Woman Spurns Plea Deal in Castration Case

A Harnett County woman who faces a felony charge of malicious castration in an alleged attack on an acquaintance at a party last year has rejected a prosecutor’s plea deal.

Rebecca Arnold Dawson, 34, had been offered a chance to plead guilty to a lesser charge, but she turned it down and will let a jury decide, officials said.

Dawson is accused of grabbing the genitals of a 38-year-old Kevin Russ during a fight that erupted during a party in December 2006.

Witnesses gave conflicting stories to police, who discovered a bloody scene after being called to the home for a domestic disturbance.

Dawson faces felony counts of assault causing serious bodily injury, malicious conduct by a prisoner, injury to personal property and malicious castration. She was released from jail on $50,000 bond.