CLAYTON, Mo. – A Chesterfield woman is behind bars Thursday morning after being charged with child sex crimes, involving a teenager who she allegedly met at church.
The allegation all came to light when the victim’s mother looked at her daughter’s diary. Authorities say the suspect is jailed at the county justice center on a $300,000 cash-only bond.
St. Louis County Police identify the suspect as 25-year-old Brandi James. Authorities want you to see a picture of James because they are concerned that there could be additional victims.
James is charged with two counts of statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy and one count of third-degree child molestation.
Court documents say the victim in this case is just 13 years old. Authorities say James and the victim met at the House of Deliverance church on St. Charles Rock Road in Bridgeton.
Investigators tell us the crimes happened between January and November of 2022 when James was 22 years old.
Authorities say when the 13-year-old’s mother read her daughter’s diary, she discovered that her daughter had been sexually involved with James.
Investigators say the information on the victim’s phone supports the allegation that she and James had engaged in sodomy at least twice.
Court documents say the victim told investigators about the episodes. The documents also reveal that James made admissions to others but refused to speak with police.
The Senior Pastor for the House of Deliverance, Eric Battle, released a statement on the matter.
“Brandi James is not now, nor has ever been, an employee nor mentor at the House of Deliverance Church,” Battle said. “Her relationship with the alleged victim took place outside of the church without any involvement with the church. All employees and volunteers at the church are required to submit and pass a criminal background check. The church is and has been willing to assist in the investigation in any way we can.”
Battle does confirm that James was a member of the church.
Anyone who may have been victimized by Brandi James is encouraged to contact the Child Abuse Unit for the St. Louis County Police Department. That number is (314) 615-5400.
James is set for a bond reduction hearing next week.
