LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville man is accused of raping, sodomizing and sexually abusing a 10-year-old tried to get out of jail by putting his house up for bond Wednesday morning.
Police say 52-year-old James Lanham is under investigation for being sexually involved with four children -- all under the age of 12 -- who were living in his neighborhood.
The judge denied Lanham's request, saying bond would be $50,000 cash because the allegations against him are so disturbing.
According to an arrest report, Louisville Metro Police say a 10-year-old came forward and made the accusations against Lanham. The girl alleges that Lanham fondled her and raped her. Police say the girl told her parents, who turned to the crimes against children unit. That's when the other victims and their parents came forward.
Carey Klein, a LMPD spokesperson, says, "It's very important that parents remember always know who your children are talking to, who's house their at, keep an open dialogue."
A police spokeswoman told WDRB News that Lanham and the victim were acquaintances who lived in the same neighborhood. Police confirm that Lanham is believed to have abused three other victims, in the neighborhood.
Klein says, "The adults as well as children were familiar with this individual and it's my understanding that there were never any other instances that have been reported."
Neighbors say the neighborhood along Welburn Drive is full of kids, and a great place to raise a family. Everyone is shocked to learn this disturbing news.
Joe Ryan lives down the street from Lanham. He says, "I'm really, really surprised I didn't think anything like that could be happening around here."
Lanham was arrested late Monday night and charged with first degree rape, two counts of first degree sodomy and multiple counts of first degree sex abuse.
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