Police seeking information in child sex abuse case

San Bernardino Police Department investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying more potential victims following a carnival workers arrest December 23, 2023 for child sex abuse.

The investigation began October 25, 2023, when the San Bernardino Police Department responded to a victim’s residence to investigate a sexual abuse allegation. Officers spoke with the victim and learned she was sexually assaulted by the suspect, later identified as James Donnelly. After further investigation, two more victims, both male and female, were discovered and reported crimes against James Donnelly that spanned over seven years. The victims were approximately ten years old when the sexual abuse started.

Donnelly was located and arrested at a local Southern California Fair Ground setting up for a New Year’s Eve festival. Donnelly has worked for traveling carnivals for the past 30 years. The carnivals traveled from California to Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Colorado.

Throughout the years, Donnelly met women who lived near the carnivals and would stay short or long-term. The relationship he built with these women allowed him to have access to children who he would sexually assault.

Due to the carnival traveling to multiple states, investigators want to ensure there are no additional victims. If anyone has information regarding Donnelly, please contact the San Bernardino Police Department, Detective A. Madrigal at [email protected] or 909-384-5631.