Murrieta Man Jailed on Suspicion of Lewd Acts With Minor

A Murrieta man remains jailed in lieu of $200,000 bail for allegedly getting a teenage co-worker drunk with the intent to molest him.

William Thomas James, 55, was arrested after police were called on Saturday to Slender Lady of Murrrieta, located at 25060 Hancock Avenue, Suite 107, regarding an intoxicated juvenile employee.

An ensuing investigation revealed that James, an adult co-worker, allegedly gave alcohol to the minor, said Murrieta police Sgt. Phil Gomez.

Officers also determined that James was a registered sex offender, Gomez said.

"The juvenile male was extremely intoxicated and was transported to a local hospital for treatment," the sergeant said.

Gomez said James "provided the alcohol to the juvenile with the intent to molest."

He was arrested and later booked at the Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of lewd acts with a child and child molest. 

According to court records, James has a prior conviction from 1997 stemming from a case with similar circumstances involving a juvenile. The Murrieta Police Department was the investigating agency on that offense, too.

Records show he was convicted of oral copulation with a minor. James was sentenced to jail time and probation in the prior case, and ordered to pay restitution.

Gomez asked anyone with information regarding the investigation to call Detective Danny Martin at 951-461-6804 or the on-duty watch commander at 951-696-3615. Tips can also be provided anonymously through “We Tip” at 1-800-78-CRIME.

James is described as white, 6 feet 2 inches tall, 260 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. An arrest photo was not available at the time of publication.