Stuart Man Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges Related to Bestiality Material
- BTW21
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. — A Stuart man has been arrested on multiple felony charges involving alleged attempts to obtain obscene materials depicting bestiality, according to Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith.
Malcolm Roach Sr., 70, of 170 Fairystone Church Loop, was taken into custody on Monday morning and charged with ten felony counts of Attempting to Possess Bestiality Materials.
The arrest follows a months-long investigation launched after a search warrant was executed at Roach’s residence on January 8, 2025. During the search, computer devices listed in the warrant were seized and later analyzed by the Virginia State Police High Tech Crimes Division.
Investigators say forensic analysis revealed that multiple bestiality-related websites were accessed between February 13 and February 15, 2024.
Authorities also allege that Roach attempted to delete content tied to those visits.
Patrick County Commonwealth’s Attorney Dayna Bobbitt confirmed that the charges stem from indictments handed down by a Patrick County Grand Jury on June 2, 2025.
The indictments allege Roach "unlawfully and knowingly attempted to produce, distribute, publish, sell, transport, finance, possess, or possess with intent to distribute obscene material depicting a person engaged in sexual contact with an animal."
Each of the ten offenses is classified as a Class 6 felony, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $2,500 fine, or both.
“These charges reflect the Commonwealth’s commitment to thoroughly investigate and prosecute crimes involving obscene and exploitative content,” Bobbitt said in a press release issued Monday.
Sheriff Smith noted the complexity of such cases. “These investigations are lengthy, technical, and can be complicated,” he said.
The case is being led by Lt. Steve Austin, who is working closely with both the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the Virginia State Police.
Roach has been released on a $7,500 secured bond. The investigation remains ongoing.
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