ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — A longtime Anne Arundel County police officer charged with rape and sex abuse of a minor is being held without bond, investigators announced Tuesday.
Sgt. James Brooke Shoults, 59, a 31-year veteran of the Anne Arundel County Police Department, is accused of sexually assaulting a teen during a sleepover at his home.
The alleged assault happened Jan. 10, according to investigators.
The teen told investigators Shoults gave her alcohol and was “really pushy” about her drinking. She said the alcohol made her feel dizzy and sick, according to investigators.
The teen said Shoults gave her pajamas with a hole in the groin area before getting into bed with her. She told investigators she objected, but alleged Shoults touched her inappropriately.
A judge denied Shoults bond on Tuesday, calling the allegations “extremely serious.”
Maryland State Police began investigating Shoults on July 20. He was arrested after a warrant was issued and served Aug. 31.
Shoults faces charges including second-degree rape, sex abuse of a minor and second-degree child abuse. He had been assigned to the department’s Bureau of Patrol.
Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal E. Awad said the allegations, if true, are “wholly inconsistent with the exemplary standards we expect from our police officers who are the keepers of public trust.”
Shoults has been suspended without pay.
Investigators are asking anyone with information related to this investigation to contact Senior Trooper Dustin Pope at dustin.pope@maryland.gov.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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