An Atlantic County man who was freed after pleading guilty to endangering a child is now wanted after he allegedly failed to appear for his sexual offender evaluation.
James Callaway, 45, pleaded guilty Aug. 3, just days before he was set to go to trial in the case that accused him of sexually assaulting his then-girlfriend’s daughter for years. He was released as part of the agreement.
Callaway was first arrested in July 2020, nearly two years after the victim’s mother came to Atlantic City police with the allegations.
She detailed brutal attacks that included rape, choking and threats to kill her if she told her mother, according to the affidavits
The girl and Callaway also both tested positive for the same types of herpes.
The plea agreement would have given him a five-year suspended sentence, meaning he did not face incarceration. But he would have to register under Megan’s Law as a sexual offender.
That is apparently what led him to try to take back his plea. After that motion was denied, the victim’s mother was informed that Callaway failed to show up for his evaluation with the Avenel Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center, a requirement before sentencing for all sexual predator cases.
BreakingAC confirmed with the court that a warrant was issued.
The victim’s mother expressed concern at the time of Callaway’s release that he could flee or commit more crimes, since he would not be required to register under Megan’s Law until after his sentencing.
BreakingAC is not identifying her to protect the victim’s identity.
“My children are exhausted,” the mom told BreakingAC on Thursday. “We’ve been working very hard for the last four years to keep our heads above the water and still succeed while reliving this nightmare over and over again.
“We’re exhausted, and we just need it to end honestly,” she added.
Callaway previously served 20 years for aggravated manslaughter related to a 1992 homicide when he was 18, records show.
He was given a 30-year sentence with 15 years minimum under the plea agreement. He was released Aug. 10, 2013.
It was not clear where he is now living. The affidavits give an Egg Harbor Township address. But he also has had address in Atlantic City and Pleasantville.
