The Sconi

Attorney General Josh Kaul and Wood County District Attorney Craig Lambert announced that James Lane, 52, has been charged with one count of Repeated Sexual Assault of a Child. The incidents allegedly occurred between September 1, 2002, and December 31, 2003.

The charge stems from a report made to the Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative. Lane, then a youth pastor at Faith Reformed Church in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, is accused of assaulting the victim in his vehicle while driving the victim home. During an interview with special agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation, Lane allegedly stated that he had a “relationship” with a girl in the youth group that became “inappropriate.” The victim had not reported the assault to church or legal authorities prior to contacting the Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative.

“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 with information on how a religious organization has responded to reported abuse are encouraged to report it online at SupportSurvivors.widoj.gov or by calling 1-877-222-2620.

This charge follows an investigation by Wisconsin DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigations. Victim services are being provided by the Wood County District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Wood County District Attorney Craig Lambert. The criminal complaint is available upon request.

As in any criminal proceeding, Mr. Lane is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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