PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A former Warminster Township police officer is accused of molesting four boys while working with D.A.R.E. in the 1990s, a program designed to keep kids off drugs.
James Carey is facing 122 counts, including more than a dozen counts each of statutory sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault of someone under the age of 16.
The 52-year-old is accused of molesting four boys while working as a D.A.R.E. officer in the ’90s.
D.A.R.E., or Drug Abuse Resistance Education, uses authorities like police officers to go into schools and talk to children about the dangers of drugs.
An 80-page grand jury presentment accuses Carey of using his position as a uniformed police officer with the D.A.R.E. program in the Centennial School District to “gain unique access to children.” It lists multiple accusations where Carey let minors drink, smoke and do drugs around him.
The allegations range between 1988 and 2000. Carey served as a Warminster police officer from 1989 until his retirement in 2009.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office said Carey was initially investigated in 2001 after reports of inappropriate contact with a 17-year-old. The age of consent at the time was 16, so it was determined no charges could be filed.
Officials are concerned there could be more victims as Carey also worked with the Warminster Police Teen Activity Corps, where he took boys on overnight trips and supervised the township rec center.
“Carey ingratiated himself into the lives of minor children, in particular, those who were already facing challenges in their lives,” according to the presentment. “He used his position and authority to groom, not only the children, but their adult caregivers. The grooming tactics he used were pervasive, manipulative and calculated such that he not only lowered the minor’s guard but also attempted to provide an assurance that his crimes would go unreported and if reported, not believed.”
Carey was taken into custody on Wednesday. He has been arraigned with bail set at 10% of $100,000.
His attorney said Carey is completely innocent of these charges, and they look forward to getting a chance to present their case.