Predator In Plain Sight

In 2012, former Modesto high school teacher James Hooker shocked the nation when he left his wife, three daughters, and his job to pursue a relationship with 18-year-old student Jordan Powers. The couple appeared on Dr. Phil and national news, defending their romance amid accusations of grooming—but the scandal quickly unraveled when a prior victim came forward, leading to Hooker's arrest and conviction for sexual misconduct with a minor from 1998.

But the story didn't end there. More than a decade later, Hooker faces new allegations of a pattern of predatory behavior. In 2024, he was arrested on charges of lewd acts with a child and possession of child pornography involving a girl he allegedly began grooming at age 15, later marrying her at 18. Tragically, the young woman—Autumn Rose—died in 2025 before she could testify.

“Exposed: Scandalous Files of the Elite” host, Jim Chapman dives deep into the full timeline of James Hooker's controversies: from the media frenzy and family devastation of 2012, to revelations of earlier offenses, and the heartbreaking recent developments that raise questions about accountability, grooming, and justice for victims. Is this a case of repeated predation, or something more complex? Jim explores the evidence, the impact on those involved, and what it reveals about power imbalances in teacher-student dynamics.

Listener discretion advised: This episode contains discussions of grooming, sexual misconduct, and child exploitation.

Timestamps
01:05 Tammie Powers Mission to Expose
04:18 Proud to appear on Good Morning America
05:32 Dr. Phil’s Tough Questions for Jordan Powers
15:07 James Hooker's Past Catches Up
22:44 Michelle Miller Speaks Out
27:42 The Fallout with Autumn Rose
29:04 Arrest and New Charges
34:08 Suspicious Timing of a Death
39:21 Reinstating Charges Against Hooker
41:02 Call for a Private Autopsy

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