RCSO: Drunk Man Molests Four Children

An Augusta man told authorities he couldn't remember molesting a group of children on Valentine's Day because he was "highly intoxicated," according to a sheriff's report.

James Tuck, 46, was charged today with sexual battery and three counts of child molestation for acts that allegedly occurred in the wee hours of the morning of Feb. 14.

According to a report, Mr. Tuck was visiting a home on Alpine Drive just after midnight on Feb. 14 when he laid down in a bed where four children were trying to sleep. The children included a 4-year-old boy, a 9-year-old girl, an 11-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy. At least one of the victims was related to Mr. Tuck, according to a report.

While laying in the bed with the group, Mr. Tuck allegedly began molesting the girl, trying to remove the girl's pajamas and putting his hand in her pants. When the 16-year-old boy realized what Mr. Tuck was doing to his sister, he punched Mr. Tuck in the chest and told him to stop, a report states.

At one point, Mr Tuck went to the bathroom and would not leave when the 9-year-old girl said she had to use the bathroom. The older boy physically removed Mr. Tuck and guarded the bathroom while his sister was inside. Back in bed, Mr. Tuck began touching the 16-year-old boy, the report states.

Finally, the 16 year old got his brothers and sisters out of the bed and went into the living room to sleep "without further incident."

The sheriff's office was called the next morning. It's not clear from the report what other adults were present in the house. The Department of Family and Children Services were notified and custody of most of the children were given to a grandmother, the report states.

Mr. Tuck was told not have any contact with the four victims until the investigation was complete. He was arrested earlier today.