Spitting On Deputy Leads To Felony Charge For Fredericksburg Woman: Sheriff

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A 35-year-old Fredericksburg woman faces multiple charges, including assault and battery of a law enforcement officer, in connection to an incident that started at a local convenience store on Friday night, according to authorities.

A sergeant with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office responded just after 9:30 p.m. to the 7-Eleven located at 201 Garrisonville Road to investigate a report of vandalism.

The sergeant learned that suspect was yelling at customers and kicking vehicles at the fuel pumps, according to the incident report. After kicking and breaking a fire extinguisher case, the suspect left the area on foot.

A sheriff's deputy spotted the suspect at the nearby Super 8 Motel, yelling at other residents and asking for drugs, according to the report. The deputy made contact and attempted to arrest the suspect.

The suspect, who was later identified as Desirae Rhodes of Fredericksburg, resisted arrest and spat in the deputy's face, according to the sheriff's office.

Another individual told the deputy that Rhodes had hit their car in the Wendy's drive-through, the report says. The deputy provided that person with contact information in case additional damages were found. In the back of the cruiser, Rhodes made several crude comments and threatened the deputy.

Rhodes was charged with assault and battery of a law enforcement officer, two counts of disorderly conduct, obstructing justice, fleeing from law enforcement, destruction of property, public intoxication, and use of abusive language. She was then held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail.

On Monday morning, Rhodes was arraigned in Stafford General District Court and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for 1 p.m. on May 14, according to court documents.

While the majority of charges Rhodes is facing are misdemeanors, the assault and battery of a law enforcement officer charge is a Class 6 felony. If she is convicted on the charge, she faces a possible sentence one to five years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to a $2,500, under Virginia law.