Court Upholds Conviction of Binghamton Sexual Predator

Prosecutors say the conviction of a Binghamton man they describe as a "sexual predator" has been upheld.

According to the Broome County district attorney's office, the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division Third Department has upheld the conviction of 56-year-old James Starnes.

A Broome County Court jury convicted Starnes in March 2017 of predatory sexual assault against a child, criminal sexual act, rape, sexual abuse and course of sexual conduct against a child.

Starnes was sentenced to 30 years to life in state prison for committing sexual acts against children ages 9, 12 and 14 between 2013 and 2016.

According to a news release issued by the DA's office, the Appellate Court determined the evidence was legally sufficient for the jury to find Starnes guilty of the charges and that the evidence was "properly received."

In denying the appeal by Starnes, the court determined that the sentence was not excessive due to the seriousness of the charges and the failure of Starnes "to accept responsibility for his actions."

In a statement, Broome County district attorney Michael Korchak said: "In my 25 years as a prosecutor, this is one of the most heinous cases that I have litigated."

Korchak said Starnes will be eligible for parole in 2047. He said the district attorney's office "strongly recommends that he never be released. This is the only way to ensure that no child will ever again be harmed by this violent predator."

State prison records indicate Starnes is being held at the Five Points Correctional Facility in Seneca County.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.