The Antelope Valley Times

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Man guilty of molesting multiple AV girls, selling drugs to minors

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Robert Carl Ham, 37, was convicted by jury Aug. 14 of multiple sex crimes against three Antelope Valley victims.
Robert Carl Ham, 38, was convicted by jury Aug. 14 of multiple sex crimes against three Antelope Valley victims.

LANCASTER – A 38-year-old man will be sentenced next month for molesting and raping three Antelope Valley girls and for peddling drugs to local minors he met through Facebook, authorities said.

Robert Carl Ham faces a maximum of 127 years and eight months to life in state prison when he is sentenced Sept. 17, according to Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami.

“The defendant is clearly a sexual predator,” Hatami stated.

An Antelope Valley jury on Aug. 14 convicted Ham of nearly a dozen felony charges, including continuous lewd acts on a child under 14, forcible rape of child victim and furnishing marijuana to minors under 14 years of age, according to court records.

According to testimony during the trial, Ham befriended and moved in with a single mother and her three children in Lancaster in 2007. A few months later, he began molesting two of the children, an 11-year-old girl and a 7-year-old girl. The sexual abuse continued for several years, even after Ham moved out of the woman’s home. In at least one instance, he took the younger of the two sisters to a Lancaster motel and raped her, the prosecutor said.

In 2012, Ham befriended and moved in with another single mother, this time in Palmdale. He repeatedly molested the woman’s 8-year-old daughter, according to court testimony.

Evidence also came out during trial through live testimony, text messages and photographs that Ham had victimized three additional underage females. Detectives were not able to locate the girls, who were about 14 years old when the abuse occurred, the prosecutor said. All are from the Antelope Valley, however, one may have moved to Oregon.

Ham contacted numerous underage females through the Internet and through text messaging, leading authorities to believe there may be many more possible victims.

According to evidence presented during trial, Ham used Facebook and text messaging to contact the underage girls and send them pornography and inappropriate text messages. He also used Facebook to sell marijuana to several underage people in the Antelope Valley.

Ham’s crimes were exposed in late 2013 when one of the victims told a Lancaster therapist she had been molested by Ham. The mandated reporter contacted law enforcement and Ham was ultimately arrested in April of 2014.

Nine witnesses testified during the sexual abuse trial, including the three identified victims. A character witness for the defendant was Rev. Kenneth Santarelli of Kingsway Ministries, who described Ham as an “ordained Aaronic priest,” according to the prosecutor.

The jury deliberated for about two days before finding Ham guilty on all charges – six counts of lewd act upon a child and one count each of continuous sexual abuse, forcible lewd act upon a child, forcible rape of child victim under 14 years and furnishing marijuana to minors under 14. Jurors also found true the special allegations of multiple victims.

“The jurors had many counts to address; they worked hard, worked together, and came to a just verdict,” Hatami said.

Ham’s three identified victims will give impact statements at his sentencing hearing on Sept. 17, the prosecutor said.

“The victims endured years of abuse. They were extremely brave to come to court, face the predator and testify,” Hatami said. “They finally received justice.”

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Editor’s note: Story revised to include the correct age for Robert Carl Ham and to clarify the charges.

UPDATED 9-28-15: Ham’s sentencing hearing was postponed to Sept. 28. He was sentenced to 110 years and eight months in state prison. Read our followup story here.

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Filed Under: Crime/ Safety

45 comments for "Man guilty of molesting multiple AV girls, selling drugs to minors"

  1. I know this man,he is in Wayside dorm B. He has never admitted to committing these crimes.
    There were only two supposed victims.He and his girl friend let this single mother with two girls
    move in with them.As the story says the molestation went on for years,how could the mother not notice this especially two daughters. What happened was as they got older the girls got into drugs
    and Ham did not want to keep giving them money for drugs so they fabricated this story because the man who raised them cut them off cause they turned to little whores.They accused him of sending child porn but it was to his 17 year old brother a picture of tits.The prosecutor painted him like a monster. Lancaster Court has a high conviction rate and are tough. How is it they couldn’t find 3 additional victims that coincidentally moved to Oregon?Why did it take the girls so long to report it
    even after he moved out to report it?Plus the hotel were the alleged rape took place was said to be in Palmdale doesn’t exist.Palmdale prosecutors rejected the case,but Lancaster picked it up.He got into Christianity in jail because he never had time for God out there and now has devoted all his time for God in jail,so its not like he was a priest child molester out there. He has a daughter of his own that lived with these alleged victims.He paid child support until his arrest in April 2014.All it takes is an allegation to be convicted. There was no DNA or rape kit used.One of the girls confessed she made the whole thing up but the cops didn’t want to hear that.I know Robert is going to appeal it might take him a couple of years but he has dreams of God letting him free. I know he is innocent so don’t judge him.

      • If I am not telling the truth and the article is not right then who’s right.I know Robert personally and in his darkest moments has confessed to me he is innocencet.This case went on for a year and a half and Robert fought this even refusing last minute plea deals that would let him walk out of prison one day.He knew Lancaster Court was notorious but took his chances to prove his innocence.

    • LMAO — so that’s the backstory he is trying to sell while inside?? That’s some incredibly funny stuff. Bubba won’t be believing that line of crap.

  2. This guy will get what he deserves . I feel awful for the victims. I pray that they receive all the therapy and services that they need to recover from the horrible events that occured . There innocence was taken from them and hat is something that they can never get back. This man is a monster and the scary part is there are man more men out here in the AV just like me this is a dumping one for POS men like this guy. He even looks like a se offended , itll be easy for the men in prision to know he’s a sex offender. Were see how he likes it….

  3. I was one of the 12 jurors that found this dirt bag guilty. I hope he gets what he deserves in prison. I also want to tell the three girls that were so brave to get up on the witness stand and tell us jurors what this POS did to them and it was their testimony that got this ‘thing’ off the streets and behind bars.

    • RPA and the other 11 idiots I don’t know why the U.S justice system allows public morons like yourself to decide the fate of some innocent people. You guys don’t study law all of you are too stupid to find a reason to get out of jury duty.Robert confessed to me he didn’t do it.I hope you sleep well at night knowing you sent an innocent man to prison for the rest of his life.

    • Thank you for your kind words. I can only imagine the difficult time you had with hearing the details of this case.

  4. My son was 7 when my husband died and I NEVER dated, nor did I ever get re-married. I didn’t want a man to come into my home to hurt my child physical, or sexually. The chance just wasn’t worth it for me. People would always tell me, “Don’t you want sex?” My son’s well-being was more important than sex. He has already lost his dad, and I just couldn’t chance him being hurt. I mourned for years so in reality he even most me. I couldn’t imagine losing his dad, then losing me (Which he did) and then having to deal with some other “Guy” telling him what to do. I have no regrets and would never undo my decision. My son is 19 now and in is in the Army and I can go to bed every night knowing that I didn’t ever allow anyone to hurt him. I just really wish more woman would stay single for their kids. Bringing men in to the home is very dangerous and you put the kids through so many emotions. I have seen woman allow “Step” dad’s to spank their kids, I have seen “Step” dad’s punk their step kids, some are molested, these kids see domestic violence – it’s just so unfair. Sex is honestly so over-rated. If more woman would find a hobby to keep them busy, they would not be so focused on getting a man. I am still single and just haven’t found anyone that I can ever love again, but at least I know my son was safe. Women: do NOT bring men into your home to live with you. To say that all men are bad would be an unfair statement; however, you don’t know which one will hurt your kids and it’s just not worth your child’s life to chance. These kids who this man hurt did not deserve to be sexually abused – sadly, the mom made a horrible judgment for them and unfortunately it is the kids that will have to live with this for the rest of their lives. And men (in some cases woman) do not only rape or molest kids in the Antelope Valley. Unfortunately, this is worldwide, in every city, state, and country. It happens in El Monte, Arcadia, Palmdale, Lancaster, Pasadena, Los Angeles, Mojave, the state of Utah, Canada, and every other place you can think of. It’s a growing problem that is completely out of control. So it is up to EVERY mother and or Father to protect your kids. NO roommates if you have small children, EVER! Men seek out single mothers just to violate their children.

    • Mary,
      It is great to hear a mother put her child before anything in the world.
      I dont understand why there would be women that still bring men in to their homes when they have children?
      Maybe they dont think what could happen to their kids or these are women that like you said; cannot live without sex!
      But my advise to these women that cannot live without sex is that they should take their kids with a family member for the weekends and go rent a motel with the man they like and enjoy all the sex they want, instead of putting their children to this danger.
      And of course there are still step parents that will do no harm to the step children and love them like their own biological kids.

    • Thank you Mary for an excellent comment. I was in a similar situation as a single mother and you have to be so careful. My son is now grown and doing well. As a mother it was my responsibility to protect my child and raise him in a loving, safe home.

    • Your comment is on point,And i commend you for putting your child first.I dont understand the desperation of these women to move the first swinging d…They come across in their homes with their kids.I cant stand this,It really puts the kids lives in jeopardy.Women please check out these men before moving them in to your home.Hell he should have his own place where you can go visit him.

    • I have to tell you, I was a single mother with 5 boys, I had 2 different husbands, ( stepfather’s), I had custody of 3 of my boys and my X had custody of 2 , I don’t know how to say this other than I am so very sorry , those babies, didn’t deserve to be done that way , as far as I am concerned child molesters should be given an automatic DEATH SENTANCE ..,… This kills me, rips my heart from my chest, my X had custody of my 2 oldest sons, my oldest son is ROBERT CARL HAM!!!!! My 2 older boys whom my X had custody of, were kept from me , even to the point of their Father telling them I was dead, I finally got to see them when they were grown, I saw my son once in 2003, since I do not live close to him I saw him maybe twice.after that. As I’m sure you have figured out, I am so sorry my son has done this, I’m so so sorry. I would give my own life to change this, I was molested as a child, at 58 the pain remains. Forgive me !!!¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      • RPA and the other 11 idiots I don’t know why the U.S justice system allows public morons like yourself to decide the fate of some innocent people. You guys don’t study law all of you are too stupid to find a reason to get out of jury duty.Robert confessed to me he didn’t do it.I hope you sleep well at night knowing you sent an innocent man to prison for the rest of his life.

        • You really must be special kind of stupid…

          Your belief of a man’s innocence based on his own say so while being locked up with him (assumption based on your intimate knowledge of his location and the opportunity to be with him during his darkest hours) – yep that’s “real” smart…

          Your belief that 12 jurors who served their duty as members of society lack intelligence because they actually believe they should do the right thing and serve when called upon – so, who is the moron?

          I am pretty sure the readers have figured out whom to believe.

          • Wow

            You believe who you want to.You don’t know Robert and no I was not locked up with him.I visit PDC where he is at on Sundays for church. He told me his version and like I said he got convicted on testimony only.Jurors make mistakes all the time.Only God knows who is lying.

          • I will believe what I want to. I choose to believe justice has been served. You are correct in that only God knows the truth. I find it interesting that you are choosing to believe the word of a man you have only known for a short while as he has been incarcerated for about 18 months. I, on the other hand, have known him since he was in high school.
            Also, if you had been to the court to hear the testimony and evidence you would know there was substantial evidence presented in the case.
            I truly hope you are able to realize that the people you meet in jail are not who they claim to be. I wish you the very best in continuing to do God’s work, however I caution you to not be so gullible.

      • So you’re the bitch that left your son with their father who abused them. You abandoned them and moved to Texas to take care of your dying sister so u could keep her house.I read your letter,mothers like You should be euthanized.

          • JM –
            In the same way that your mom is not responsible for the choices you make in life, neither is Robert’s mom. His father is not responsible either. He made the choice to be the person he is.

  5. This is getting out of hand AND TO ALL THOSE SINGLE MOTHERS YOU HAVE KIDS BETTER TO STAY SINGLE NOW DAY ALL YOU GET IS THE LOWEST you can find I mean its hard for a single mom to find a decent man who will treat your kids like his own it sounds bad but its reality so my advice think before you have kids make sure you find the right man. and will help all us tax payer’s not supporting your kids not applies to all but most no offense to anyone. And why do we keep feeding these criminals free life no bill no worries they will never change

    • My son was 7 when my husband died and I NEVER dated, nor did I ever get re-married. I didn’t want a man to come into my home to hurt my child physical, or sexually. The chance just wasn’t worth it for me. People would always tell me, “Don’t you want sex?” My son’s well-being was more important than sex. He has already lost his dad, and I just couldn’t chance him being hurt. I mourned for years so in reality he even most me. I couldn’t imagine losing his dad, then losing me (Which he did) and then having to deal with some other “Guy” telling him what to do. I have no regrets and would never undo my decision. My son is 19 now and in is in the Army and I can go to bed every night knowing that I didn’t ever allow anyone to hurt him. I just really wish more woman would stay single for their kids. Bringing men in to the home is very dangerous and you put the kids through so many emotions. I have seen woman allow “Step” dad’s to spank their kids, I have seen “Step” dad’s punk their step kids, some are molested, these kids see domestic violence – it’s just so unfair. Sex is honestly so over-rated. If more woman would find a hobby to keep them busy, they would not be so focused on getting a man. I am still single and just haven’t found anyone that I can ever love again, but at least I know my son was safe. Women: do NOT bring men into your home to live with you. To say that all men are bad would be an unfair statement; however, you don’t know which one will hurt your kids and it’s just not worth your child’s life to chance. These kids who this man hurt did not deserve to be sexually abused – sadly, the mom made a horrible judgment for them and unfortunately it is the kids that will have to live with this for the rest of their lives.

      • Thanks for sharing your story and you made a good decision you are one of the few smart women in your case thanks hopefully someone will read this and learn that kids are more important than sex or any man. me as a man I would make the same choice.

      • So your kid hit puberty in what his previous experience led him to believe was a totally asexual world. I’ll bet that went well for him. With no direct observations of adult interactions in his home he seems likely to be woefully unprepared for life.

        Rule of thumb: if Cali Palmdale thinks something is a good idea, examine it very closely.

      • Mary, you put a great amount of thought into raising your son and shared your personal experience, thank you. I was raised by a single mother. My parents divorced when I was five. She was always trying to find a new “daddy” for my sister and I as my own father had made the choice to ignore us emotionally and financially. She brought home some nice men and she brought home some bad men. Two of those men felt comfortable enough to help themselves to her daughters. I know she regrets those choices now, and they cannot be taken back, nor removed from the memories of my sister and me. Despite what naysayers and trolls would argue, you made good choices and may very well have saved your son the heartache and pain that many children of single mothers have endured and continue to endure. Carry on good woman.

  6. Another POS out of the streets!
    How many more are out there! Unreal.
    Why waisting more time with this animal! 127 years is fair enough, but Just put him in general population for one week and that should solve the problem.
    One girl as young as 7? What type of animal is this so called “Priest”.
    He doesnt even deserve to be on this planet.

  7. A child rapist living in the good old AV?! How unusual. I didn’t think this sort of thing ever happened in our sleepy little town

  8. What a [removed] sick bastard. You know the Bible says people like this should be killed. And I agree. In other countries he would be. The really sad thing is guess who pays to keep this pig alive. We do. I hope the parents of these poor little girls know people in low places. So that when he gets to the yard he don’t go no further. In Jesus name I pray.
    AMEN

  9. I am absolutely blown away. I have known bobby for over 25 years and I still can’t believe this. I guess this just goes to show no matter how well you think you know someone you really dont. Bobby I hope god has mercy on your soul. Cause you won’t last long.

  10. Thanks for the mention, however, I didn’t testify in court, I wrote a character reference letter. They subpoenaed me for court, however, I now live in North Carolina. I always knew Bobby to be an upstanding citizen, to the best of my knowledge. Regarding the “ordained Aaronic priest” thing, that’s the office he holds with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (though he’s not an active member of that church), that wasn’t something I (a Pentecostal Christian) ordained him as, especially since I don’t believe in the LDS priesthood structure. Though I’m ordained, I’m not currently active in ministry.

    • I know bobby for a good while I can’t believe he would be doing something like this. I wasn’t expecting this of him but he will now be spending the rest of his life behind bars and has to pay for what he did and I am sorry for the families that went through this especially kids.

    • I met Bobby a few times and did not care for him. He lived with a single mother and did not work. He leached off this woman and did not work or pay child support for his other kid. I always thought he was a creep. I always got bad vibes from him, the evil would just come off him. Glad I never got too close to him. May he pay for his crimes in prison. Hopefully the other inmates eat him alive.

  11. I know one of the families personally and it is a shame this happened. People like this deserve everything that is coming his way. The family has been going through so much dealing with this. I hope this article doesn’t give anyone the wrong idea about bothering these families or starting horrible rumors and added in welcomed stress to their lives. Being made public is enough stress on its own. Now it time for these families to heal. The girls have suffered enough. What they went through will take years and years to just move on from. No one should have to suffer anymore than they Already have. May god give them the strength they need t get through this, support from loved ones and may all those with negative thoughts and comments or judgements be ashamed of themselves. A tragedy like this gives no one an open door to be cruel.

    • I understand what these girls are going through. I hope that they can find peace and healing. It takes years to move on and be able to trust again. It takes years to be able to trust again. I hope that the girls find peace and healing.

  12. Coming from someone who spent a lot of time in Calif. State prisons up until about 2009, I just want to say that this guy will be dealt with in a very vicious an inhumane way once he gets up to the big house. He will probably be beat to death.

  14. Hung on Lancaster Blvd. would be nice for sentence for him. We have so many sickos in the AV it might send a message to get out of our valley we are finished with you perverts.

  15. This abomination should be publicly stoned to death… by the victims and or their families. That would be closure, for sure.

    • I would think that killing someone might have a lasting effect on a 8 year old. But that’s just me …

  16. This is a horrible human being who deserves more then just time in Prison.mi know one of his victims and she is the sweetest girl who was brave to stand up and tell her story. I am proud of those three girls and hope they get help to get through this.