This evening, Alexandria Deputy Sheriff Bryant Pegues was arrested and charged with Rape and Carnal Knowledge of an Inmate for sexually assaulting an inmate at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center early this morning, Tuesday, May 27.

Sheriff’s Office commanders learned of the offense after the victim, an adult female, notified another deputy that Deputy Pegues had sexually assaulted her. Sheriff’s Office commanders immediately notified Alexandria police who initiated their own criminal investigation with cooperation from Sheriff’s Office staff.

Deputy Pegues, a 52-year-old resident of Oxon Hill who was hired in 2007, was arrested by Alexandria detectives at the Sheriff’s Office. He was booked at the Alexandria jail, denied bond and is being transferred to the Arlington Detention Facility. He has been terminated from his appointment with the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Dana Lawhorne says, “We are entrusted with the lives and safety of those in our custody. The criminal actions of Bryant Pegues are a grave violation of the public trust. We will continue to assist Alexandria police and the Commonwealth’s Attorney as they pursue a successful prosecution.”

At the request of Alexandria police, no mug shot of the suspect or additional information about the offense will be released by the Sheriff’s Office at this time.

Statement from Sheriff Dana Lawhorne on the Bryant Pegues Case

"I want to advise you of new developments in the case of former deputy Bryant Pegues who was arrested last week for sexually assaulting an inmate. Today, the rape charge (18.2-61) against him was nolle prossed and I agree with the decision of the Commonwealth’s Attorney to drop this charge. The fact remains that he betrayed his duty to this Office and violated the public trust. The Commonwealth will continue its prosecution of him on the charge of Carnal Knowledge of an Inmate (18.2-64.2) and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 9.”

“Bryant Pegues was terminated by the Sheriff’s Office on May 27. The dropping of the rape charge does not change his termination from this Office.”

“Additionally, I have arranged for an outside agency to review this incident with regard to our policies, practices, training and procedures. This review will be conducted by highly experienced command staff from the Arlington Sheriff’s Office and will begin after the criminal case has been adjudicated.”

Sheriff Dana Lawhorne