Former Stallion Springs police officer James Walter Best Jr. has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for sexually abusing his stepdaughter, beginning when she was just 9 years old and continuing into her adulthood. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Conviction and Sentencing
Best pleaded no contest in October 2024 to two felony counts: continuous sexual abuse of a child and oral copulation of a victim unable to resist due to intoxication. His sentencing, originally scheduled for June, was delayed to allow his attorney’s return from leave and to give the victim and her legal team time to address new evidence with prosecutors.
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, Best appeared in court for the final sentencing.
Admissions and Investigations
Court documents show Kern County investigators interviewed Best and his stepdaughter in October 2023. During questioning, Best repeatedly apologized and admitted to some of the alleged sexual acts, though he claimed he did not remember others. Importantly, officials noted he never outright denied the abuse.
Criminal Background
Best’s history includes a 2020 conviction for misappropriation of public funds and grand theft, for which he was placed on probation. He was later arrested in Maine in August 2024 after leaving California amid the child abuse investigation.
Court records also show he was credited with 373 days served, including 325 days for good behavior.
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