A retired Baltimore police officer just got hit with a life sentence for sexually abusing children at a daycare run by his ex-wife — a case that shocked the community and is still unfolding legally and emotionally.
James Weems, the now-disgraced former officer, was convicted back in November 2024. According to court records, he was found guilty of multiple disturbing charges: rape, sexual abuse of a minor, and showing obscene material to children.
His young victims had all been enrolled at Lil Kidz Kastle, a daycare in Owings Mills managed by Weems’ ex-wife, Shanteari Young.
Young didn’t just stand by—she took action. She ended up shooting Weems once the allegations surfaced. She later testified during his trial, and her statement was as raw as it was powerful. “Ms. Weems did something that she felt was worth it to protect those children and she’s been held accountable,” her lawyer, Tony Garcia, shared. “Now, it’s his turn.”
Young is already serving a four-year sentence for the shooting.
Inside the Trial: Chilling Testimony and Calm Demeanor
In court, Young recalled the horrifying moment she found out about the abuse. She said the experience was emotionally crushing. What struck her even more was Weems’ strange reaction—or lack thereof. He stayed calm, didn’t ask a single question, and acted completely unfazed by the situation.
That cold response sent chills through the courtroom.
Meanwhile, the damage done to the victims has been heartbreaking. These kids have been left emotionally scarred, and some are still trying to process what happened to them.
Parents Fight Back: Civil Lawsuit Demands Accountability
In March, one of the victims’ parents stepped up and filed a civil lawsuit, demanding Weems be held financially responsible for the damage he caused.
The lawsuit accused him of negligence and false imprisonment. It was filed after the child broke down crying while testifying during trial. According to the legal filing, the young victim now suffers from nightmares, chronic headaches, and emotional trauma.
“It has been devastating—a catastrophic experience,” attorney Jonathan Schochor said. “These are lifelong injuries.”
He went on to add, “This young lady confronted what happened in court. Whether she can emotionally confront what happened in her life remains to be seen.”
Daycare Also Named in Lawsuit: “They Should’ve Known”
The civil suit didn’t stop with Weems. His ex-wife Shanteari Young, and her daycare, Lil Kidz Kastle, were also named as defendants.
The complaint claims that the daycare should’ve known Weems was a danger. The suit argues he had an addiction to internet pornography and would frequently watch it whenever he had the chance—even in settings around children.
According to the lawsuit, the daycare should’ve recognized the red flags and never allowed him to be around kids unsupervised.
Community Reacts: Trauma Runs Deep
The community is still reeling from the news. Many are expressing anger, sadness, and disbelief that a former officer—a man sworn to protect—committed such unspeakable acts against innocent children.
Parents in Baltimore are calling for tighter background checks and stronger supervision requirements in daycare centers.
Though Weems is behind bars for life, the damage he caused continues to ripple through the lives of his victims and their families.
