Written by: Sam Orlando
STAUNTON, VIRGINIA – In a significant legal development, Augusta County Deputy C.J. Taylor was found guilty for the second time of assaulting two police accountability monitors during a 2022 traffic stop in Staunton. Despite this, Taylor will avoid immediate conviction through Virginia’s deferred disposition statute—a tool that gives first-time offenders a chance at rehabilitation and avoiding a permanent criminal record. Taylor's case raises important questions, as the sheriff’s office he serves has historically opposed the very reforms from which he now benefits.
A Clear Finding of Guilt—Accountability, But No Conviction Yet
On October 10, Taylor entered a not guilty plea at his arraignment in Staunton Circuit Court, yet after reviewing the evidence, including damning video footage provided by the victims, A Staunton Circuit Court Judge ruled Taylor guilty of assault. The video, which captured Taylor's aggressive confrontation with Antwhon Suiter and Chris Shifflett, accountability monitors who were filming the traffic stop, was crucial in securing the guilty finding
However, instead of a traditional conviction, the court granted Taylor a deferred disposition. This legal tool, expanded under Virginia’s 2020 criminal justice reforms, allows defendants to avoid a formal conviction if they complete probation successfully. If Taylor complies with the court’s conditions, including probation, his record will be cleared. However, if he violates any terms, the court can enter a conviction, offering a safety net for justice.
Criminal Justice Reforms Working—But Benefitting Officers Like Taylor
This outcome is particularly ironic, given that Sheriff Donald Smith, Taylor’s superior, and other law enforcement officials have historically opposed many of the criminal justice reforms enacted in Virginia. These reforms include expanded access to deferred dispositions, which were designed to reduce incarceration for non-violent first-time offenders, and broadened civilian oversight of law enforcement.
Yet, it is Taylor—a deputy found guilty of assault—who now benefits from the very reforms intended to protect vulnerable individuals in the justice system. Taylor’s actions—assaulting two individuals during a traffic stop—highlight the contradiction: a law enforcement officer avoiding conviction under a legal structure his own department likely resisted.
Sheriff Donald Smith’s Lack of Action Draws Criticism
Despite Taylor’s repeated legal defeats, Sheriff Donald Smith has faced backlash for his refusal to take disciplinary action. Taylor has remained on paid leave throughout both trials, a decision that critics say undermines the accountability that the criminal justice reforms sought to establish. Publicly available salary records confirm that Taylor continued to draw his salary even after being found guilty in March 2024, further igniting frustration in the community.
Sheriff Smith's department has also drawn scrutiny for its failure to adopt body cameras, a reform advocated by many to increase transparency in law enforcement. Despite public calls for change, the sheriff’s office remains resistant to such measures, leaving many concerned about ongoing oversight issues.
A Permanent Digital Record—Accountability in the Age of Google
While Taylor may be able to avoid a formal conviction if he completes his probation, Google is unforgiving. The public documentation of his guilty finding, combined with the widespread availability of the video evidence, ensures that his actions will not easily escape public scrutiny. This digital footprint is an essential tool for future accountability, offering potential victims and advocates a way to track patterns of misconduct when law enforcement agencies fail to hold officers accountable.
Looking Ahead—Reforms at a Crossroads
Though Taylor has managed to sidestep a formal conviction for now, the guilty finding reaffirms the need for broader law enforcement reform in Augusta County. Deferred dispositions were designed to help non-violent individuals avoid the long-term consequences of a conviction. Yet, the application of this reform to a deputy found guilty of violent conduct challenges its purpose and underscores the need for stronger oversight.
As the community continues to push for more transparency and accountability in law enforcement, Taylor’s case will likely remain a focal point for advocates demanding change. His deferred disposition might allow him to escape a formal record, but the public will not forget.
Breaking Through News will continue to monitor this case and report on further developments in Augusta County’s law enforcement policies.
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