Former Principal Charged in 1980 Sexual Battery

The former principal of Tampa Day School faces a new round of criminal charges after a student from the 1980s came forward following his April arrest in a different molestation case.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies arrested James Jerome Larkin, 63, at his home on South Ferdinand Avenue Wednesday.

Following Larkin’s arrest in April 2014, a man came forward and accused him of molesting him as a child. Larkin served as the principal of St. John Greek Orthodox School in Tampa for more than 30 years, The Tampa Tribune reported.

“The victim went on to say that on an unknown date in 1980, while he was 10 years old, he was sleeping at Larkin’s apartment in the Carrollwood area,” wrote Det. Larry McKinnon in an email to media. “He said during the sleep over, Larkin climbed into the bed and sexually assaulted and molested him.”

Detectives investigated the claim and turned evidence over to the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, which decided to pursue charges.

Larkin faces one count of sexual battery on a victim under 11 for the 1980 case. He was being held Thursday morning without bond at the Hillsborough County Jail.

The April arrest occurred while Larkin was serving as the principal of Tampa Day School. In that case, Larkin was watching a boy while his mother was out of town. The victim told deputies Larkin came into his room overnight and touched him inappropriately.

“During the investigation, a recorded call was made between Larkin and the victim,” a media release on that case stated. “During that call, Larkin admitted to the allegations and that his
actions were inappropriate.”

He was charged with lewd or lascivious molestation in that case.

Detectives say they do not know of any other victims at this time. If any do exist, they are encouraged to come forward.

Photo Credit: James Larkin/Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office