9 week old puppy sexually assaulted - Vinton, VA

Saturday, Nov 19, 2005

A 19-year-old man is accused of having anal sex with his sister's puppy at her Vinton home, according to his lawyer and authorities. Frank Dalton Underwood was indicted April 7, 2006 on a felony charge of having carnal knowledge of a brute animal. He is scheduled to plead guilty next week in Roanoke County Circuit Court. "It's the kind of case you're going to remember," said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Buchanan. "It's the first one I've ever seen."

The incident allegedly occurred Nov. 19 at the home of Underwood's sister and her husband on Old Virginia Avenue. Underwood had been staying at the house for a couple of months, said his lawyer, Paul Dull. The couple went shopping for kerosene and left their 9-week-old pit bull in Underwood's care, Buchanan said. They returned and noticed injuries to the dog's anus. They confronted Underwood and called Vinton police.

"I spoke with Mr. Underwood and he admitted to the offense," said Vinton police Sgt. Steven Doyle. The dog was taken to a veterinarian and has recovered, Buchanan said. Dull noted that his client has been cooperative with authorities. He also said Underwood suffered brain damage four years ago when he was struck by a car while crossing the street. "He has some both physical and mental conditions that all appear to be related to a traumatic accident," Dull said.

If convicted, the maximum possible punishment Underwood could face is five years in prison.

References

• The Roanoke Times - April 13, 2006

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