Rape charge dropped for Alexandria sheriff’s deputy

WASHINGTON — An Alexandria sheriff’s deputy accused of having sex with a female inmate is no longer charged with rape.

Court records show prosecutors dropped the rape charge Thursday at a preliminary hearing for Bryant Pegues of Oxon Hill.

He is still charged with carnal knowledge of a prisoner by an officer, which includes sexual relations between an inmate and an officer without the threat or use of force.

A preliminary hearing on that charge is scheduled for July 9.

If convicted on the carnal knowledge charge, Pegues could face up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine.

The 52-year-old was denied bond when first arrested, and court records indicate that he is still in custody.

He has already been fired.

Statement from Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne:

“I want to advise you of new developments in the case of former deputy Bryant Pegues who was arrested last week for sexually assaulting an inmate. Today, the rape charge (18.2-61) against him was nolle prossed and I agree with the decision of the Commonwealth’s Attorney to drop this charge. The fact remains that he betrayed his duty to this Office and violated the public trust. The Commonwealth will continue its prosecution of him on the charge of Carnal Knowledge of an Inmate (18.2-64.2) and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 9.”

“Bryant Pegues was terminated by the Sheriff’s Office on May 27. The dropping of the rape charge does not change his termination from this Office.”

“Additionally, I have arranged for an outside agency to review this incident with regard to our policies, practices, training and procedures. This review will be conducted by highly experienced command staff from the Arlington Sheriff’s Office and will begin after the criminal case has been adjudicated.”

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