James Cromwell Humphreys of Pinellas Park, FL, was arrested on October 10 for allegedly sexually battering two boys.
Humphreys, 53, was charged with multiple counts of sexual battery of a child under the age of 12 and sexual battery, and one count of fleeing a law enforcement officer. He was ordered held on $860.000. It is unclear if he has acquired the services of an attorney.
According to Pinellas Park police, the alleged sexual batteries occurred at Humphreys’ home at 8110 61st Way N between September and December 2018. Humphreys reportedly invited several children under the age of 12 at his house. Police say he performed oral sex on two of the children, aged 10 and 12, multiple times.
Investigators described Humphreys as “neighborhood friend” of the victims. He allegedly bought them gifts and took them out to eat and to the park in an effort to develop the sexual relationship.
A warrant for Humphrey’s arrest was issued on Wednesday, but the officers who arrived at Humphreys’ home that morning reported that he refused to come to the door to speak with them. Police placed the home under surveillance and attempted to follow Humphreys when he left in his vehicle.
When police activated their emergency lights and sirens and tried to pull over Humphreys, he reportedly started to drive erratically and refused to stop on 49th Street N. Humphreys sped through a parking lot, drove against traffic, hopped a curb, and ran a red light. The officers had to end the pursuit for safety reasons and alerted dispatchers.
At around noon on the same day, Humphreys’ car was spotted at the top of the Sunshine Skyway. Police who arrived at the scene found him standing on the edge, threatening to jump and end his life, according to the arrest report. He allegedly told the officers that “he was going to die by suicide by cop” before they arrested him.
A Pinellas Park police office who is trained as a crisis negotiator had to be brought in to talk Humphreys off the edge. He was taken into custody and has reportedly refused all interview attempts by police.
Records show that Humphreys was previously arrested in 2007 and charged with sexual battery of a minor under 12 for his alleged involvement in another incident in Pinellas Park. He served 20 months in jail in that case.
Investigators believe there might be more victims and are asking anyone with information to contact the Pinellas Park police at (727) 369-7864.
Sexual battery is a very serious offense with harsh penalties. Simply being accused of sexual battery carries huge social stigma and may even require registration as a sex offender. Anyone convicted of sexual battery should hire an attorney to help them navigate the justice system and ensure they get the best possible outcome.
South Florida Sexual Battery Attorney
If you are involved in a sex crime, then you should hire an attorney. Contact us to set up a free initial consultation and work with one of Florida’s most experienced sexual battery attorneys.
Source: 10.10.19 man threatens to jump off skyway; accused of molesting two boys.pdf