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The original item was published from 1/9/2013 1:29:05 PM to 1/3/2014 12:15:00 AM.

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Animal Services

Posted on: January 9, 2013

[ARCHIVED] Sterling Woman Arrested in Assault Case Also Charged in Deaths of Dogs

A Sterling woman who is facing charges in connection with the stabbing of a family member is now facing additional charges in connection with the deaths of two dogs that died as a result of the incident.

Officials with the Loudoun County Department of Animal Services report that Aleta J. James, 32, has been charged with two counts of felony animal cruelty in the deaths of two family dogs on January 6, 2013. Animal Services conducted an investigation and determined that the animals succumbed to puncture wounds and trauma sustained to each animal’s chest. The animal cruelty charges carry a possible sentence of one to five years in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

The dogs were fatally wounded during an assault involving James and another family member at a residence on North Fillmore Avenue in Sterling early Sunday morning. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, which responded to the scene along with Loudoun County Animal Control, reports that James was initially hospitalized with injuries sustained during the incident. She was released from the hospital Monday and is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. The other person stabbed in the incident, a 51-year-old female, was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office reports that in addition to the animal cruelty charges, James faces charges of malicious wounding and abuse and neglect of a child.

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Media Contact: Anna Nissinen, Public Affairs and Communications Officer, 703-777-0113; anna.nissinen@loudoun.gov