A Sanford business owner who led a nonprofit group to help children with disabilities has been arrested by the FBI on charges of molesting young boys.
Deltona resident James “Jamie” Grover, 62, was arrested in his place of business, the Special Needs Advocacy Program (SNAP), at the Seminole Towne Center mall in Sanford on Wednesday. Grover was accused by the FBI of sexually abusing young boys, some disabled, who came to the free therapy and activities he provided through SNAP between 2010 and now.
The FBI stated in a press release that it believes Grover also targeted children while serving as the director of Autism on the Seas, a nonprofit organization that provided cruises for families with special needs children.
Court records show that the investigation into Grover started in June, when the mother of a victim came forward to the Sanford Police Department and Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
One victim accused Grover of inappropriate touching during therapy sessions, including one instance where the mother of the child intervened and told Grover to stop. This victim also accused Grover of displaying pornography to him, according to court records.
Records show another victim accused Grover of performing a sexual act on him during overnight stays at Grover’s residence in Deltona.
Grover also told the victim that no one would believe him if he came forward, threatening him with being placed in foster care.
Grover was an active member of the City of Sanford community, hosting events such as the St. Paddy’s Day Truck Pull and Sanford Mini Masters golf tournament to fundraise for SNAP.
During a search of Grover’s residence and place of business on Wednesday, the FBI found child pornographic material and arrested Grover on federal charges of sexual abuse.
Grover has been ordered to stay in federal custody until a further hearing on Sept. 11.
The FBI is asking any unreported victims or guardians of victimized minors to fill out the SNAP Victims form on the FBI Tampa office website. All reports will be confidential but may be used in the investigation.
