How Could You? Hall of Shame-William Wayne Jones

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Spencer, North Carolina, former foster parent William Wayne Jones (aka Jake Jones), 50,  “confessed to sexually abusing two boys who were in his foster care.”

“Police in Spencer have launched a nationwide search for potential victims.”

“Police said William “Jake” Jones and his wife fostered many children in their home on Yadkin Avenue between 2001-2004.

“We have reason to believe that some of these victims may even live in other states,” said Chief Michael James.

Neighbors told Channel 9 they often saw Jones working in his yard, and many neighborhood children played with his foster children.

Hearing of the new allegations Wednesday, neighbor Kent Smith was at a loss for words. “It’s a terrible thing, it really is. That’s… wow,” Smith said.

Neighbors said Jones and his family moved suddenly about two years ago, to Newport, Tenn.

Authorities said the alleged abuse may have gone unreported, except for a current custody case in Tennessee involving Jones.

“[Jones] admitted to the offenses during a court proceeding ,” Chief Michael James said.

James said authorities in Tennessee then contacted Spencer Police to launch an investigation into Jones’ confession.

Jones was extradited and brought to Rowan County on May 10.

Officials at Rowan County Department of Social Services refused to release how many children passed through Jones’ care. They also would not confirm or deny if social case workers ever investigated any complaints against him.

But the DSS director did tell Eyewitness News they were helping authorities track down other potential victims and that Jones had passed all of the department’s background checks and assessment tests prior to becoming a licensed foster parent for Rowan County.

Jones is in jail on a $1 million bond.”

Spencer man confesses to abusing 2 boys in his foster care

[WSOCTV 5/15/13 by Kathyrn Burcham]

“William Wayne Jones, also known as Jake Jones, was extradited from Sevier County in Tennessee to Rowan County following the filing of eight warrants against him.

Four counts of first degree sexual offense, victim under 13, and four counts of indecent liberties of a minor were filed against Jones by the Spencer Police Department following Jones’ alleged admission in open court proceedings in Tennessee. Authorities with the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office reported to the Spencer Police Department the crimes Jones is accused of committing.

Authorities say the crimes against children took place sometime between January 2002 and May 2005.”

“Investigators are looking for anyone who may have further information, or may have been a victim of Jones’ while he served the Rowan County Department of Social Services as a foster parent.

“He was the type of person to wave to the neighbors. He would walk outside and wait with the little boy for the bus,” said one neighbor.

“I knew things were not perfect, but what family is,” said another neighbor, who had often played with the young foster children.

“To me, just being a 10-year-old child, I was like, ‘Oh, that couple was willing to open their home to anyone who needs it, how great for them,’ but I had no reason to think anything bad was happening,” she said.

Another neighbor told NBC Charlotte, the couple had separated.

She also got to know the foster children, who lived in the corner home. She says some stayed for several months, others, longer.

“Even the kids were happy to be around, they just wanted the company and feel welcome,” she said.

The police chief says there is reason to believe some victims may now live out of state. They have had difficulty in locating former foster children, but are getting the assistance of the state.

The arrest warrant lists two male victims, with one incident allegedly occurring when the victim was as young as 6.”

Warrant: 1 victim of former foster dad was 6-year-old boy

[WCNC 5/15/13]

“The investigation is ongoing. Police ask anyone with additional information or who believes they may have been a victim to contact [N.W.] Pacilio at the Spencer Police Department, 704-633-3574.”

Police: Man accused of molesting children was foster parent

[Salisbury Post 5/15/13 by Shavonne Potts]

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