James Bishof
A former Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) detective has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman.
In July 2011, James Bishof, then 58, was on duty at the SCSO’s General Investigation Bureau inside 201 Poplar. A 22-year-old woman who was involved in a domestic violence case visited the bureau to discuss her case.
While at the office, Bishof convinced the woman to disrobe in a women’s bathroom, according to the Shelby County District Attorney General’s (SCDAG) office. He subsequently took nude photographs of her, which he claimed to need to document injuries for his investigation.
After taking the photos, Bishof said he would need to come to her home with a better camera to take additional photos for the investigation. When he arrived to the victim’s home, Bishof had her undress again. He took more explicit photos of her. He also touched her inappropriately and made sexual remarks, according to the SCDAG’s office.
Bishof, who is now 61 and no longer with the sheriff’s department, has pled guilty to official oppression and assault involving offensive contact. He has been sentenced to six years in prison for official oppression and six months on the assault.
On Feb. 27th, Criminal Court Judge Lee Coffee will determine whether Bishof will serve his sentences in prison, on probation or in some combination of the two. He also would be eligible for diversion.