BLACKSBURG, Va. – Update;
Blacksburg Councilman Liam Watson was found guilty on all three charges he faced on Tuesday, more than two years after the election in question.
Watson was accused of two counts of election fraud and one count of illegally voting in an election during the November 2023 elections.
It took the 13-person jury a little over an hour to deliberate Tuesday afternoon. The witnesses for the trial included Blacksburg Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith, Watson’s mother and father and Watson himself. Both Watson and Hager-Smith were in the witness box for more than an hour.
Watson primarily discussed his history with the mayor, whom he considered to be a friend and mentor. He said Hager-Smith expressed that he needed to only be a Blacksburg resident before swearing in to the Town Council, not throughout the whole campaign process.
Watson also claimed that he was urged to run by Hager-Smith so he could oppose Rick Johnson, a candidate the mayor had deep personal problems with.
This is a developing story, and 10 News will have more information when it becomes available.
Original:
Monday marked the start of Liam Watson’s trial. The 26-year-old Blacksburg Town Council member is accused of two counts of election fraud and one count of illegally voting in an election during the November 2023 elections.
Watson allegedly listed a Blacksburg address as his place of residence even though he did not live there. Prosecutors say he split time living in Richmond and at his parents’ home in Montgomery County.
Watson claims he was following the recommendation of his mentor, Leslie Hager-Smith, the owner of the property and the current mayor of Blacksburg.
Hager-Smith testified for more than two hours. Watson tightly gripped a rosary and appeared very emotional during her testimony, as well as during the prosecution’s opening statements.
The trial will continue tomorrow in Christiansburg, with Hager-Smith expected back on the witness stand. A verdict could come before the end of the day.