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Nelson County OKs $23,862 for local digital-forensics system to speed investigations
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved $23,862 to buy Sellbrite forensic hardware, software and training so local investigators can extract data from seized phones and laptops without months-long reliance on neighboring jurisdictions, county officials said.
The Nelson County Board of Supervisors voted to fund a local digital-forensics system after prosecutors warned delays in extracting data from seized phones and laptops are hampering serious criminal investigations.
The board approved $23,862 to purchase Sellbrite forensic hardware and software, training for two investigators and a recommended high-capacity laptop, Commonwealth's Attorney (speaker 2) said. "We're at the good graces of Virginia State Police, Albemarle County, Charlottesville, Augusta, Amherst, or Bedford," he said, adding that sending devices elsewhere can delay prosecutions by months. "If we can get into the phone within the first 72 hours, a lot of information we can keep and save and protect and we don't have that," he added.
Why it matters: Prosecutors said the county currently relies on outside jurisdictions to process seized devices, which can slow indictments and impede evidence collection in major cases. The Commonwealth's Attorney cited a homicide investigation and child sexual-abuse cases where delayed access to phone data postponed charging and case development.
Details of the request: The Commonwealth's Attorney told supervisors the one-time budget request covers the hardware ($1,922), software ($9,250), training for two investigators ($4,845) and a recommended computer. He said ongoing costs would be licensing and software maintenance. "The total that I'm asking for is $23,862," he said.
Operational plan: Investigators will be from the Nelson County Sheriff's Office; the presenter identified "Sheriff Embry" and "Major Metchie" as the personnel who would run the system. He said training is needed so staff can testify as experts in court.
Board action and next steps: Supervisor (speaker 6) moved to adopt Resolution R-2026-16, approving the funding; the motion received a second and the board approved the request by voice vote. The county will purchase the equipment and schedule the training; supervisors did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting transcript.
