Madison County jury rules dangerous sex offender stays in prison

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (First Alert 4) – A jury in Madison County, Illinois, took less than 15 minutes to reach a verdict that will keep in prison an Idaho man who is considered a dangerous sex offender and ran an online “church” that promoted pedophilia.

Under Illinois law, inmates deemed sexually dangerous are entitled to a periodic trial to determine whether they should remain incarcerated. At a hearing for 49-year-old James M. Lopes on Wednesday, prosecutors argued that he has done nothing to rehabilitate himself and should remain in prison.

The jury agreed with that verdict, meaning he will remain incarcerated in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Madison County Prosecutor Tom Haine said in a news release that Lopes has brought turmoil to the entire community and prosecutors are glad he remains in custody.

“This type of person, who apparently believes that his perverse tendencies are acceptable in our society and has even founded a church to promote them, is particularly dangerous,” Haine said. “I am grateful for the dedication of our local police and the prosecutors of our Children's Court Division, whose work ensures the continued safety of the children in our community. I thank the jury for giving their attention to this serious matter.”

Authorities became suspicious of Lopes in 2016 after interactions between him and families were reported in several communities in Madison County. He referred to young girls as princesses and, in one case, claimed he had been on a “mini date” with a child, the news release said.

He distributed business cards with a website to Rise Star Church, which prosecutors said promoted child sexual abuse and the marriage of children to adults. In 2016, he was interviewed by Madison County detectives and admitted that he focused on children under 12.

Psychologists later questioned Lopes and found that he suffered from a pedophile disorder and was likely to reoffend, the press release said.

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