Wausau Pilot & Review
A former Wisconsin Rapids youth pastor is facing felony sexual assault charges amid a Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative investigation, state officials announced this week.
James Lane, 52, is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a child between September 2002 and December 2003 when he a youth pastor at Faith Reformed Church, Wisconsin Rapids. Lane now lives in Colorado.
Attorney General Josh Kaul and Wood County District Attorney Clark Lambert on Friday issued a news release announcing the charges.
Lane allegedly told agents that he had a “relationship” with a girl in the youth group that became “inappropriate.” The victim in this case had not reported the assault to either church or legal authorities prior to reporting through the website for the Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative.
Police have not said how old the girl was at the time of the alleged assaults.
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.
