A volunteer at the Arizona Avenue Baptist Church, 57-year-old James Rhodes, was the subject of an investigation by the Chandler Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit that began in April of 2017. Rhodes was arrested on September 14, 2017 by Mesa Police for an unrelated offense.
While Rhodes was still incarcerated at the Maricopa County Jail, Chandler detectives filed seven counts of Child Molestation against him. Rhodes is charged with allegedly victimizing one child at the church, and at the victim’s home.
Chandler detectives opened the investigation into an allegation of child molestation that occurred at the church located at 3701 N. Arizona Ave. in Chandler between 2003 and 2009.
“While at the Arizona Avenue Baptist Church, Rhodes worked in a sound booth,” according to Detective Seth Tyler. “Rhodes was remembered for always having candy for children, and, while working in the sound booth, it was common for Rhodes to have children sit on his lap. Rhodes also participated in the Church’s Wednesday night Bible study and participated in off-site Bible study sessions, which were usually in a Church member’s home.”
If you have any information regarding James Rhodes and his involvement at the Arizona Avenue Baptist Church, please contact the Chandler Police Department at (480) 782-4130. When doing so reference police report #2017-46537.