Ex-Marine charged with raping woman, stabbing her dog to death

KENSINGTON, Md. - A 38-year-old former Marine has been charged with first-degree rape, aggravated animal cruelty and several other assault charges in Montgomery County.

Anthony Sherwood Russell Jr. is accused of raping a woman and physically abusing her in a span of about two months, according to court documents.

We are told that Russell was over at the victim's condominium in Kensington frequently, but according to neighbors, both of them pretty much kept to themselves. But what the victim told police is that during their two-year relationship, Russell assaulted her more than ten times.

According to charging documents, the woman told police from June 10 to June 20, Russell ordered her into the bedroom where she said she had sex with him out of fear, and if she didn't have sex with Russell, she said that he told her he would break her hips.

The documents also revealed that Russell would cover her nose and mouth making it impossible for her to speak or breathe.

The alleged sexual abuse then turned extremely violent and physical and went on during the month of July.

On July 12, police say Russell threatened to kill and skin her puppy. He later stabbed the animal on its side. The dog was taken to a veterinarian and had to be put down because of its injuries.

Charging documents also revealed that Russell was a personal trainer and a former Marine.

The property manager of the condominium complex said he did not know the victim well and there was no indication she was in a volatile relationship during the time he met with her.

The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office said Russell is being held without bond.