ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A St. Louis-area church mentor faces felony charges and is accused of child sex crimes. Investigators say a diary led to the mentor’s arrest.
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged Brandi James, 25, with two counts of statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy (deviate sexual intercourse) and once count of child molestation amid the investigation.
Investigators believe the alleged sex crimes happened between January 1, 2022 and November 30, 2022. James met the victim while acting in a mentor capacity at the House of Deliverance Church in St. Louis County, according to court documents obtained by FOX 2.
Court documents state that the victim’s mother came across a diary, finding a note that implied the victim was sexually involved with a church mentor.
Investigators say the information on victim’s phone supports the allegation that James had engaged in sexual acts with the victim on at least two occasions.
James made admissions to others, but refused to speak to police on allegations, per court documents. She is jailed in St. Louis County on a $300,000 cash-only bond.
Detectives with the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are leading the investigation. Police say the church has cooperated with the investigation.
The St. Louis County Police Department urges anyone with relevant information in this case to contact the department’s Child Abuse Unit at 314-615-5400.
