Myers death confirmed

SUPERIOR – Last week, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death of James Myers, a Superior resident allegedly involved in a child sex abuse sting in Missoula.

A family member found the former juvenile probation officer’s body in his home. According to Mineral County Sheriff Ernie Ornelas, there was no evidence of foul play and the cause of death is still under investigation.

“A lot of people are saying [it was] suicide, but we have no evidence of that right now,” said Ornelas.

Myers’ body is currently under investigation by the medical examiner. According to the sheriff’s office, the process could take four to six weeks to complete.

Ornelas said it is believed natural causes may have played a part and all possibilities are being considered.

Myers was one of seven people arrested in Missoula in December as part of an operation by the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce to lure sexual predators into the open. He responded to an online ad posted by the taskforce posing as a woman who wanted to prostitute a young female relative.

Myers was given the choice between a 12 year old and 15 year old girl with an address to go to. When he arrived at the meeting place, he paid the undercover officer $100 for oral sex from the 12 year old and was taken into custody.

Myers was released from prison on a $50,000 bond. His arraignment in Missoula County District Court was scheduled for Tuesday, January 21.