Former police cadet to be tried or sexual assault

A Carson City man will be tried on charges he fondled two girls more than three years ago.

Justice Court Judge John Tatro found Friday there was enough evidence to try James Ernest Hope, 40, on one count of sexual assault and four counts of lewdness with a minor under the age of 14.

A preliminary hearing in which the child victims testified was closed to the public by Tatro.

According to court documents, detectives began investigating Hope more than a year ago when the girls allegedly told their mother he assaulted them in 2001. The conversation came up between the mother and daughters during an episode of the "Montel Williams Show" dealing with sexual assault, the mother testified.

Hope, who owns Hope's Painting & Drywall, was taken into custody May 15.

He was also 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 investigators, 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, the mother testified.

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