FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – A group of Franklin County residents has filed a 71-page formal complaint alleging violations of Virginia law by County Administrator Steve Sandy, Board of Supervisors Chair Lorie Smith and Vice Chair Nick Mitchell, escalating tensions over county government and the ongoing debate surrounding potential data center development.
The complaint, which is under review by Special Prosecutor Bethany Harrison, alleges Smith failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest during budget discussions involving a regional board on which she serves. It also accuses Smith, Mitchell and Sandy of violating Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act by discussing and deciding four budget items outside of public meetings.
The residents who filed the complaint wanted to remain anonymous. Franklin County resident Dennis Crumpler is not involved with the complaint but says he shares their concerns…