A Retired police officer found guilty of molesting children at Baltimore County daycare

A jury found a retired Baltimore police officer guilty of s£xually abusing a girl at his then-wife's daycare in Owings Mills, and deputies took him into custody Friday night, Nov 1. 

He is now facing two possible life sentences and was taken to the Baltimore County Detention Center where he will be held without bail. 

"We finally got justice. Put him where he deserves! Lock him up," supporters of the young victim told WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren outside the Circuit Courthouse in Towson. 

Jurors found Weems guilty of six counts including second-degree r@pe, s£xual abuse of a minor, and showing obscene matter to a minor.

The victim, who is now 12 years old, attended Lil Kidz Kastle, the daycare the defendant's ex-wife Shanteari Weems operated in Owings Mills. 

He was charged in July of 2022.

"We have justice for all the babies. The ones we don't know about. The ones we do know about. Everybody," said a friend of Shanteari Weems after the verdict.

James Weems, a retired Baltimore police officer, drove the van at the daycare and admitted looking at pornography while taking the children to their schools.

But he claimed he never intentionally showed it to them or touched anyone.

 

She is incredibly brave. There are adults who do not have the bravery she has. I am absolutely in awe of her strength," Baltimore County prosecutor Zarena Sita told WJZ of the victim. "I think the jury made the appropriate decision when evaluating what happened to that little girl, and I think that sends a message that when something like this happens, people will be held accountable."

Prosecutors have charged Weems with abusing other children and may bring other cases.

"At this point in time, our plan is to go to sentencing, see what the sentence is and we can make a decision at a later date," said fellow Baltimore County prosecutor Lisa Dever.

She is incredibly brave. There are adults who do not have the bravery she has. I am absolutely in awe of her strength," Baltimore County prosecutor Zarena Sita told WJZ of the victim. "I think the jury made the appropriate decision when evaluating what happened to that little girl, and I think that sends a message that when something like this happens, people will be held accountable."

Prosecutors have charged Weems with abusing other children and may bring other cases.

"At this point in time, our plan is to go to sentencing, see what the sentence is and we can make a decision at a later date," said fellow Baltimore County prosecutor Lisa Dever.

Hellgren asked what she thought Shanteari's reaction would be.

"She would be cussing but she would be thanking God too," she replied.

Another friend added, "She would say he's where he should be."

James Weems did not appear to show any visible emotion upon hearing the verdict. 

He will be sentenced in January.