A retired Baltimore police officer who sexually assaulted children at his ex-wife’s daycare was given a life sentence

A retired Baltimore police officer who sexually abused children at his ex-wife’s daycare, Lil Kidz Kastle, in Owings Mills, Maryland, was given a life sentence.

A number of allegations, including rape, sexual abuse of a minor, and exposing a minor to pornographic material, led to James Weems’ conviction in November 2024. While Weems was employed as a driver for the daycare, which was owned and run by his ex-wife, Shanteari Young, the abuse occurred.

Ten years old at the time, one of the victims told her family that “Mr. James” had exposed her to pornography. The girl’s tablet later contained sexual material, according to court testimony. Weems denied ever showing minors pornography, but he acknowledged watching it while driving them.

Weems was first accused by prosecutors of assaulting at least three children. They declared that they will take into account further charges following sentencing in the wake of the guilty judgment.

During the trial, Young testified against Weems, who was found guilty of shooting him after discovering the abuse. Previously, she had received a four-year prison sentence. Young remembered how upset she was upon hearing the accusations, contrasting her feelings with Weems’ composed manner, even though the jury was not told about the shooting.

“Ms. Weems has been held accountable for what she did to protect those children,” her lawyer, Tony Garcia, stated. “His turn is now.”

Weems and Young were sued civilly in March by the relatives of one of the victims. According to the lawsuit, which accuses the daycare of carelessness and false imprisonment, it failed to shield kids from a known pornography addict. Jonathan Schochor, the family’s lawyer, claimed that the little victim is still experiencing severe turmoil and nightmares.

Schochor said, “These injuries are lifelong.” “It is unclear if she will be able to face the events in her life on an emotional level.”

Weems is still being held after being sentenced. He and Young are both named in the civil case that is still pending.