Child Molestation Investigation

Release Number: 14-148

For Immediate Release:

Public Information Office of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

April 18, 2014

Contact Person:

Public Information Office : piooffice@hcso.tampa.fl.us

813/247-8060

Child Molestation Investigation

School principal was arrested.

Thursday

April 17, 2014

Time: 12:00 AM

Hillsborough County

Arrested:

James Jerome Larkin
DOB:01/05/1951
4612 S. Ferdinand Ave
Tampa, Florida

Employed: Tampa Day School, 12606 Henderson Road, Tampa Florida

Charges:

Lewd or Lascivious Molestation on a Child 12 or Older

Victim:

14 year old male  (No further information will be released on the victim.)

Details:

Prior to March 07, 2014, James Larkin who is the victim’s school principal, befriended the victim and his mother after the victim’s father passed away.

Over the course of time, Larkin became a surrogate dad and routinely took the victim to “Dad Club” meetings and other recreational activities.  On March 7, 2014, Larkin babysat the victim while the victim’s mom was out of town for the weekend.

At approximately 10:15 pm that evening, Larkin entered the victim’s room and lay down beside him. Larkin then put his hands down the front of the victim’s pants and began inappropriately touching him. The victim complained and Larkin stopped and left the room.

During the investigation, a recorded call was made between Larkin and the victim. During that call, Larkin admitted to the allegations and that his actions were inappropriate. Larkin’s was arrested late Thursday afternoon at his residence and booked into the Orient Road Jail.

At this time, detectives are not aware of any other victim(s) or that James Larkin committed any inappropriate activity while at the school. Detectives have had full cooperation of the school’s administration.

The investigation continues.