Man Sentenced to 300 Years for Child Sexual Abuse

AG: Montana News

Filed February 26th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced that Jami Leslie James was sentenced to 300 years in prison for sexually abusing three children. James, a former hockey coach, will not be eligible for parole for 60 years and was designated a Tier 3 sex offender.

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What changed

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced the sentencing of Jami Leslie James to 300 years in Montana State Prison for the sexual abuse of three children between 2019 and 2021. James, a former hockey coach who ran development camps, was found guilty in September 2025 on six counts of sexual intercourse without consent. The victims were between 8 and 9 years old. James will not be eligible for parole for 60 years and has been designated a Tier 3 sex offender.

This case highlights severe criminal conduct and the resulting legal consequences. While this is an individual sentencing, it underscores the importance of vigilance and reporting in cases of child abuse, particularly in contexts involving minors and authority figures like coaches. Law enforcement and legal professionals involved in similar investigations and prosecutions should note the thoroughness of the investigation and prosecution leading to this significant sentence.

What to do next

Review internal policies and training related to child protection and reporting obligations.
Ensure all staff are aware of the severe penalties associated with child sexual abuse.
Cooperate fully with law enforcement investigations into suspected child abuse.

Penalties

300 years imprisonment, not eligible for parole for 60 years, designated a Tier 3 sex offender.

Source document (simplified)

Published On: February 26, 2026 Categories: Drugs and Crime, Press Release HELENA – A Flathead County man was sentenced to 300 years at the Montana State Prison today for sexually abusing three children under the age of 12 from 2019 to 2021, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced. The man will not be eligible for parole for 60 years.

Jami Leslie James, 50, was found guilty in September 2025 on six counts of sexual intercourse without consent. James was initially charged after three survivors accused him of sexually abusing them at hockey camp. James, a former hockey coach, ran development skills camps across the state. In all three cases, the minors were between 8 and 9 years old and regularly attended James’ camps.

One survivor testified that James abused the children under the guise of indicating he was taking their temperature. Another victim testified that James promised that the abuse would “make him fast” like the other players. The crimes occurred in Flathead and Butte-Silver Bow Counties. James was also designated a Tier 3 sex offender.

The case was investigated by Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department, Columbia Falls Police Department, and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. Kelli Fivey and Stephanie Robles prosecuted the case, with assistance from the Butte-Silver Bow and Flathead County Attorney’s offices.