Anne Arundel County Police Sergeant Facing Child Sex Abuse Charges

SEVERNA PARK, MD — A 31-year veteran with the Anne Arundel County Police Department was arrested and is now facing several charges in connection with a child sex abuse case, authorities announced Monday.

The Maryland State Police filed charges on Monday against James Shoults, more than a month after the agency began an investigation on July 7.

The investigation into Shoults came underway after a girl came forward with allegations of sexual abuse, the MSP said in a news release.

"According to the preliminary investigation, the alleged abuse between Shoults and the victim occurred at his home on January 10, 2026," the MSP said.

A Monday release from the Anne Arundel County Police Department said Shoults was a sergeant assigned to the Bureau of Patrol and that the agency was first notified on July 20 that the Maryland State Police were investigating him.

As the MSP investigation was ongoing, the police department placed Shoults on administrative suspension with pay. However, he has since been suspended without pay.

"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," Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal E. Awad said in a statement.

Court records show the 59-year-old man is facing seven charges, including three felony offenses. Those charges include:

• Second-degree rape
• Sex abuse of a minor
• Second-degree assault
• Fourth-degree sexual offense
• Two counts of second-degree child abuse
• Contributing to certain conditions of a child

Shoults remained held without bond as of Monday evening. He is scheduled for a bail hearing on Tuesday, with a preliminary hearing set for Sept. 30.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Senior Trooper Dustin Pope by emailing dustin.pope@maryland.gov.