A former Baltimore Police officer, facing allegations of child molestation at his ex-wife’s daycare in Baltimore County, took the stand on Thursday, providing his testimony for several hours in his defense during the trial.
James Weems Jr. shared with the jury that life was enjoyable, filled with travel and dining at upscale restaurants alongside his wife Shanteari. However, everything changed in July 2022 when he faced accusations of molesting children at Lil Kidz Kastle, the thriving daycare she operated in Owings Mills.
Weems firmly rejected any allegations of child abuse related to his role as a driver for the daycare.
After Thursday’s testimony, Thomas Pavlinic, the lead defense attorney, chose not to comment to WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren as he exited the court.
Pavlinic stated he would address the audience after the verdict is announced.
Weems referred to the 12-year-old victim who testified against him as “a nice little girl.”
He acknowledged that he often viewed explicit material while operating the daycare van but claimed he “leaned over” to ensure the children were not exposed to it.
Baltimore County Prosecutor Lisa Dever outlined Weems’ online activities, revealing that the FBI discovered his searches for explicit content on his phone. These searches included graphic videos featuring “teens” and “grandpa,” which he conducted while driving the van between elementary schools in Baltimore County.
The 59-year-old former Marine and Baltimore City Police officer admitted during re-direct testimony from his lawyer that watching the videos was “inappropriate.”
Weems stated that viewing adult content was merely a way to fill time while waiting for the kids to finish school.
He acknowledged that it was possible the children might have unintentionally viewed the pornography—and that he occasionally handed his phone to them so they could use an app to identify airplanes.
Weems claimed that his ex-wife, who subsequently shot him during a dispute over these claims, introduced him to adult films during their relationship.
Prosecutors announced plans to drop multiple charges. The case remains mostly whole.
The jurors will determine their decisions when they start deliberations on Friday:
Three charges of sexual abuse involving a minor
Two charges of second-degree rape
One charge of showing inappropriate content to a young person.
Closing arguments are set to start on Friday at 9:30 a.m.
