Inmate attacks molester in court

Thursday, July 18, 2002 | 10:51 a.m.

A convicted child molester was in court Wednesday to receive his sentence for the sexual assault of two girls under 14.

But before District Judge John McGroarty could announce the prison time, a fellow inmate decided to begin the punishment of James Johnson III early.

Court officials said Jacob Reed Lambeth, who was sitting in handcuffs and chains next to Johnson during the morning session in McGroarty's courtroom, tried to attack Johnson as one of the young victims described the crimes.

"He didn't like what he heard," said one corrections officer who asked not to be named.

Bailiff Bill Merren and two corrections officers restrained Lambeth who, despite his restraints, pulled Johnson to the ground.

Both men were escorted out of the courtroom and McGroarty rescheduled Johnson's sentencing for the afternoon.

The 23-year-old was sentenced to two concurrent prison terms of eight to 20 years for attempted sexual assault of two minors under the age of 14 after McGroarty heard testimony from both young women and their parents.

The father of one of the girls was upset that the defense lawyer had said Johnson was a valued member of the community.

"Where I'm from a valued member of the community doesn't sleep with little girls," the father said.

Johnson's charges had been reduced under a plea agreement from four counts of sexual assault of a minor under 14, one count of lewdness and one count of first-degree kidnapping.

McGroarty appeared to be moved by the girls' statements.

"Sir, what you have done is despicable," McGroarty told Johnson. "You have violated the trust of two young women. You saw the pain in their eyes, and you heard it in their voices when they testified."

Lambeth, who was in court for an initial arraignment, had been ordered to Lakes Crossing for psychological evaluation before the attack.

"He looked angry and ready to strike before our sentencing took place," Chief Deputy District Attorney Mary Kay Holthus told McGroarty at Johnson's later sentencing.

Craig Mueller, Johnson's court-appointed attorney, told McGroarty that his client received three more threats between the morning and afternoon court appearances from other inmates who heard the girl's testimony.

Clark County Detention Center Capt. Marilyn Rogan said that most prisoners charged with sexual assault with a minor are placed in protective custody immediately.

"We separate any charges that we can tell will be distasteful to anyone else," Rogan said.