SEVERNA PARK, Md. — A 31-year veteran of the Anne Arundel County Police Department has been charged with second-degree rape, sexual abuse of a minor, second-degree child abuse and related offenses following an investigation by Maryland State Police.
The Anne Arundel County Police Department identified the officer as Sgt. James Brooke Shoults, 59, of Severna Park, who was assigned to the Bureau of Patrol.
The department was notified July 20, 2026, that Maryland State Police had opened a criminal investigation into Shoults. He was initially placed on administrative suspension with pay.
An arrest warrant was issued and served Aug. 31.
Court records list seven charges, including second-degree rape, sexual abuse of a minor, second-degree child abuse, fourth-degree sexual offense, two counts of second-degree assault and contributing to the condition of a child.
The alleged offenses are listed as occurring between Jan. 1 and Jan. 10, 2026, with several of the charges tied specifically to Jan. 10.
Following Shoults’ arrest, Anne Arundel County Police changed his employment status to suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal case and the department’s administrative investigation.
“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 Shoults was ordered held without bond Aug. 31.
A bail review hearing is scheduled for Sept. 1, 2026, in District Court in Annapolis. A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 30.
Maryland State Police is handling the criminal investigation.
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