FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — A 34-year-old Fredericksburg man is now behind bars facing serious charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman he knew at knifepoint.
On Wednesday, March 27, at 2:03 p.m., deputies responded to Mary Washington Hospital on Sam Perry Boulevard for a reported assault. At the hospital, deputies were told the assault occurred somewhere in Stafford but that there was not much more information available until they talked with the victim.
The victim told police that the night prior a man, who was known to her, began sexually assaulting her and held her against her will at knifepoint. She was treated at an area hospital for injuries not considered to be life-threatening after the attack.
Detectives were able to identify the suspect in this assault as Nicholas Middleton, of Fredericksburg.
A day after the alleged assault, at 12:27 p.m., officers arrested Middleton at a Burger King located on Plank Road. Middleton is charged with rape by force, malicious wounding, assault and battery, destruction of property, object sexual penetration, strangulation, and abduction.
He is currently being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
The Stafford County Sheriff's Office say no victim should go unheard and offers resources to help victims of domestic abuse. This includes a partnership between the sheriff's office and nonprofit Empowerhouse to help victims. On top of that, Empowerhouse has a 24-hour hotline anyone struggling can call at 540-373-9373.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office also offers Rape Aggression Defense, or R.A.D., 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. Resources are available everywhere, not just in this area. Anyone in Virginia can contact 211 to find local resources for just about any situation.
If you or someone you know is a victim, please reach out. There are people within the Sheriff’s Office, and beyond, that want to help.
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