Dear friends,
I believe it is time to elect a candidate who has the perspective and experience to restore faith in our system of justice in Henrico County. We need someone who is accountable to the courts, the Constitutions of Virginia and the United States, our law enforcement partners and most importantly, the citizens we serve. I do not come from a privileged background and have worked tirelessly over my career to answer the call of leadership.
My mother, 2 sisters and I, came to the United States in April of 1975 as Vietnam fell to communist control. While thousands perished in the open seas fleeing a horrible government, we were so blessed and fortunate to be part of the few who could evacuate by plane. After having lived in a refugee camp for several months, we were again grateful to be sponsored by caring church goers and relocated to our first home in Henrico County, Virginia. We waited for what seemed like an eternity, but again were blessed with becoming citizens of this great nation in 1985. We were granted a gift that so many others yearn for.
Growing up in an immigrant family in a new land and learning a new culture was no easy task. My parents worked 2 minimum wage jobs a piece to provide for a family of 5. Neither understood English and relied heavily upon myself and my sisters to take our lessons from ESL class home to them. Times were still lean in our household. My parents emphasized that education was the vehicle out of poverty.
I matriculated at the College of William and Mary and then on to the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. I began my career in public service as a prosecutor in the City of Richmond. I have prosecuted cases at all trial levels of the local courts. My career progressed at a rapid pace as I was promoted to managing an entire satellite office of 3 attorneys and 3 support staff members. The duties of management also required addressing matters with the general public, our local law enforcement partners and the courts. My management requirements also required me to assist in the training and development of many young attorneys under my watch.
I was tasked with the duty to investigate and prosecute the majority of homicide cases in South Richmond while managing the office. This was during the time period where Richmond was still experiencing a substantial violent crime average. I was able to build trust among the investigators as well as the families who were left behind to heal from the loss of a loved one.
The next stage of my career saw me creating and supervising a team of 4 attorneys known as the Gang Unit who investigated and prosecuted all crimes committed by gang members. Gangs steal our children from us. They offer a false sense of belonging that only ends in violence or prison. The experience of keeping our neighborhoods safe from predators led me to truly appreciate the value of intervention before prosecuting. This experience catapulted me to become more involved in our community and helping our youth make better life decisions to avoid the court system. You can tell my commitment to our community when you peruse the various events I have been a part of during my career.
I also had the distinct privilege to serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. My primary focus was prosecuting narcotics trafficking matters as well as illegal firearms cases. This tenure in the federal system provided me insight in how to become more efficient in investigations and prosecutions. The experience also instilled in me the understanding of cross-jurisdictional cooperation which is indeed necessary to help keep our communities safe and strong.
Because of my personal history and career background, I appreciate what it means to be a public servant. I enjoy the responsibility and trust of being the voice of those who are silenced by crime. I have fearlessly engaged in protecting the community against those who wish to create a hostile environment in our law abiding community.
As Henrico’s next Commonwealth’s Attorney, I will bring my experience and professionalism to the County. I will hold my assistants accountable to the victims, the community and to the Constitutions of Virginia and the United States. Because of my background, you will be getting an individual who has the character and perspective to lead the office charged with helping keep Henrico County safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Tony H. Pham
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