Judah Christian Community Church Statement on Sexual Abuse Allegations

ABC 6
June 26, 2012

http://www.abc6onyourside.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wsyx_vid_18185.shtml

Judah Christian Community Church sent a statement regarding the sexual abuse allegations that one teenager and his mother has revealed to ABC 6 / FOX 28.

Camp Impact Vision:

Impact Camp exists to provide a fun and safe environment where students can encounter God and build godly relationships with each other.

Statement:

As senior pastor of Judah Christian Community, I was heartbroken when I received word on Friday morning of this serious incident.

I am grateful for the student's quick reporting of this incident, for the Impact Camp leadership contacting the authorities, and the fast actions taken by the Erie County Sheriff's Department.

As a pastor, I am here to work towards the healing and restoration for those who need it.

The mission of Judah Christian Community Church is "saving the lost and healing the saved."

I ask everyone to pray for the student and all those who are involved, and pray for healing and restoration.

I know that the Impact Camp leadership takes this matter very seriously and will always try to do everything to protect our students.

As the senior pastor, I would ask that you respect the privacy of my congregation as we work through this very difficult situation.

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Web Producer: Kellie Hanna

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Previous Story.

ERIE COUNTY -- A mother wants a local youth leader locked up amid allegations he sexually assaulted her 16-year-old son.

ABC6/FOX28 spoke to the mother of the alleged victim, who did not want to be identified.

"I felt numb. I felt sick to my stomach," the mother said. "I did what a normal mother would do. I started crying. It was devastating."

According to investigators, the group from Judah Christian Community Church in Columbus arrived to Beulah Beach Christian camp in Vermillion Twp. last weekend.

On Thursday night, investigators say assistant team leader Justin James, 20, allowed three juveniles to sleep in his room. They say the victim slept in the bed with James, and woke up to discover the man performing sex acts on him.

The teen told investigators that James told him "he was sorry and just couldn't control himself." Also in the investigative report, the teen claims that James "begged him not to tell anyone about the incident."

"It's hard. He doesn't feel he can trust anybody now," the teen's mother said. "He was at a church where he thought he could trust people. It's going to make it harder."

The victim did tell another counselor Friday morning. Investigators soon questioned James, who allegedly confessed, calling the crime "a big mistake", and told the victim prior to the incident, "forgive me for what I'm about to do."

"Sick. Sick. They say he grew up in the church, but he's still a sick person doing what he did," the victim's mother said.

James has been charged with sexual battery, a third degree felony. A judge is scheduled to set bond Tuesday morning. If found guilty, James could face up to five years behind bars.

No one from Judah Christian Community Church responded to ABC 6/FOX 28's request for comment.