Cold Case Arrest: DNA Ties Loudoun Man to Three Sex Offenses 20+ Years Ago

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Fairfax County, VA – A Loudoun County man has been charged and arrested with multiple felonies for sex offenses dating back to 1998.

On September 9, 1998, around 7 p.m. the 48-year-old victim was jogging on a bike path in the Fair Lakes area when she was assaulted. The suspect implied he had a knife, sexually assaulted her then ran from the area.

On August 3, 2000, around 11 p.m., a suspect forced entry into a home in the 11900 block of Parkside Drive in Fairfax. The 66-year-old victim was asleep when she was awoken by the suspect assaulting her. The victim fought the suspect and escaped by jumping from a second story balcony and running away.

On December 6, 2004, around 10:45 p.m., the 51-year-old victim was in her basement in the 9900 block of Whitewater Drive in Burke. She observed a man exposing himself outside her sliding glass door. The victim yelled and the man ran away.

In all three cases, detectives recovered forensic evidence from the scenes and submitted it for analysis upon collection. Recently, due to the advancement 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. DNA analysis linked all three cases and potentially identified Edward Eugene Pottmyer, 58, of Chantilly as a suspect.

Detectives obtained Pottmyer’s DNA which positively identified him as the suspect. Detectives obtained warrants for Forcible Sodomy and Abduction with the Intent to Defile. On June 5, with the assistance of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Pottymer was taken into custody and taken to the Fairfax County ADC where he is being held on no bond.

Detectives would like to speak to anyone who may have information about these cases or believe they had unlawful contact with Pottmyer. Those with information are asked to call our Cold Case Squad at 703-246-7511. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.

Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure that the victims are receiving appropriate resources and assistance. 

For additional information about our detectives open Cold Case investigations, please click here.