Bellingham man sentenced in Whatcom County child sexual abuse case
A 59-year-old Bellingham man was sentenced to eight years in prison Tuesday in Whatcom County Superior Court on charges related to the sexual abuse of a child.
James Burr was arrested March 13, 2024 on 24 counts of first-degree child molestation. He pleaded guilty to amended charges of first- and second-degree child molestation and tampering with a witness on July 1.
The victim’s family described the mental health issues that the entire family has experienced since the abuse came to light, and said they hoped that Burr will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Because of the nature of the crimes, Burr’s case will go before the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board after he finishes serving his time in Department of Corrections custody. The board will determine whether Burr can be safely released into community custody or should spend more time in prison.
Burr’s defense attorney, Adrian Madrone, said Burr has shown remorse since his arrest. He pointed out that Burr has no prior convictions, and there is no evidence that he abused anyone else.
Burr apologized for his actions before his sentencing was imposed. He said there was “no conceivable way” he would commit these crimes again.
Judge Evan Jones followed the agreed sentencing recommendation of eight years in prison followed by a lifetime in community custody, if and when the review board agrees to it. A lifetime sexual assault protection order will go into effect when he is released.
“Your decision … is bigger than you,” Judge Jones stated. He said that the case is one that has affected the community, and that such a sentence is necessary to show that these crimes aren’t OK.
Resources
▪ Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org. Brigid Collins Family Support Center professionals are on-call between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, to answer questions about children, families, abuse prevention or treatment. ▪ Child Protective Services: Washington state hotline for reporting child abuse and neglect, 866-829-2153. ▪ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org. ▪ Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015. ▪ Tl’ils Ta’á’altha Victims of Crime: 360-325-3310. ▪ WWU Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-7982 or cwc.wwu.edu/survivorservices.