Former Powhatan County employee found guilty of child sexual abuse

POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A former Powhatan County employee was found guilty on Tuesday on all five charges of child sexual abuse.

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 37-year-old James Babcock was found guilty on all five charges of sexual abuse of a minor in a custodial role, stemming from crimes that were allegedly committed in March 2017, before his employment for the county.

In court, the victim testified that they met Babcock when he responded to an emergency call related to the victim's suicide attempt. The victim was 15 at the time.

The victim testified that a friendship between the two grew from the meeting with the victim, eventually moving in with Babcock. At this point, the Commonwealth argued that Babcock took over as the victim's guardian.

The victim testified that the relationship became sexual and romantic when they turned 16.

The defendant admitted to there being an inappropriate sexual relationship, but argued that he did not have a custodial role, so he should be found not guilty on the charges.

Babcock had waived his right to a jury in mid October 2025, so this was a bench trial, where the judge makes the final decision. The judge ultimately sided with the Commonwealth's argument that Babcock took advantage of his custodial role over the victim to engage in a sexual relationship.

Commonwealth's Attorney Robert Cerullo said the sentencing guidelines recommend a sentence from one year and nine months to four years and nine months. The maximum sentence is 25 years, but Cerullo said the judge was unlikely to serve this sentence.

Babcock and his defense attorney declined to comment, saying the case has yet to be finalized by a judge regarding the sentencing.

A sentencing date was set for April 23, with a request for a psychosexual evaluation beforehand.