A Chantilly man accused of carrying out three sex crimes nearly 30 years ago is headed to prison.
Edward Eugene Pottmyer, 59, was sentenced to 10 years of active incarceration today (Friday), having previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual battery and one count of abduction.
Pottmyer also has a 10-year suspended sentence, which would trigger if he fails to meet certain criteria, including having good behavior.
In July, Pottmyer admitted to committing a 1998 sexual assault on a Fair Lakes bike path. According to police, the then-33-year-old Pottmyer approached a jogger and allegedly sexually assaulted her while implying that he was armed with a knife.
In court, the victim previously testified that Pottmyer forced her to the ground before making her to perform a sexual act on him. He then allegedly told her to “stay on the ground and don’t move for 15 minutes” while he fled the scene, according to court documents.
“This is the type of scenario that usually only exists in our nightmares, and certainly not in Fairfax County,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano said. “Our police deserve full credit for never giving up on this cold case — and after nearly 30 long years, the victim of this horrific act is finally receiving the closure she deserves.”
Pottmyer, who was arrested last summer, had also been accused in two other cold cases: a 2000 assault in Fair Oaks, and a 2004 indecent exposure incident in Burke.
In 2000, Pottmyer forced entry into a home on Parkside Drive before assaulting a 66-year-old woman, police said. The woman then jumped from a second-story balcony and fled.
In 2004, Pottmyer is believed to have exposed himself outside of a residence on Whitewater Drive, police said.
Though DNA evidence was recovered at the scene of each crime, it wasn’t until recently that police were able to identify a suspect — thanks to recent advancements in DNA testing.
“Detectives submitted the DNA to Othram Inc. who utilized Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive profile that was then used for Forensic Genetic Genealogy research,” the FCPD said when announcing the arrest last year. “DNA analysis linked all three cases and potentially identified Edward Eugene Pottmyer, 58, of Chantilly as a suspect.”
As part of a plea agreement, Pottmyer was ultimately only prosecuted for the Fair Lakes assault. Charges connected to the other cases were dismissed by prosecutors.
