Former Stallion Springs California police officer faces sentencing for child sex abuse crimes
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2025 10:21 pm
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BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA — The sentencing of James Best Jr., a former Stallion Springs police officer accused of sexually abusing a child, is expected to happen this upcoming Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.
Best was arrested over a year ago in Maine following a warrant issued in Kern County. The crimes involved one of his own children, beginning when she was 9 years old and continuing until she reached adulthood. Last month, the same woman who claims she was sexually abused by Best filed a claim against Kern County.
Initially facing seven charges related to child sex crimes, five charges against Best were dropped. He pleaded no contest to the remaining felony counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child and oral copulation where the victim was unable to resist due to intoxication. The sentencing, originally scheduled for June, was delayed to accommodate the return of Best's attorney from leave and to allow the victim and her legal team to discuss concerns about new evidence with the district attorney.
Prosecutors believe the new evidence from other alleged victims could lead to a reconsideration of the plea bargain. The reason for today's continuation of the sentencing remains undisclosed.
https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/f ... er-17-2025