James Leroy Ellis Jr.
Posted by Webmaster in Coaches, Hall of Shame, High Schools, Language Arts, ME-FV, Oklahoma
(10/13/07 – Initial BBT Report)
James Leroy Ellis Jr., 56, a former English teacher and coach at John Marshall High School, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma charged with 31 counts of rape, sodomy and lewd acts with a child involving a 13-year-old student has been jailed for five days for violating his bond conditions.
Ellis was arrested on June 28. Initially his bond amount was set at $675,000. Bond for Ellis was subsequently reduced to $250,000 and he was released. It is alleged that while free on bond and under a requirement to have no contact with the alleged victim that Ellis used his Myspace page to post a message blaming the girl for ruining his life.
It is alleged that Ellis posted the following message on Myspace on August 23rd:
LIFE RUINED:
It amazes me how life can go from being so good, to so bad in just a couple of hours! I have always been a person who trusted everyone, and now look where it has landed me! I hope I don’t die before I find out why those I loved and trusted turned on me! I hope it was worth it for you in the end; either getting the school you wanted or the love you thought you needed, because my life, death, and the ruin of my loved ones will forever be on your shoulders.
The girl’s mother told the court her daughter is terrified of Ellis and went on to state, “She has asked for a bodyguard. She is petrified. She does not want to leave my side.”
Ellis attorney Billy Bock argued Ellis did not contact the girl because his message was posted on MySpace, not sent directly to either the girl or her family.
District Judge Tammy Bass-LeSure said that it was clear that Ellis message was meant for his accuser. However, the judge refused to increase Ellis bond amount as requested by the prosecution. Instead she ordered Ellis jailed for five days as punishment for violating the terms of his bond.
Judge Bass-LeSure also prohibited Ellis from recreational use of the Internet and ordered him not to have any contact with children under 18, except for his grandchildren.
Ellis attorney pointed out that the latter requirement means that Ellis will have to withdraw from a Christmas play at his church.
A preliminary hearing for Ellis is set for November 9th.
Update 11/11/07:
On Friday a preliminary hearing was held for James Leroy Ellis Jr. During that hearing the alleged victim testified regarding the alleged sexual abuse by Ellis. After the girl’s testimony the prosecution asked to add three counts of lewd acts with a child and the judge granted that request.
Ellis was bound over for trial on 34 counts of rape, sodomy and lewd acts with a child.
11/07/08 – No Contest Plea
On 10/29/08 James Leroy Ellis Jr. entered a no contest plea to all 34 counts.
According to court records Ellis’ plea was taken under advisement with sentencing set for January 8th.
Thanks to ‘Carole’ for providing the updated information on this case. As always we appreciate it greatly – webmaster
01/20/09 – No Contest Pleas Accepted
Oklahoma County District Judge Tammy Bass has accepted James Ellis’ 34 pleas of no contest on charges of rape, sodomy and lewd acts with a child.
Sentencing is set for February 19th and Judge Bass has the authority to sentence Ellis as she sees fit, including a sentence of up to life in prison.
02/20/09 – Sentencing
Yesterday, James Ellis was sentenced to 14 years on each of the 34 counts to which he previously pleaded guilty.
District Judge Tammy Bass-LeSure after announcing the 34 sentences then ordered that they be served consecutively, for a total of 476 years.
Ellis’ defense attorney Billy Bock asked the judge to consider probation.
References:
Former Oklahoma City high school teacher faces 476 years (02/20/09)
Teacher Pleads ‘No Contest’ To Sexual Assault (01/20/09)
Former teacher accused of sex abuse to face trial (11/09/07)
Ex-teacher faces jail time over Web entry (10/13/07)
Entries (RSS)
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
What a brave young lady. She has really weathered the storm. I can’t even begin to imagine the kind of strength and courage it must take to stand up against all of that kind of evil and for so long. He would not have been convicted if it weren’t for her bravery. I pray God continues to heal her and that she may inspire others to speak up against these horrible wrongs.
Thanks to the judge for sending the message to all predators in positions of authority and trust…
February 20th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
i cant believe the lawyer had the balls asking for probation.what a nut job.
January 18th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Update to the actual sentencing date…As of last week, James Ellis, Jr was scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 20th. James L. Ellis, Jr. will be taken into custody January 20th, 9:00a.m., but setencing will have to be another day due to scheduling conflicts for the judge. This judge is known to be a very lenient judge on sentences. A new sentencing date will be scheduled when Jim L. Ellis, Jr appears January 20th. Whatever new date for the sentencing, that will be when the prosecution will show all evidence they have on him. This girl was 13 when he started the relationship with her and now she is 14. He was fired for this same type of behavior at previous school(s). If there are other victims (god forbid) I would hope they find the strength to come forward and help put this man away forever. Jim L. Ellis, Jr has done everything in his power to delay this case for 2 1/2 years. He has faked serious illnesses. Sicko man. Cross you fingers he gets what he deserves.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
This guy is a real jerk…not to mention a sexual predator of the worsat kind. He was to be sentenced on Jan. 8th but they continued it until January 20th. Put him in prison already! I hear he’s been transferred from almost every school he’s taught at because of rumors of sexual behavior with other minors. Do anything you want to him, but I feel for his family!
January 9th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Can I give you some information with the agreement that you not post my name again?
To the best of my knowledge we haven’t published your name previously. In any case you may contact us at webmaster@badbadteacher.com – webmaster
November 9th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Thanks Carole… the paper is wrong asout her age though, she was barely 13.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Here is an update on this creep. On 10/29 he entered a plea of “no contest” and the news needs to get out. Also, I have attached a little blurb that was in the OKC paper. There has not been a big article about it and there should be.
http://www.oscn.net/applications/ocisweb/GetCaseInformation.asp?submitted=true&viewtype=caseGeneral&casemasterID=2186276&db=Oklahoma
Here is what was in the OKC paper on 10/30:
EX-TEACHER FACES PRISON
A former Oklahoma City teacher is facing hundreds of years in prison after pleading no contest Wednesday to sexually assaulting an underage student. James Leroy Ellis Jr. will remain free on $250,000 bail until he is sentenced Jan. 8 by an Oklahoma County judge. Ellis had been facing trial next week on 34 counts of rape, forcible oral sodomy and lewd acts with a child before he decided to enter a blind plea Wednesday morning. That leaves it up to District Judge Tammy Bass-LeSure to determine his punishment. Ellis, 57, was arrested June 28, 2007, after a 14-year-old student’s father found text messages indicating there was an inappropriate relationship between them.
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-briefs/article/3317093?custom_click=headlines_widget