Practice Areas

Blog

Legal News

Library

Firm News

Plea Deal Made in Virginia Malicious Wounding Case

A Culpeper man pleaded guilty yesterday in Culpeper Circuit Court to using a flammable substance to set a woman on fire.

James E. Anderson, 45, accepted felony charges of maliciously causing bodily injury using a caustic substance, two counts of violating a protective order and one misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Anderson, who is being held without bond in Culpeper County Jail, is scheduled for sentencing March 1.

The commonwealth's attorney's office will seek at least 2 1/2 years of jail time, in accordance with sentencing guidelines. Anderson must also have no contact with the victim for whatever period the court orders and must pay restitution and court costs.

Police say the incident began during the night of Aug. 10 when Anderson, the unidentified victim and her teenage daughter were riding in the victim's car on U.S. 29 near Brandy Station.

After being sprayed with some sort of flammable substance, the woman stopped and got out of the car. Police say Anderson then struck a match, causing the woman to catch fire. She was treated and released from the hospital.

Anderson then left the scene in the victim's car. He was arrested days later in Washington.

Authorities have not disclosed why Anderson and the victim were riding together, exactly what led to the confrontation or what type of flammable substance was used.

Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Close said his office consulted with the victim before entering the plea agreement, sparing the woman's daughter from having to testify in court.

Read More About Plea Deal Made in Virginia Malicious Wounding Case...

back to top

Mr. Stelly regularly appears in the courts of the City of Richmond, Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Goochland County, and Hanover County.

Free Reports

Free Case Evaluation

FAQs