Severna Park Man Faces Second Degree Rape, Sexual Abuse Allegations Involving 16 Year Old Girl

A 59 year old Severna Park man is facing multiple criminal allegations, including second degree rape and sexual abuse of a minor, following allegations involving a 16 year old girl, according to charging documents filed in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County.

Court records identify the defendant as James Brooke Shoults, of Severna Park. Mr. Shoults, who remains innocent unless proven guilty, is charged with second degree rape without consent, two counts of second degree assault, fourth degree sexual offense involving sexual contact, second degree child abuse by a custodian, sexual abuse of a minor and contributing to the condition of a child.

According to an application for statement of charges, the investigation began after the girl's mother contacted Maryland State Police on June 30 and reported that her daughter had disclosed being sexually assaulted.

Investigators wrote that the girl participated in a recorded forensic interview on July 11. Court documents state that she described Mr. Shoults as someone she had known for several years and viewed as a father figure. According to the charging application, the girl's mother and Mr. Shoults had previously been in a relationship, and the girl continued spending time with him after that relationship ended. 

The girl told investigators that on Jan. 10, she spent part of the day with Mr. Shoults, including time near Annapolis Mall, before going to his Severna Park residence. She alleged that Mr. Shoults provided her with alcoholic beverages while they were together.

Charging documents state that the girl later became ill and vomited while at the residence. She alleged that after she went into a bedroom to lie down, Mr. Shoults engaged in sexual contact with her and ultimately penetrated her without her consent.

The charging application contains additional allegations regarding sexual contact. 

As part of the investigation, police obtained court authorized search warrants involving electronic communications and later searched Mr. Shoults and' residence. Investigators reported recovering three cellphones during the July 20 search.

According to the charging application, Mr. Shoults waived his Miranda rights and spoke with investigators. Police wrote that he confirmed knowing the girl, his previous relationship with her mother and several circumstances surrounding the Jan. 10 visit.

Investigators said Mr. Shoults acknowledged providing the girl with alcoholic drinks and confirmed that she became sick and vomited while at his home. Court documents also state that investigators obtained cellphone information, conducted interviews and collected evidence during the search of the residence as part of the investigation. 

The statement of charges was issued Aug. 31 in Anne Arundel County District Court.

Mr. Shoults has been identified as a 31 year member of the Anne Arundel County Police Department. "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," department officials said in a statement. "Shoults’ status has been changed to suspended without pay, pending the disposition of the charges and the conclusion of our administrative investigation."

Mr. Shoults was taken into custody yesterday, August 31. A district court judge today ordered that he remain held without bond at the Jennifer Road Detention Center pending trial.