A jury has convicted a retired Baltimore police officer of sexually abusing a girl at his then-wife’s daycare in Owings Mills, leading to his arrest on the evening of November 1.
He now faces the possibility of two life sentences and is being held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center.
Supporters of the young victim expressed their relief outside the Circuit Courthouse in Towson, declaring, “We finally got justice. Put him where he deserves! Lock him up,” according to WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren.
James Weems was found guilty on six counts, including second-degree rape, sexual abuse of a minor, and showing obscene material to a minor. The victim, now 12 years old, attended Lil Kidz Kastle, the daycare operated by Weems’ ex-wife, Shanteari Weems. He was charged in July 2022.
A friend of Shanteari Weems remarked, “We have justice for all the babies. The ones we don’t know about. The ones we do know about. Everybody,” after the verdict was announced.
Weems, who drove the daycare van, admitted to looking at pornography while transporting the children to school but claimed he never intentionally showed it to them or touched anyone. The jury did not find his defense credible, believing the girl, who became emotional during her testimony.
Baltimore County prosecutor Zarena Sita praised the victim’s bravery, saying, “She is incredibly brave. There are adults who do not have the bravery she has. I am absolutely in awe of her strength.” She also noted that the jury’s decision sends a message about accountability in such cases.
Weems faces additional charges related to the abuse of other children, and prosecutors may pursue further cases against him.
Prosecutor Lisa Dever indicated plans to go to sentencing soon, highlighting that there is a mandatory minimum of 15 years, with enhanced penalties due to the victim’s age at the time of the abuse.
Shanteari Weems, who recently divorced him and changed her name to Shanteari Young, also testified in the trial. She shot him at a Washington, DC hotel shortly after learning of the allegations and is currently serving a four-year prison sentence.
“I’m happy for these kids who are getting justice. I’m just thanking God because this could have gone another way,” said Danielle York, a friend of Shanteari. When asked about Shanteari’s likely reaction, York said, “She would be cussing but she would be thanking God too.” Another friend added, “She would say he’s where he should be.”
James Weems showed no visible emotion upon hearing the verdict and is scheduled for sentencing in January.
