DOJ: Former Wisconsin youth pastor charged with Repeated Sexual Assault of a Child, dating back to 2002
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WFRV) – A Colorado man, and former youth pastor in central Wisconsin, has been charged after allegedly assaulting a victim in his vehicle sometime between September 2002 and December 2003.
According to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), 52-year-old James Lane was charged with one count of Repeated Sexual Assault of a Child, stemming from a report made to the Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative.
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Authorities say the charge relates to reported incidents that allegedly happened between September 1, 2002, and December 31, 2003.
It was noted in the DOJ’s release that at the time of the incidents, Lane was a youth pastor at Faith Reformed Church located in Wisconsin Rapids. Lane is alleged to have assaulted the victim in his vehicle when he was reportedly driving the victim home.
When interviewed by Wisconsin DOJ Division of Criminal Investigation special agents, Lane allegedly stated that he had a “relationship” with a girl in the youth group that got “inappropriate.”
Before reporting the alleged assault through the Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative, authorities say that the victim had not reported any incidents to either the church or law enforcement.
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“The Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative is providing a safe and trusted place for survivors to make reports about sexual abuse,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to those whose investigation of the information reported in this case has led to this criminal charge.”
Survivors of clergy or faith leader abuse, their friends and family, or anyone who has information about how a religious organization has responded to reported abuse are encouraged to report that information to Wisconsin DOJ either online at SupportSurvivors.widoj.gov or by calling 1-877-222-2620.
Wisconsin Department of Justice
This charge is the result of an investigation by Wisconsin DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigations.
No additional information was provided.
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