Deltona man accused of sexually abusing special needs children through charity organization

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Deltona man is accused of using his charity organization to sexually abuse vulnerable children.

▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

FBI agents in Central Florida said the disturbing allegations are focused on 62-year-old James “Jamie” Grover.

Investigators said Grover is accused of using his charity, the Special Needs Advocacy Program (SNAP), to get access to the minors.

The FBI said they believe Grover has been targeting young boys since 2010 while in his role at SNAP.

According to FBI agents, Grover also served as the Group Director of Autism on the Seas, an international organization that developed cruise vacations for adults and families with special needs.

Read: Father of Georgia school shooting suspect arrested on charges including second-degree murder

Deltona man accused of sexually abusing special needs children through charity organization A Deltona man is accused of using his charity organization to sexually abuse vulnerable children. (WFTV)

Grover was arrested Thursday after a search of his home and his place of business at the Seminole Town Center Mall.

FBI agents said they believe there could be more victims and are asking people to come forward with information.

According to court documents obtained by Channel 9, three of Grover’s alleged victims detailed a disturbing pattern of abuse.

All three of the children volunteered for Grover’s non-profit the Special Needs Advocacy Program.

Read: Hunter Biden enters surprise guilty plea to avoid tax trial months after his gun conviction

According to the documents, Grover also took at least two victims on Carnival Cruises were sexual abuse allegedly occurred.

As the FBI searches for new victims, agents say at least one of Grover’s alleged victims was mentally challenged and was traumatized by the abuse he endured.

Documents say that victim was temporarily committed to a behavioral health center shortly after an alleged sexual encounter with Grover.

Channel 9 reached out to Autism on the Seas for comment on Grover’.

Read: Red Lobster says it will soon exit bankruptcy protection after judge approves seafood chain’s sale

Autism on the Seas’ CEO Michael Sobbell said James Grover last worked and cruised with Autism on the Seas in 2013.

“James Grover, via his foundation, started his own cruises called SNAP Travel in 2017. These were cruises that were in direct competition with Autism on the Seas, as well as other non-special needs group cruises he put together,” said Sobbell.

Sobbell said Autism on the Seas practices strict enforcement to ensure no staff member is alone with guests. Sobbell added that Autism on the Seas strictly enforces its requirements of qualifications, experience and includes full National Background Checks and Sex Offender Checks.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2024 Cox Media Group