James Pinker, 34, was convicted in June for sexually assaulting two children, authorities say
Weld County District Attorney
James Pinker
Content warning: The following article contains disturbing details of sexual abuse.
A Colorado man has been sentenced by a judge to more than 100 years in prison for sexually assaulting two children in their relative’s home in 2021.
James Pinker, 34, was sentenced by a Weld County, Colo., judge to 112 years-to-life on Aug. 30, the Weld County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement this week.
He was found guilty in June of four counts of sexual assault on a child – pattern of abuse, per the statement, which was issued on Monday, Sep. 9.
The convictions stem from an incident on Dec. 12, 2021, when two girls, whose ages weren’t disclosed in the statement, were playing downstairs in the home of a relative, authorities said.
They were playing a game called “Monsters,” they said, when Pinker came downstairs and began playing a “kissing” game with them.
“When asked what the ‘kissing’ game was, the victims said the defendant would put his mouth on their ‘privates’ and made them take their clothes off,” the statement said.
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At the sentencing hearing last month, a 17-year-old girl said Pinker would sexually abuse her when she was younger, per the statement.
Deputy District Attorney Timothy McCormack said there were “several young children” that Pinker abused, but it wasn’t immediately clear if charges had been brought in the other cases.
“The defendant’s actions were not only heinous, but he shattered the innocence and lives of several young children,” McCormack said. “This sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes and the justice deserved for his victims.”
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
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Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
