Anthony Mayfield Utley (Courtesy Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail)
A 32-year-old James City County man accused of raping a woman he knows had three felony charges certified Tuesday after a preliminary hearing.
Anthony Mayfield Utley is facing one count of rape, one count of forcible sodomy and one count of abduction after a woman he knows told police in December that Utley forced her onto the floor during an argument and forcefully had sex with her.
The alleged rape occurred in the 1600 block of Skiffes Creek Circle in Carter’s Village off Pocahontas Trail.
Police said Utley threw a coffee maker at a window during the incident, breaking the glass.
His accuser was taken to the hospital for injuries to her neck, breasts, arms, legs and vaginal area, according to Stephanie Williams, a spokesperson with the James City County Police Department.
The hearing, held in Williamsburg-James City County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, was closed to the public per a Virginia law that states the judge can close the courtroom in preliminary hearings involving sexual assaults.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Maureen Kufro said she made a motion to close the hearing due to the sensitive nature of the testimonials.
A grand jury will hear the evidence in the case March 18 and decide whether to move the case forward to Circuit Court.
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