Hillsborough – 63 year-old James Larkin of Tampa was arrested and charged with lewd or lasivious molestation on a child 12 or older.
Larkin was the principle at the Tampa Day School, located at 12606 Henderson Road in Tampa.
Prior to March 07, 2014, Larkin, who is the victim’s school principle, befriended the victim and his mother after the victim’s father passed away. The victim is being described as a 14 year-old male and no further information will be released on his personal information.
Over the course of time, Larkin became a surrogate dad and routinely took the victim to “Dad Club” meetings and other recreational activities.
On March 7, 2014, Larkin babysat the victim while the victim’s mom was out of town for the weekend.
At at approximately 10:15 pm that evening, Larkin entered the victim’s room and laid down beside him. Larkin then put his hands down the front of the victim’s pants and began inappropriately touching him. The victim complained and Larkin stopped and left the room.
During the investigation, a recorded call was made between Larkin and the victim. During that call, Larkin admitted to the allegations and that his actions were inappropriate.
Larkin’s was arrested late Thursday afternoon at his residence and booked into the Orient Road Jail.
At this time, detectives are not aware of any other victim(s) or that James Larkin committed any inappropriate activity while at the school. Detectives have had full cooperation of the school’s administration.
The investigation continues.
