Flathead County man guilty of sexual abuse at hockey camps

HELENA – A Flathead County man was found guilty Friday on six counts of sexual intercourse without consent for sexually abusing three minor children from 2019 to 2021.

According to the Montana Department of Justice, Jami Leslie James, 50, was accused by three survivors who came forward alleging that he abused them at hockey camp. James, a former hockey coach, ran development skills camps across the state. The minors, aged between 8 and 9, regularly attended these camps.

One victim testified that James abused them under the guise of taking their temperature. Another victim shared that James promised the abuse would “make him fast” like other players. The abuse occurred in Flathead and Butte-Silver Bow Counties.

Due to the victims being under 12, James faces up to 100 years in Montana State Prison with a 25-year restriction on parole for each count.

The case was investigated by the 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 help from the Butte Silver Bow and Flathead County Attorney’s offices.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 6.