Port Angeles – 31-year-old James Barron of Sequim was sentenced to 10 years in prison Wednesday for rape of a child in the first degree and electronic communication with a minor for immoral purposes.
Court records show the crimes were exposed when a 12-year-old girl’s parents found concerning text messages on her two cell phones and alerted law enforcement. The investigation revealed a sexual relationship between Barron, who was 31 at the time, and the child, who is his niece.
Law enforcement also discovered text messages between Barron and the girl that included discussion about the “plan B pill” and a miscarriage. There was also a confrontation call between Barron’s brother and him where Barron admitted to having a sexual relationship with the girl. Barron also admitted to his brother that he loved her and did not force her.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Michele Devlin argued that Barron took the innocence of the twelve-year-old victim and forever changed the trajectory of her life. The State further argued that Barron effectively blamed the victim when he said he didn’t force her to have sexual relations and pointed out that Barron was the adult in the situation who knew his actions were wrong and illegal.
Barron was ordered to have no contact with the victim for the rest of his life, and to complete sex offender treatment and registration. Barron’s prison sentence is subject to the Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board, which means that after he serves the 10-year sentence, the ISRB will determine if the offender can be released, and has the option to keep Barron incarcerated for life.