Editor’s note: The following article contains graphic sexual content which may not be suitable for young readers.
Danie M. Huffman
wdreporter2@yahoo.com
James Kevin Pope, 43, of Amarillo, was indicted last week by the Parker County grand jury on 42 separate counts of sexual assault of a child and three sexual performance of a child.
Pope was originally arrested Feb. 26 by Amarillo Police after several warrants for his arrest were issued by Parker County Sheriff’s investigators.
According to investigator Robert Pawley, his office received a call from Child Protective Services advising them of possible abuse of three teenage females. The girls were allegedly ages 13 to 15 at the time of the crimes, which is believed to have taken place over the past three years.
Pawley, assigned to the county’s major case unit and who has been in law enforcement for 23 years, said the case was “the worst case of sexual abuse I’ve ever worked.”
The victims were interviewed by investigators, recounting the crimes committed against them.
Pawley said all three victims were interviewed separately and gave detailed accounts, which “matched and were credible.”
According to the probable cause affidavit, Pope asked the victims to take nude digital photos of themselves depicting sexual acts with him and ones of each other.
“These photos were part of numerous sexual and lewd acts the defendant would have the girls perform,” stated the affidavit, including self gratification and oral sex.
Shortly afterward, the victim’s mother was notified of the situation.
Evidence was seized from Pope’s home, which according to Pawley, is currently being analyzed by authorities.
“Based on extensive interviews with the girls, we issued the warrants for Pope’s arrest,” Pawley said.
Pope was arrested in Amarillo last month where he is listed as residing, but had local ties.
Deputies with the Parker County Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team drove to Amarillo and extradited Pope back to Parker County where his case was presented to the grand jury Thursday.
According to Parker County Assistant District Attorney Jeff Swain, Pope’s arraignment for the first degree felonies is set for May 7.
“If convicted on any of the sexual assault of a child counts, this defendant will be punished by a sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life in prison, and up to a $10,000 fine,” Swain said. “If convicted of any of the sexual performances of a child counts, he is subject to punishment by two to 20 years in prison, and up to a $10,000 fine.”
Pope’s trial is expected to begin July 28 in the 415th District Court with Judge Graham Quisenberry presiding.
As of press time, Pope remained in custody at the Parker County Justice Center on a $350,000 bond.
Pope’s lawyer, Richard Alley, of Fort Worth, could not be reached for comment.
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