The police officer who decided not to charge Tony Humby in 2007 says she would’ve made a different decision today.

RNC Sergeant Corrine James, who retired in 2020, handled the initial complaints against Humby which came in a few weeks apart 18 years ago.

They involved separate allegations involving two teenage boys, who were in and out of group homes at the time, that Humby had sexually assaulted them.

In one case, James questioned both Humby and the teen but in the end took Humby’s word that the teen lied about his age and the sex was consensual.

It was a similar story a few weeks later when Humby was stopped with three teens in his car on Blackhead Road. Similar allegations were made, but the investigator again concluded it was consensual after both Humby and his accused refused to give statements to police, and the file was closed.

The RNC also submitted reports regarding the incidents to child care officials, as part of an MOU between the two.

Files reopened after accuser provides statement to police in 2022

But both files were reopened and reviewed when that accuser changed his mind and gave a statement to police in late 2022, triggering a massive review of those cases and others, leading to the 72 charges Humby is facing involving almost a dozen complainants.

There is a sweeping publication ban on any information that might identify them.

Asked if she still stands by her decision not to charge Humby in 2007, Sgt. James gave a flat no, but was prevented, for now, from saying why.

The trial is scheduled to continue, on and off to accommodate scheduling, until next May.