On February 27, 2025 the Culpeper County Circuit Court sentenced Christopher Craig, 38, of Culpeper to life in prison for the charges of Aggravated Sexual Battery and Object Sexual Penetration. He was found guilty by trial on November 13, 2024.

On May 4, 2023, the Culpeper Police Department received a credible report of an on-going physical relationship between Craig and a juvenile located within the Town of Culpeper. Culpeper Police Department Detective T. Sisk conducted an extensive investigation and May 8, 2023 Craig was arrested.

Based on the evidence, Craig took advantage of his relationship with other adults to gain unlimited access to the victim. He used that access to groom the juvenile victim. ‘Grooming' is intentional behavior by an abuser to manipulate and control a juvenile, as well as the juvenile’s family and support networks, in order to perpetrate child sexual abuse. Once Craig convinced this victim that they were in a romantic relationship, he then exploited the victim for child pornography and sexual intercourse.

“We are pleased that we were able to stop a sex offender from ever being able to harm another child,” said Culpeper Commonwealth Attorney Russ Rabb. “These types of offenses have serious consequences, and in some cases, the best solution is removal of the offender from society. Our office takes the sexual exploitation of children seriously and this sentence sends a message to the community that crimes against children will not be tolerated in Culpeper County.” 

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Peyton Devine was in charge of the prosecution.

“I applaud the exhaustive work of Det. Sisk and Assistant Attorney Devine to successfully bring this abuser to justice, and to ensure that he will never harm anyone again,” said Police Chief Chris Settle. “I also want to highlight the support that Culpeper Victim/Witness Program and Culpeper Human Services (Department of Social Services) gave the victim throughout the investigation and long court process.”

If you or someone you know if the victim of sexual violence, there are several avenues of help. To report a crime directly to law enforcement, call non-emergency at 540-727-7900 or email tips@culpeperva.gov. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips by calling Culpeper Crime Solvers at 540-727-0300 or submitting an online tip at culpeperpd.org. For crimes against children specifically, cyber tips can also be submitted to NCMEC at CyberTipline.org or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

Help for any victim of sexual violence is also available at the National Sexual Assault Hotline by calling 800-656-HOPE (4673). For military members and their families, call the Department of Defense Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247.

Attached Photo: Christopher Craig, 38, of Culpeper, VA

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Contact: Master Police Officer Julia Cole

Email: JCole@culpeperva.gov

Phone: 540-829-5525

March 4, 2025

JC-2025-03