VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Two men were arrested by the Portsmouth Police Department as detectives investigate a sexual assault that happened in April.
James Wentworth, a 31-year-old man from Portsmouth was charged with aggravated sexual battery, indecent liberties with a child, cruelty to children, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Franklin Basham, a 46-year-old man from Norfolk, was charged with possession of child pornography.
Their arrests came after detectives with the Portsmouth Police Department's special victims unit investigated a sexual assault on April 24.
Both men are members of the Civil Air Patrol and Basham was an employee of Virginia Beach City Public Schools, according to the Portsmouth Police Department.
A spokesperson for Virginia Beach City Public Schools shared a message that was sent to parents, which said a cafeteria assistant at Independence Middle School was placed on administrative leave as a result of his arrest.
"We are not currently part of the criminal proceedings and do not have any additional information that can be shared," the message read. "VBCPS is fully cooperating with the investigation and will continue to update you as we know more."
Additionally, the Civil Air Patrol issued the following statement following the men's arrest:
Two members of Civil Air Patrol's Virginia Wing have been arrested by the Portsmouth Police Department in connection with criminal wrongdoing.
Civil Air Patrol takes all charges of criminal wrongdoing by its members very seriously and is working with local law enforcement authorities to support their investigation.
As a matter of policy, Civil Air Patrol has suspended these two adult members while the case is being investigated. This includes restriction from attending weekly unit meetings and participation in unit activities.
Before serving in Civil Air Patrol, each adult member undergoes a background check through the FBI. Prior to participating in activities, all adult members must complete Cadet Protection Policy training, which includes an explanation of the zero-tolerance policy of abuse of any kind, to include verbal, physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as hazing.
Due to the sensitive nature of this ongoing investigation, and to protect the rights and privacy of the cadet and the accused, their personal information is being withheld.
Both men are being held at the Portsmouth City Jail.