PATRICK COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A Stuart man has been arrested on ten felony charges related to attempting to possess obscene material involving animals, according to authorities.

Malcolm Roach Sr., 70, of Fairystone Church Loop, was taken into custody on June 9 following a grand jury indictment issued on June 2.

The charges allege that Roach unlawfully and knowingly attempted to produce, distribute, publish, sell, transport, finance, possess, or possess with the intent to distribute obscene material depicting a person engaged in sexual contact with an animal.

Each charge is a class 6 felony, carrying a possible penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.

A search warrant was executed at Roach’s residence on January 8, and computer devices were seized.

Those devices were analyzed by the Virginia State Police High Tech Crimes Division, which reportedly found that multiple bestiality websites had been accessed between February 13 and February 15, 2024.

Investigators also allege Roach attempted to delete related content from the devices.

Authorities noted that the investigation is ongoing and described the process as “lengthy, technical, and complicated.”

He was released on a $7,500 secured bond.

The Enterprise reported in May that Roach planned to run for the Smith River District seat on the Patrick County Board of Supervisors in the upcoming November election.

Roach is currently chairman of the Patrick County Electoral Board.

On June 9, the Patrick County Office of Elections confirmed to rbs news now that no one has filed to run for any seat on the board.

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