For months now, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax has asked that police open investigations into allegations that he sexually assaulted two women – one 15 years ago and the other 20 years ago.

But for months, both accusers have refused to talk to police. They both, however, want to testify under oath at a public hearing in front of Virginia lawmakers.  

We have to ask ourselves why. Could it be because lying to law enforcement would likely lead to jail time while lying at a legislative hearing would not?

Mr. Fairfax passed two lie detector tests and has asked for law enforcement investigations since February. Both accusers have been approached by prosecutors in both jurisdictions where the alleged assaults took place, but continue to deny requests to meet with police.  

If the accusers want to be taken seriously, they should stop pushing for a political show that would lead to a media circus — but not the truth — and, instead, talk with police. The criminal accusations they’ve made need to be investigated by law enforcement, not politicians trying to secure their own political futures.

TERRY ADAMS

Alexandria

The writer is a criminal defense attorney.