Crime & Safety

Sterling Woman Charged in Jan. 6 Stabbing Incident

Incident resulted in felony animal cruelty charges; child neglect, abuse charges anticipated.

A 32-year-old Sterling woman faces multiple charges stemming from a Jan. 6 incident in which she was injured, a family member was injured and two dogs were killed.

Deputies from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, along with Loudoun County Animal Control personnel, reported to a home on North Fillmore Avenue in Sterling on the morning of Jan. 6 where they discovered two woman and the dogs, all wounded.

A 51-year-old victim was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Aleta J. James was taken to a hospital and released before being transferred to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, where she remains without bond.

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The dogs died and Loudoun County Animal Services conducted an investigation that determined the animals succumbed to puncture wounds and trauma sustained to their chests. Animal Services officials charged James with two counts of felony animal cruelty, which carries a possible sentence of one to five years in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

The Sheriff’s Office reports that James also faces charges of malicious wounding and abuse and neglect of a child.

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The previous information was supplied by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and, where charges were made, does not indicate a conviction. For questions about this article, email dusty@patch.com.


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