Guardian Gets 20-Year Term for Molesting Girl

A 34-year-old Sepulveda accountant, convicted of molesting a 9-year-old girl who had lived with him and his wife for most of her life, Tuesday was sentenced to 20 years in state prison.

James McDermott, who was found guilty on Jan. 24 of seven counts of forcible lewd conduct on a child, could have received a maximum sentence of 61 years in prison. Before the sentencing, however, prosecutor Kenneth Freeman told the judge in the case that he thought a term of 20 years would be appropriate.

McDermott was arrested Oct. 12, 1983, after the victim complained to a school nurse of vaginal bleeding. Physicians examined the girl, who was in the fourth grade at the time, and determined that she had been sexually molested.

Foster Parents Appointed

The girl has lived with court-appointed foster parents since that time. McDermott was unable to post $15,000 bail and has been in Los Angeles County Jail since his arrest.

During a six-week jury trial in Van Nuys Superior Court, Commissioner Alan B. Haber allowed the victim to give written answers to questions that she was embarrassed to answer aloud.

McDermott looked straight ahead during the sentencing, but his wife, Diane, cried softly.

Court records show that in 1976 the girl was left in the custody of the McDermotts by a neighbor in a Van Nuys apartment complex. Although the couple never formally adopted the girl, they reared her and subsequently started a family of their own. They now have two sons, ages 6 and 4, and a daughter, 10 months.

McDermott’s attorney, Ralph Courtney, said in an interview that the 20-year prison term is too harsh.

“He realized what he did was wrong,” Courtney said. “He had no criminal record. He was a respected community leader. I think he is a better man than to deserve this.”

McDermott could have been sentenced to eight years for each of the seven counts, and because of an allegation of great bodily injury, another five years in state prison, Freeman said. McDermott will be eligible for parole in 10 years.