LITCHFIELD (CT)
Republican-American
Saturday, January 29, 2005
By Brigitte Ruthman
Republican-American
LITCHFIELD -- A 4-year-old Torrington girl described to police how a Waterbury pastor sexually assaulted her while he babysat for his girlfriend, according to the warrant for his arrest.
Torrington police launched an investigation against the Rev. W. James Johnson, 48, formerly of 91 Spring Brook Road, Waterbury, after the girl's mother -- Johnson's girlfriend -- took her to the emergency room at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington. The child complained of vaginal pain and burning with urination, according to the warrant for Johnson's arrest, which was unsealed Friday in Litchfield Superior Court. The woman alleged Johnson had sex with the girl May 14, 2004 while babysitting.
A physical examination concluded a history of sexual abuse existed, according to state police.
Johnson, 48, who is known as Willie, was arrested two weeks ago on first-degree sexual assault charges and risk of injury to a minor with sexual contact. He is affiliated with the Community Tabernacle Outreach Center, a Pentecostal church at 12 Hewlett St. in the Overlook section of Waterbury.
Johnson, dressed in a suit, pleaded innocent Friday during a brief appearance before Judge Charles Gill in Litchfield Superior Court. His attorney, Leonard Crone of Waterbury, was granted a three-week continuance to review the case. Crone declined to comment about specific allegations.
Posted by kshaw at January 29, 2005 06:35 AM