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A casting assistant who helped choose child actors for some kid-friendly movies is a convicted child molester, according to a newspaper report. Jason James Murphy, 35, has worked with children in Hollywood for a decade by using the name Jason James, according to the Los Angeles Times. California law prohibits offenders like Murphy from working alone with minor children. the Times said police were looking into whether Murphy is in compliance with state requirements for sex offenders. In his credits, which include the films Bad News Bears and Super 8, Murphy is listed as a casting director or a casting associate.

Murphy served five years in prison for the 1996 crime of kidnapping and molesting an 8-year-old boy in suburban Seattle and underwent sex-offender counseling. Murphy was already out on bail and awaiting arraignment on charges of molesting the boy when, as a 19-year-old, he dressed up as a woman to abduct the little boy from his elementary school and flew with him to new York City. three days later, America’s Most Wanted broadcast a segment on the kidnapping. a new York hotel clerk reported Murphy and the boy as guests, leading to his arrest.

When Murphy moved to California in 2005, the state required him to register as a sex offender. but the listing is under his original last name, in effect screening it from those who know him only as Jason James, the Times reported. Abrams Artists Agency youth division head Pamela Fisher says she has worked extensively with Murphy, who she knew as Jason James. Fisher told the Times Thursday that she had no idea of his criminal past and that he was always very professional. Murphy sent her an email Wednesday “looking for 12-year-olds for a USC student film,” Fisher said.

“It’s shocking and it’s devastating, not just as a filmmaker but as a father and someone who is entrusted to make sure that everyone I work with, especially children, are safe,” Super 8 director and co-producer J.J. Abrams told the Times. “to think that someone like this was among us is unthinkable.”

There are no known complaints that Murphy acted inappropriately with any minor in his casting business. Murphy did not respond to repeated requests by the Times for comment.

Jesse Brown, 26, of Weymouth, died early Tuesday morning after his motorcycle collided with a dump truck, fire officials said.

According to longtime friend Brandi Loveday, 24, of Lakeville, Brown leaves behind a fiancée, Mandy, two little boys and another child on the way.

“he was a best friend, a brother, a father – just all-around amazing,” Loveday said through tears on Wednesday.

Loveday said Brown was on his way to work at Anderson Insulation in Abington Tuesday morning. The accident occurred less than a mile from his destination.

Abington fire Capt. Jack Glynn said the accident happened just after 6 a.m., at Brockton Avenue, which is Route 123, and Ashland Street.

Glynn said Brown was pronounced dead at the scene. Glynn said police closed the road for hours to investigate.

Abington police Chief David Majenski on Wednesday declined to release the name of the victim until an investigation into the accident is complete. no one has been charged in the crash, but Majenski said state police are leading the probe and will determine if any will charges will be filed.

Brown, originally of Easton, graduated from Southeastern Vocational Technical High School in Easton in 2003, said Loveday, who said she knew him from school.

there, Loveday said, he studied auto mechanics and loved his motorcycle.

“he knew everything about cars. he was always so cautious,” said Loveday. “I just can’t believe it happened this way.”

Loveday said she spoke to Brown the night before he died. they talked about his upcoming November wedding.

“all he ever wanted from the day I met him was to grow up and meet a good girl and have a family,” said Loveday. “We always joked he was one of the girls. he always wanted the white picket fence.

“He’s going to be greatly missed.”

Amy Carboneau may be reached at , or follow her on Twitter @amycarboneau.

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