Police cadet arrested in lewdness case

A police academy cadet was arrested Tuesday for allegedly sexually assaulting two Carson City girls.

James Ernest Hope, 39, was booked into the Carson City jail on two counts of lewdness with a minor under 14 and one count of sexual assault.

Detectives began investigating Hope more than a year ago, at which time he denied the allegations, said Carson City Sheriff's Sgt. Bob White.

Hope, who owns Hope's Painting & Drywall, was taken into custody at 1:30 p.m. at a job in Dayton.

He is attending the Police Officers Standards and Training Academy at Western Nevada Community College and was slated to graduate the 30-week course in August.

According to White, the victims, ages 4 and 6, said Hope subjected them to fondling and sexual activity on more than one occasion.

Hope was a friend to the girls' family, White said.

An arrest warrant for Hope and a search warrant for his Minden address were served Tuesday.

White said a computer was among evidence taken from the home.

Hope is being held on $100,000 bail.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.