ST. LOUIS, MO – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced James R. Lambert, 42, a former youth hockey coach from Lake St. Louis, to 75 years in prison for sexually abusing two boys and recording the abuse.
Lambert abused one victim over 50 times between 2007 and 2018, beginning when the victim was 6 years old. The abuse occurred in St. Charles County, Missouri, as well as in other states and foreign countries. Lambert recorded the abuse on numerous occasions. Additionally, he admitted to abusing a second victim in St. Charles and St. Louis counties when the victim was between 6 and 9 years old.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson described Lambert’s actions as demonstrating a “psychopathic level” of manipulation to prevent the victims from disclosing the abuse and exhibiting “true sadism” towards the children.
The investigation, initiated after the first victim came forward, uncovered hundreds of files on Lambert’s electronic devices documenting the abuse of the second victim. Authorities also found at least 1,185 files containing child sexual abuse material that Lambert obtained online.
Lambert pleaded guilty in February to two counts of production of child pornography, one count of transporting a minor across state lines to engage in criminal sexual activity, one count of receiving child pornography, and one count of aggravated sexual abuse.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Lake St. Louis Police Department, the St. Charles County Cybercrime Task Force, and the Maryland Heights Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson prosecuted the case.
Lake St. Louis Police Chief Chris DiGiuseppi praised the efforts of his officers and federal partners, specifically recognizing Detective Sergeant Rick Frauenfelder and Detective Rebecca Hurwitz. “Protecting children from those who commit such heinous acts is one of the fundamental principles of why we serve in law enforcement,” he said.
Mark Zito, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Kansas City, emphasized the gravity of the crime and the importance of continuing efforts to eradicate child exploitation. “HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our children from harm,” he stated.
