Statement from Sheriff Lawhorne

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 June 5, 2014