Registered sex offender on probation charged with Front Royal sexual assault

FRONT ROYAL – A registered sex offender out on probation was arrested Tuesday evening on sexual battery charges after a 25-year-old woman reported that she was assaulted by the man.

On Sept. 25, the woman told Front Royal Police officers that she was assaulted by James Hugh Porter, 58, around 7:40 p.m., while in the vicinity of Main and Water Street.

The suspect allegedly grabbed and groped the victim inappropriately in two separate places on her body without her permission. During the investigation, according to a media release from Police Chief Kahle Magalis’ office, evidence was located that was supported the woman’s claims.

Porter was arrested for misdemeanor sexual assault and an Emergency Protection Order was issued. A registered sex offender, he was also charged with violation of his probation and is being held without bond at the Rappahannock-Shenandoah-Warren Regional Jail.

Porter is scheduled for court on October 30, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. in Warren County General District Court.

The FRPD Criminal Investigative Division is asking anyone with information related to this incident to contact Detective M.R. Ramey at (540)636-2208 or mramey@frontroyalva.com.