Retired dispatcher James E. Tripp, 60, of Batavia, was sentenced to 90 days in jail and 10 years probation in Genesee County Court on Tuesday morning by Judge Charles Zambito. Tripp will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Tripp pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a sexual performance by a child less than 16, a class E felony, on July 28, 2020.
Tripp admitted to knowingly possessing a sexual performance by a child, less than 16, on December 20, 2017, in count one.
He was originally charged with three counts of possession of sexual performance by a child after being arrested on January 21, 2020. Tripp turned himself in to State Police and was released on his own recognizance.
Before making his decision on sentencing, Judge Zambito asked Assistant District Attorney Kaitlynn Schmit why the people were requesting jail time.
“There has been a considerable amount of time that has passed, he has no priors and he is working towards rehabilitation,” said Zambito.
In court, Assistant District Attorney Kaitlynn Schmit confirmed that State Police were able to determine that Tripp possessed over 70 images of girls under the age of 16 and over 200 images with unknown ages.
State Police issued a search warrant for Tripp’s residence after multiple images of children under the age of 16 were uploaded on three devices.
“He knew he was getting images of underage girls,” said Schmit.
“He also uploaded and distributed. He opened a Snapchat account after talking to his grandchildren and then continued to share photos on Snapchat,” says Schmit.
Before being sentenced, Tripp told the court his life has been turned upside down and he is looking to make things better.
“We had what I would consider a normal family life, looking forward to spending time with grandkids. The State Police turned our life upside down. I have no animosity, they did what they had to do.”
Tripp went on to explain his dedication to his job and always being there, striving to do better and sometimes working 70-80 hours a week. He thanked his family and the Family Life Center along with North Coast for being there as counselors to help him.
“Our lives have changed, no one I worked with has reached out to talk to me. Everybody knows everybody, people talk. Am not saying I’m not guilty.”
“I’m ashamed and embarrassed, I think about this everyday. I’m sorry to my wife, my kids, my work. It’s a battle everyday. Confining me to a jail cell is not going to fix my family.”
Tripp’s Attorney Clark Zimmerman told the court his client is extremely remorseful. “He is looking to rectify the danger he has caused.”
Judge Zambito told the court that this is has been the most difficult case.
“I have spent lots of time thinking about it.”
Zambito explained that despite the fact the Tripp has no priors and has been working towards rehabilitation and has been a servant to the community, he says he has to take into account that there are real victims involved.
“You were communicating with young girls over a period of time and you were not charged with anything in regards to that. While there are no victims here in court, these girls were real. They are victims. Because of the harm that it causes to these girls, exposing young girls to strangers.”
After the sentencing, Tripp’s Attorney requested that Tripp be able to provide his wife with a ride home as she was in attendance in court and needed a ride home as she does not drive.
Judge Zambito granted the request and adjourned the sentencing until 2:00p.m. Tuesday afternoon, when Tripp would turn himself in to the court to begin serving 90 days in jail.
Judge Zambito your questioning of the prosecuter to why the people are requesting jail time scares me more than the pedophile in this case. It always seems lieniency. This man should have been tried outside Genesee county.
The pervert here has not accepted responsibility as shown when he stated the State Police turned his family upside down! No Tripp you did and now they must suffer along with the other victims.
He should have all of his retirement taken away.
I hope the victims are not further violated because of his sharing the pictures.