DA Chris Hicks announces that a local man has been sentenced to four consecutive life sentences, with parole eligibility after 98 years. James Furman (dob 2/27/91) was previously found guilty of five counts of Use or Permit a Child Under 14 to Produce Pornography, three counts of Lewdness with a Child Under the Age of 14, two counts of Sexual Assault Against a Child Under 14 Years, two counts of Possessing Visual Pornography of a Person Under 16, and one count of Prepare, Advertise, or Distribute Material Depicting Pornography Involving a Minor.
“We will continue to pursue life sentences for those who sexually abuse children in our community,” said District Attorney Chris Hicks. “It is especially meaningful that Furman’s sentencing took place during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Let this sentence serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences awaiting anyone who sexualizes a child in our community.”
The State was represented by Deputy District Attorney Kristina Rhoades, who at sentencing, focused on the lifelong impact of child sexual abuse crimes on its victims, including the minor child victim that Defendant sexually assaulted and lewdly touched, and the numerous children that were exploited in the creation of the child sexual abuse material that Defendant possessed and distributed. The Honorable David Hardy presided and imposed the four life sentences.
A recording of the press release for media can be heard below.
