Adam Toghill v. Harold Clarke

**What happened:** Adam Toghill, who worked for the Virginia Department of Corrections, was convicted of computer solicitation of sodomy from a minor. After his conviction, Toghill challenged the case in court, arguing that Virginia's law violated his constitutional rights. He claimed that a previous Supreme Court case called Lawrence v. Texas, which protected certain adult consensual activities, should also protect his conduct. **What the court decided:** The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Toghill's challenge and upheld his conviction. The court ruled that the Lawrence v. Texas decision, which protects adult consensual conduct, does not extend to protect solicitation of minors. The judges found that Virginia's law against computer solicitation of minors is constitutional and valid. **Why this matters for workers:** This case shows that workers, including government employees, can face serious legal consequences for criminal conduct involving minors, even when using computers or technology. Constitutional protections for adult privacy do not shield employees from laws designed to protect children. Government workers should understand that criminal convictions, especially those involving minors, can end their careers and result in serious legal penalties.