A 71-year-old man who volunteers at a children’s charity in Marion County was arrested after a child accused him of sexual battery.
On Monday, May 16, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) was made aware of allegations that James Andrew Davis had sexually abused a male juvenile victim throughout the past year.
An MCSO Major Crimes detective observed an interview of the victim, and the victim stated that Davis had inappropriately touched and sexually battered him on numerous occasions in exchange for toys, art, supplies, and money. According to the victim, Davis repeatedly offered to buy him things and give him money so that he would not tell others about the sexual abuse.
The victim also told investigators that Davis had mentioned that he had done the same thing with other victims “for a very long time.”
After the interview with the victim, the detective obtained a warrant for Davis’ arrest. On Thursday, May 19, the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) received an anonymous tip that Davis was hiding from law enforcement inside a residence in Dalton, Georgia. This information was relayed to MCSO.
On Wednesday, May 25, WCSO located Davis and placed him under arrest. He was transported to the Whitfield County Jail where he is currently being held without bond. He is awaiting transport to the Marion County Jail.
The MCSO report indicated that Davis is a volunteer treasurer for Florida Kids Helping Kids in Belleview. His duties with the local charity have included taking children on field trips and setting up children’s fairs and festivals.
Due to the nature of the allegations, the disclosure that there are other victims, and Davis’ position within a charity involving children, MCSO believes that there may be additional juvenile victims. If you have any information in reference to other possible victims, please contact Detective Batts at 352-368-3847.