Bestiality Sting Leads To Arrest Of North Potomac Man: Police

NORTH POTOMAC, MD — A North Potomac man was arrested Thursday in Virginia after trying to arrange a sexual encounter with a horse, according to Loudoun County Animal Services.

James Von Dundas, 67, is charged with attempted bestiality, a Class 6 felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $2,500 fine in the Commonwealth, court records show.

"Loudoun County has zero tolerance for criminal acts that include cruel and heinous behavior towards animals," LCAS Chief of Animal Control Chris Brosan said. "We routinely conduct investigations to protect all animals in Loudoun."

Authorities say Von Dundas solicited an undercover officer with LCAS, hoping to arrange a meet-up at Balls Bluff Park in Leesburg. When he arrived, Von Dundas was met by Leesburg Police.

"We recognize that proactive investigations are one of the best ways to ensure the community is safe," Department of Animal Services Director Nina Stively said. "We do not want to wait for crimes against animals to happen, we want to prevent them."

Following his arrest, Von Dundas was released on a $2,500 bond, and is prohibited from having contact with any animal pending trial, according to officials. The North Potomac resident is scheduled to appear in Loudon County General District Court on Monday, May 6.