In April of 2017, detectives from the Chandler Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit (SVU) opened an investigation into an allegation of child molestation by 57-year-old James Rhodes. Rhodes, a Mesa resident, volunteered at the Arizona Avenue Baptist Church located at 3701 N. Arizona Ave. in Chandler between 2003 and 2009. This is where Rhodes came into contact with his alleged victim.
While at the Arizona Avenue Baptist Church, Rhodes worked in a sound booth. Rhodes was remembered for always having candy for children, and, while working in the sound booth, it was common for Rhodes to have children sit on his lap. Rhodes also participated in the Church’s Wednesday night Bible study and participated in off-site Bible study sessions, which were usually in a Church member’s home.
Detectives from the Mesa Police Department arrested Rhodes on September 14, 2017 for an unrelated offense. While Rhodes was still incarcerated at the Maricopa County Jail, Chandler detectives filed seven counts of Child Molestation against him. Rhodes is charged with allegedly victimizing one child at the Church, and at the victim’s home.
If you have any information regarding James Rhodes and his involvement at the Arizona Avenue Baptist Church, please contact the Chandler Police Department at (480) 782-4130. When doing so reference police report #2017-46537.