A federal jury in Orlando has convicted James Bernard Grover, a 63-year-old resident of Deltona, for coercing and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. Grover was the founder and executive director of the Special Needs Advocacy Program (SNAP), a nonprofit organization based in Sanford, Florida. Authorities say that through SNAP, Grover met an autistic minor and coerced the victim into engaging in sexual acts.
Grover faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. His sentencing is set for May 28, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the conviction.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and Sanford Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Diane S. Hu and Robert D. Sowell are prosecuting the case.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims. More details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
