PHOENIX, AZ (August 26, 2011) - James Stark (DOB 4/12/1953) was sentenced today to 7-consecutive life sentences to be followed by an additional 102.5 years in prison.

The Buckeye Police Department investigation led by Det. Joseph Kirby indicated defendant Stark had been touching his 8-year old granddaughter. Stark had been living in the same home as the victim’s family since November 2008.

“It important to understand that this child molester will never have the opportunity to touch another child,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “These sentences are long because we want to make sure that child sex predator’s never get to see another day of freedom.”

The 8-year old disclosed what was happening to a family friend. When the victim’s mother learned of the situation she took the 8-year old to the Buckeye Police Department. In a subsequent forensic interview the 8-year old disclosed the defendant had performed a variety of sexual acts on her. These acts included showing her pornography, teaching her how to masturbate, digital contact, digital penetration and oral-genital contact. In addition she described how the Defendant used vibrators on her.

DNA analysis of the vibrators found in the Defendant’s bedroom revealed the victims DNA on one of them.

The defendant told police that he “did not recall” sexually abusing the victim.

Stark was convicted by a jury following a 5-day trial on 18 of 19 counts including multiple counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Molestation of a Child, Kidnapping, Sexual Abuse, Furnishing, Indecent Exposure and Public Sexual Indecency.

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