*** TRIGGER WARNING ***
James Paterson (Source: FBI)
April 2015, Cleveland, Ohio: James J. Paterson has spent his life working with vulnerable, at-risk children, whom he was entrusted to protect. Now Paterson is facing federal charges for downloading and distributing child pornography.
Paterson has been a licensed attorney since 1993. He worked as a magistrate for Judge David Berta with the Lorain County Juvenile Court from 2007 to 2013, then left to become a guardian ad litem for the court (according to Jody Barilla, court administrator for Lorain County Domestic Relations Court). Since taking the job in February 2013, Paterson has worked with 21 children. Most of his cases were delinquency cases, working mainly with teenagers.
Behind the professional demeanor is a dark side: online Paterson joined several websites that advertise and distribute child pornography. Paterson is known under the handles “jimmy” and “jimbo003”. His profile has “expressed an interest in children in the age group 0-12″. In other posts, Paterson said that he would “love to chat and trade experiences,” and “would really love to skype with my fellow pervs.” Perhaps Paterson thought his work in the courts would protect him? That he would be the last person anyone would suspect?
Paterson’s online activity eventually was flagged by the FBI, who conducted an extensive investigation. The investigation revealed that Paterson was visiting child pornography web sites and leaving comments identifying himself as a pedophile, according to an affidavit filed by Special Agent Kelly Liberti from the Elyria post of the FBI.
The FBI executed a search warrant on March 30 at Paterson’s home. Paterson was interviewed voluntarily at his residence by authorities, said the report. Paterson admitted that he was viewing child pornography for the “past couple years” and had a collection of 500-1,000 pornographic images of children. Paterson also distributed online child pornography. Paterson denies that he physically abused children but since he refused to take a polygraph, his truthfulness cannot be verified.
Paterson is being held in the custody of the U.S Marshals Service. It will be interesting to see how the courts handle the cases Paterson served on, if there will be some kind of investigation of his work, and possible recourse.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the child involved, that they will be rescued and given a safe, loving home.
If you suspect a child is being abused or exploited, I urge you to consider the help lines below, and make a phone call that could save a life.
For Help:
Child Help USA Hotline – This 24-hour hotline is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. It offers crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to local emergency, social service, and support resources. Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (422-2253) or visit www.childhelpusa.org.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® provides services, resources and technical assistance to child victims of abduction and sexual exploitation, their families and the professionals who serve them. http://www.missingkids.com/
The CyberTipline® receives leads and tips regarding suspected crimes of sexual exploitation committed against children. If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, report it to the CyberTipline: http://www.missingkids.com/cybertipline/
Sources:
“Child porn suspect served as court-appointed guardian” by Anna Merriman, The Chronicle-Telegram, 4/04/2015: http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2015/04/04/child-porn-suspect-served-court-appointed-guardian/
“Ex-Lorain County juvenile magistrate facing child porn charges” by Drew Scofield, The Morning Journal, 4/02/2015: http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20150402/ex-lorain-county-juvenile-magistrate-facing-child-porn-charges
“NE Ohio children’s guardian charged with child porn possession” by Associated Press, 4/07/2015: http://www.toledoblade.com/State/2015/04/07/NE-Ohio-children-s-guardian-charged-with-child-porn-possession.html
A Call to Action ~ Together We Are Stronger (C2A) 