Virginia Woman Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexual Abuse of Children

In a devastating conclusion to a multi-year investigation, a Fauquier County judge has sentenced Anna Layher to a significant prison term for her role in the sexual abuse of two children. The sentencing, which occurred on September 15, 2025, in Fauquier County Circuit Court, marks the culmination of a case that has spanned both state and federal jurisdictions.

According to a news release from the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office, the investigation into Layher's actions began after authorities were alerted to a disturbing pattern of behavior. Investigators discovered that between 2023 and 2024, Layher had created "sexually explicit" videos and photos of two children, who were known to her. These materials were then distributed to her then-boyfriend, Davey Sisk. The shocking details of the case were also documented in federal court records, which specified that the victims were Layher’s own family members, a horrific violation of trust.

The criminal case against Layher was prosecuted on two fronts. The first was a federal case handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. In that case, Layher pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and was sentenced in September 2024 to 40 years in a federal prison. This prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.

The second set of charges was brought at the state level by the Fauquier County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. In this case, Layher pleaded guilty to the even more serious charges of rape of a child under 13 and object sexual penetration of a child under 13. On September 15, 2025, a judge handed down the corresponding sentence: a total of life with all but 50 years suspended, to be served consecutively.

The judge’s decision was firm in ensuring that Layher would be held accountable for her actions. The sentence of 50 years in state prison will be served consecutively to her existing 40-year federal sentence, meaning Layher is now facing a combined total of 90 years behind bars. The court also ordered that if she is ever released, she will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of her life and be subject to lifetime supervised probation.

The prosecution of Layher’s former boyfriend, Davey Sisk, who received the illicit materials, was also a part of the federal investigation. Sisk was also sentenced to a significant term in federal prison for his role in the crimes. The successful prosecution of both individuals serves as a testament to the collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies.

The case against Layher and her co-defendant highlights the profound dangers posed to children in all environments, even within their own families. The combined 90-year sentence reflects the severity of the crimes and the judicial system's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.