EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — An Illinois court has decided that an Idaho man who previously established an online “church” advocating for pedophilia will continue to serve his time in prison. After less than a quarter-hour of deliberation, a Madison County jury concluded Wednesday that James M. Lopes, 49, remains a sexually dangerous individual under state law.
The swift verdict came during a mandated periodic review to determine whether Lopes should be released from confinement. State prosecutors firmly argued that Lopes had made no attempts at rehabilitation since his last assessment.
Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine expressed relief at the jury’s decision, acknowledging the unsettling impact Lopes had on the community. “The kind of person who not only harbors such distorted beliefs but actively promotes them is a significant threat to public safety,” Haine commented.
Lopes first drew law enforcement attention in 2016 following worrying interactions with families in several local areas. He was reported to have used inappropriate terms of endearment for young girls and once described being on a “mini-date” with a child. His tactics included distributing business cards linking to the “Rise Star Church,” a site that allegedly advocated for the sexual abuse of children and their marriage to adults.
During a police interview in the same year, Lopes admitted his focus on children below the age of 12, raising immediate concerns. Psychological evaluations conducted subsequently labeled him a consistent reoffending risk, diagnosing Lopes with a pedophilic disorder.
These assessments played a crucial role in the latest judicial review, helping substantiate the argument for his continued imprisonment. Haine praised local law enforcement and his office’s Children’s Justice Division for their ongoing commitment to community safety.
The jury’s quick decision underscores the severity with which this case has been viewed, reflecting broader societal condemnations of crimes against children. Lopes will remain incarcerated in the Illinois Department of Corrections, where he will continue to undergo evaluations as stipulated by state law. This case exemplifies the legal system’s role in balancing offenders’ rights with the imperative to protect the public, especially the most vulnerable, from potential harm.