but his spirits werent especially low at the news conference.
He spoke briefly with reporters as he walked in to council chambers. He joked, perhaps with a good deal of seriousness, that after today, you guys can beat up on someone else.
But the mood was far different from the first news event Hutcherson held in December, when he said he would serve out his term despite the federal governments intervention in Lynchburg politics.
City officials walked up to put their arms around the mayor and to offer well-wishes.
City Manager Kimball Payne came to listen.
Its just a very sad thing, Payne said after the announcement. Hes doing what he thinks is best for the city.
Virginia United Methodist Church Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer is also reviewing Hutchersons position as pastor of Trinity church, according to a news release.
I am very saddened to learn that (Hutcherson) was convicted on all counts... . she said in the statement.
Hutcherson temporarily stepped down as pastor after he was indicted in December.
Vice Mayor Foster said that while Hutchersons personal troubles continue, we as City Council can now put this behind us and get on with the business of running the city.
Or as Payne said with a shrug, time to move on.
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May 3, 2006 Jury finds Lynchburg Mayor Carl Hutcherson guilty on all counts
A federal jury in Roanoke Tuesday night found Lynchburg Mayor Carl Hutcherson guilty as charged of seven fraud counts and related charges. He'll be sentenced later.
The case grew out of a public corruption investigation after the Bank of the James reported suspicious activity in Hutcherson's personal account.
A $32,000 donation from the Jerry Falwell Ministries caught the attention of bank examiners in 2004. That led to the discovery that Hutcherson had misappropriated Social Security funds. Hutcherson then lied to the FBI and tried to cover up his illegal activity.
It took the jury just 90 minutes to reach a verdict. Hutcherson sat stone faced as the verdict was read.
Some members of Lynchburg city council said Tuesday night they were saddened for the mayor personally, but wished he had resigned months ago. Council members Michael Gillete and Joe Seiffert both said Hutcherson should resign so the city can move forward.