Cedar Rapids man gets probation for sexually abusing 4-year-old

Sixth Judicial District Judge Robert Sosalla gave a man probation today for sexually abusing a 4-year-old girl, but first told him that was difficult because he doubted his remorse.

Sosalla questioned why it took James Waldron, 65, of Cedar Rapids, 18 months to plead guilty to indecent contact with a child and accept responsibility.

“In watching you today, watching your body language, it (victim impact statements) didn't seem to have much affect on you,” he said. “Where's your empathy for the child and this family?”

Waldron said he felt sorrow for the pain he caused the family and child. He apologized to them and told Sosalla he would never see him in court again.

Waldron was originally charged with second-degree sexual abuse in April 2008. He abused a child who was enrolled at his wife's in-home daycare.

He pleaded guilty in July to a lesser charge with the condition he would admit in court that he touched the child's vagina and had her touch him. He also had to agree to never operate another daycare out of his home.

The child's grandmother in a victim impact statement said Waldron was an evil man for doing this to her grandchild.

The victim's father said didn't believe Waldron was remorseful because he hadn't heard a sincere apology from him.

The victim's mother said initially she just wanted Waldron to admit his guilt but now she wants him to be punished. The plea isn't what fits the crime. “You took away her innocence.”

In the end, Sosalla sentenced him to two years suspended, giving him two years probation, which would allow him to complete the sex offender treatment program and ensure the public's safety because he will be monitored.