After a four-day trial, a jury found a Prince George’s County sheriff’s deputy guilty of second-degree rape in the assault of a woman with whom he had previously been in a relationship, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said at a news conference Friday.
Braveboy said officers are not exempt from the law.
“We’re talking about violation of an individual in the worst possible way. When you rape someone, you’re trying to take away their dignity,” she said.
An attorney listed for Burroughs did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The assault occurred on Oct. 22, 2022, according to the county sheriff’s office. The victim said Burroughs contacted her that day and asked whether he could come over. She agreed.
While at her home, the two had an argument, according to court documents. Burroughs followed her into different rooms and refused to leave when asked. He forced the woman off her clothes and repeatedly struck her before raping her.
Burroughs then left. The next day, the woman reached out to the Prince George’s County Commissioner’s Office and obtained a protective order.
“This is no form or fashion was ever her fault,” Assistant State’s Attorney Chanel Jackson said. “I commend her for her courage” in coming forward.
Burroughs had been suspended without pay and placed on a no-duty status.
Sheriff John D.B. Carr said that the internal investigation has been completed and that his department is moving forward in accordance with the Police Accountability Act of 2021 to address Burroughs’s employment at the sheriff’s office.
Carr said his department has handed details of the investigation to the Police Accountability Board and was waiting for it to hear the administrative portion of the case, but the criminal portion came first. Carr said he is awaiting word from the board on when a hearing will be held.
“Our first and foremost concern is dealing with our survivor of this incident and our community,” Carr said. “No one wearing a uniform is above the law. We are here to serve you.”
Jasmine Hilton contributed to this report.
