A 34-year-old Fredericksburg man is now behind bars at Rappahannock Regional Jail facing serious charges.

On March 27th at approximately 2:03 p.m. Deputy J.A. Buzzard and Deputy C.A. Osbourne responded to Mary Washington Hospital, located at 1001 Sam Perry Boulevard for a past occurred assault. While it was advised the assault occurred in Stafford, there was not much other information provided until they made contact with the victim.

The victim was able to recount her assault in detail that started the night prior. While with a known male, he began sexually assaulting her, and held her against her will at knife point. The victim was treated at the hospital for her non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the assault. Due to the seriousness of the crime, detectives quickly responded and took over the investigation.

Detectives were able to identify the suspect as Nicholas Middleton. On March 28th at approximately 12:27 p.m., with the assistance of the Fredericksburg Police Department, Middleton was arrested at Burger King, located at 3052 Plank Road. Middleton was charged with rape by force, malicious wounding, assault and battery, destruction of property, object sexual penetration, strangulation, and abduction. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. This is still an active investigation.

No victim should go unheard and there are resources to help. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has an amazing partnership with Empowerhouse to assist victims of domestic abuse. On top of our partnership, the nonprofit has a 24-hour hotline at 540-373-9373. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office also offers Rape Aggression Defense, or R.A.D., classes aimed to bring awareness, prevention, and risk reduction of these types of crimes. Mary Washington Hospital has trained forensic nurses who specialize in treating sexual assault, domestic violence, and even traumatic injuries. The Rappahannock Area Community Service Board offers free consultations to those of any age struggling. Resources are available everywhere, not just in this area. Anyone in Virginia can contact 211 to find local resources for just about any situation.

If you or someone you know is a victim, please reach out. There are people within the Sheriff’s Office, and beyond, that want to help.