Rape Of Child Results In Lengthy Prison Term For Severn Man

SEVERN, MD — A 38-year-old Severn man has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for the sexual abuse of a minor and four counts of rape. James Robert IV was found guilty of the charges by a jury Nov. 7, 2019. This was the first case in the State of Maryland where a comfort dog accompanied a victim when testifying during a trial.

"This sentence sends a profound message that we will hold accountable sexual offenders who prey upon the most vulnerable members of our community," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess in a statement. "I would like to thank Caring Canines for providing the animals who played an important role in the healing process. The addition of the comfort dog provided the young victim with a level of support that allowed her to speak about the heinous abuse she experienced and hold her abuser accountable. I hope the outcome provides her with a sense of solace as she continues to heal."

Anne Arundel County officers received a tip from a sexual assault tip line Nov. 15, 2018, which led them to conduct a well-being check at a residence located in the 1700 block of Carriage Court. Officers and members of the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services interviewed the survivor who explained that Robert had raped her on four separate occasions and threatened to kill her. During one incident, she said that he choked her and only stopped after she told him she was unable to breathe.

During the trial, the survivor testified with the aid of a comfort dog from Caring Canines. The dog and handler were trained and certified through PetPartners.org to provide interventions and emotional support for victims of trauma.