Anne Arundel County Police Sergeant Facing Child Sex Abuse Charges

SEVERNA PARK, MD — James Shoults, a 31-year veteran with the Anne Arundel County Police Department, is facing several charges in connection with a child sex abuse case.

Charges were filed by the Maryland State Police on Monday, over a month after the agency initiated an investigation on July 7.

The Maryland State Police said the investigation into Shoults came underway after the individual targeted by Shoults came forward with allegations of sexual abuse.

The abuse, according to state police, took place at Shoults' Severna Park home on Jan. 10.

A Monday release issued by the Anne Arundel County Police Department said Shoults was a sergeant assigned to the Bureau of Patrol, and that the agency was first notified on July 20 that he'd been under investigation by the Maryland State Police.

As the MSP investigation was ongoing, the police department placed Shoults on administrative suspension with pay. However, he has since been suspended without pay.

"These are serious and disturbing allegations that, if true, are wholly inconsistent with the exemplary standards we expect from our police officers who are the keepers of public trust," Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal E. Awad said in a statement.

Court records show the 59-year-old man is facing seven charges, including three felony offenses. Those charges include:

• Second-degree rape
• Sex abuse of a minor
• Second-degree assault
• Fourth-degree sexual offense
• Two counts of second-degree child abuse
• Contributing to certain conditions of a child

Shoults remains held without bond. He is scheduled for a bail hearing on Tuesday, with a preliminary hearing set for Sept. 30.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Senior Trooper Dustin Pope by emailing dustin.pope@maryland.gov.