Weymouth Man Sentenced For Statutory Rape, Child Porn

WEYMOUTH, MA – A Weymouth photographer who authorities said had a months-long sexual relationship with a teenage girl has been sentenced to state prison after pleading guilty this week to statutory rape and possession of child pornography. Joseph James, 39, was sentenced to seven years followed by three years supervised probation.

He was credited for a year served, dating back to March 30 of last year.

James must also undergo a mental health evaluation and register as a sex offender, wear a GPS monitoring device and stay away from the girl's home, school, workplace or any other exclusion zones upon his release from prison. He will be prohibited from having unsupervised contact with children under 16, except for his own children and grandchildren.

James pleaded guilty Tuesday to eight counts of statutory rape, three counts of enticement of a child and one count of possession of child pornography.

Authorities said James had a months-long sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl he met on Facebook in 2016. Police began investigating James once the victim's parents became aware of the relationship. The girl told police that she lied to James about her age, but they continued to have sex after he learned she was 15.

Emails, texts, and messages found on phones revealed that James enticed the teen to meet him, according to prosecutors.

Image via Shutterstock