Rape, Sexual Assault Charges Filed Against Fredericksburg Man: Report

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A 34-year-old Fredericksburg man is facing multiple charges, including rape and sexual assault, after being arrested Thursday afternoon at a local fast-food restaurant, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies J.A. Buzzard and C.A. Osbourne responded around 2:03 p.m., on Wednesday, to Mary Washington hospital, for the report of an earlier assault. The victim told the deputies that the night before she was with a man that she knew, when he held a knife against her and began sexually assaulting her, according to the sheriff's office. The victim was treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators identified Nicholas Middleton of Fredericksburg as a suspect in the case. With the help of the Fredericksburg Police Department, SCSO detectives arrested Middleton around 12:27 p.m., on Thursday, at the Burger King located at 3052 Plank Road.

Middleton was taken to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, where he was held without bond and charged with rape by force, malicious wounding, assault and battery, destruction of property, object sexual penetration, strangulation, and abduction.

The sheriff's office has partnered with Empowerhouse to assist victims of domestic abuse. The nonprofit has a 24-hour hotline at 540-373-9373. The sheriff's office also offers Rape Aggression Defense classes aimed to bring awareness, prevention, and risk reduction of these types of crimes.

Mary Washington Hospital has trained forensic nurses who specialize in treating sexual assault, domestic violence, and even traumatic injuries. The Rappahannock Area Community Service Board offers free consultations to those of any age struggling. Anyone in Virginia can contact 211 to find local resources for just about any situation.