James Bernard Grover, 63, of Deltona was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza to life in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, according to a June 2 announcement by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
Court documents and evidence presented at trial showed that Grover was the founder and executive director of the Special Needs Advocacy Program, a nonprofit organization based in Sanford serving the special needs community. Through his work with this organization, Grover met an autistic minor, provided counseling and therapy services, and then coerced and enticed the minor into engaging in sexual activity.
Grover was found guilty by a federal jury on February 27. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and Sanford Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Diane S. Hu prosecuted the case.
The prosecution was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate offenders who exploit children sexually as well as identify victims.
More information about Project Safe Childhood is available at www.justice.gov/psc.