Ex-Baltimore Officer Jailed for Horrific Daycare Crimes

A retired Baltimore police officer was sentenced to life in prison Monday for sexually abusing children at his ex-wife’s daycare center, according to court records.

James Weems was convicted in November 2024 of rape, sexual abuse of a minor, and distributing obscene material to a child. The victims were children who attended Lil Kidz Kastle, a daycare in Owings Mills owned by his former wife, Shanteari Young. Weems worked as the daycare’s van driver.

During the trial, Weems admitted to watching pornography while transporting children but denied ever exposing it to them or engaging in inappropriate physical contact. However, disturbing testimony told a different story.

An uncle of one victim said the child’s family discovered pornography on her tablet. When asked where she had seen such material, the 10-year-old responded, “Mr. James showed me.”

Weems was initially indicted in 2022 on accusations of abusing at least three children. Following his conviction, prosecutors indicated they would consider additional charges after sentencing.

Shanteari Young, who had previously been sentenced to four years in prison for shooting Weems after learning of the abuse, also testified during the trial. However, jurors were not informed of the shooting.

“Ms. Weems did something that she felt was worth it to protect those children, and she’s been held accountable,” said her attorney, Tony Garcia. “Now, it’s his turn.”

On the stand, Young recounted the moment she first learned of the accusations, describing her emotional distress and disbelief. In contrast, she said Weems remained calm and failed to ask any questions.

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Retired Baltimore Officer Sentenced to Life for Sexually Abusing Children at Former Wife’s Daycare  was originally published on r1wolbbaltimore.staging.go.ione.nyc