A former Hillsborough Police Corporal has received a sentence of 20-to-33 months, with active jail time suspended, for two counts of indecent liberties with a minor.

James Riley Jr. pleaded guilty on March 23, in Orange County Superior Court, according to court records.

Riley began working with the Hillsborough Police Department as an officer in January 2004, according to the department. He was dismissed from his position on July 23, 2013, three days after the town placed him on administrative leave following an internal investigation.

After receiving a complaint of potential misconduct by an off-duty officer, the department opened an investigation into Riley. The town contacted state authorities after their investigation found potential criminal misconduct.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Riley in April of last year.

Riley’s use of his position as an officer, even while working off duty, was cited as an aggravating circumstance by the court in determining his sentence. He is on probation, was placed on the N.C. sex offender registry and was ordered to perform community service.

Related Stories
‹
Hillsborough: Stormwater Success, An Unusual Legal Settlement and Zwanze Day (Mar. 24, 2026)
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, Mar 24.
Police: Man Arrested, Another Injured After Disturbance in Hillsborough Friday
The Hillsborough Police Department has arrested a Graham man in connection with a disturbance involving a fight and a firearm Friday evening in Hillsborough. Police say they responded to the 200 block of Cheshire Drive at about 5:30 p.m. Friday with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arrival, officers say they located multiple […]
Road Closures For Repairs In Hillsborough And Carrboro Begin Monday, Mar. 23
Starting Monday, Mar. 23, sections of Hillsborough’s Governor Burke Road and Carrboro’s E. Popular Avenue and Roberson Street will be closed as crews conduct repairs. 
Hillsborough: Storm Updates, Remembering Ken Chavious, Upcoming Events
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, March 17, discussing town news and events. He gave updates on the town's preparation for the expected storms from the previous day. He also talked about the life and legacy of former town board member Ken Chavious who recently passed away. He previewed upcoming Spring events in the community, and more.
Orange County Sheriff: Suspect Captured in Stabbing Death of Hillsborough Woman
Orange County Sheriff’s Office says it has taken 53-year-old Matthew Jared Vukmer into custody. Vukmer is charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of 54-year-old Paula Floyd at Vukmer’s Hillsborough home Friday morning. The sheriff’s office says an investigator working with the U.S. Marshals Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Capital Area […]
Wild Vehicle Pursuit Leaves 2 Orange County Sheriff's Cars Damaged, 2 Charged for Drug Possession
A cross-county vehicle pursuit on Wednesday resulted in two Durham residents facing several felony changes, as well as a pair of damaged Orange County Sheriff's vehicles and Alamance County properties.
Hillsborough: Bridge Closure, Commissioners Meeting Preview
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, March 3, discussing town news and events. He talked about election day and his experience voting early with his family. He also discussed a bridge closure affecting overnight traffic in Hillsborough. He also gave a preview of the upcoming Hillsborough Town Board of Commissioners meeting next week, previewed some upcoming town events, and more.
Traffic Stop by Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Leads to Drug Trafficking Charges
A traffic stop near Hillsborough on Saturday led to an arrest on drug trafficking charges and the seizure of dozens of grams of cocaine.
Sheriff's Office: Moving Truck Hit and Run in Hillsborough Ends With Dramatic Chase, Stop in Greensboro
A Virginia man faces several charges in North Carolina after an extensive vehicle pursuit that began with a hit-and-run case in Orange County. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office shared a release on Monday afternoon detailing the incident from Sunday night. Law enforcement officials were dispatched at 10:20 p.m. to help the Hillsborough Police Department with […]
Police: Woman Fights Off Attempted Armed Robbery at Hillsborough Gas Station
Officers from the Hillsborough Police Department and deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office responded to an attempted armed robbery at a BP service station in Hillsborough Friday. Police say a woman was pumping gas at the station on Cardinal Drive when she noticed a man watching her near the dumpsters. After finishing pumping gas, […]
›