Former Church Camp Staff Member Faces Sex Abuse Charges
By Thomas Moriarty
A Talent man who worked as a church camp staff member is accused of molesting two teenage girls, though police said the abuse wasn't related to his role at the camp and that neither victim was a camper. Jeremiah Meadors, 20, is charged with three counts of first-degree sexual abuse, three counts of second-degree unlawful sexual penetration, both Measure 11 crimes, and two counts of third-degree sexual abuse. The Measure 11 crimes carry minimum sentences of 75 months in prison without parole. According to a probable cause affidavit written by Medford police Detective Diane Sandler, a 14-year-old girl told investigators in November that Meadors had molested her. A 12-year-old girl made similar allegations a day later. During interviews with police, Meadors allegedly admitted to some but not all of the crimes, telling investigators that he "needs to face his demons," the affidavit said. Meadors worked as support staff at Camp Latgawa near Lake of the Woods during the summer 2014 season. The camp, affiliated with the United Methodist Church, hosts a number of different retreats for children and families throughout the year. According to a letter sent by directors James and Lisa Marie Ryder to the families of campers Nov. 22, the camp's internal reviews "found no information indicating that any camper was involved, and no incident happened at the camp." Medford police Lt. Mike Budreau said police also believe the alleged abuse wasn't related to the camp, and that Meadors knew the victims through other connections. Budreau said that the alleged abuse occurred in another location, listed in the affidavit as a residence in the 1900 block of Kings Highway, Medford. "Our only concern was that there may have been more victims, but we haven't been able to find any," he said. Meadors is being held in the Jackson County Jail on $750,000 bail. Reach reporter Thomas Moriarty at 541-776-4471, or by email at tmoriarty@mailtribune.com
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