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Delegate Rick Morris speaks out for the first time since domestic violence arrest

Posted at 6:06 PM, Oct 06, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-06 20:58:14-04

SUFFOLK, Va. - Virginia Republican Delegate Rick Morris called the abuse allegations against him lies.

The comments were the first time News 3 had heard from him directly.

Delegate Morris repeatedly said he appreciates everyone’s concern of this situation.

It’s clear – he’s having major issues in his marriage.

Records state that a few weeks ago he asked his wife for a divorce.

"The truth is going to come out not all these lies distortions and lies more lies," said Delegate Morris.

He said the domestic violence charges against him are not true.

Morris was in the Suffolk Courthouse Thursday morning after his September 21 arrested.

He's accused of physically abusing his 11 year-old stepson and wife Kathryn.

Morris is facing seven felonies and several misdemeanor charges.

Last week he also took three charges out against his wife claiming she was the abuser.

Records state that Morris accuses his wife of grabbing and screaming at him on several occasions.

Kathryn Morris said she is not going to discus the charges against her.

The Morris' both took out protective orders against each other.

Kathryn Morris lawyer said, "The only thing that we're going to say is that she understands the seriousness of the situation. Her main concern is for the children and I'm going let the court decide what they are going to decide."

The Virginia GOP House leaders asked Morris to resign, but he declined.

Morris repeatedly says he appreciates everyone’s concern and said the truth will come out.

Morris and his wife are scheduled back in court for their criminal cases on December 15.

Their protective order hearing was continued and rescheduled for October 18.