Former Priest Charged for Alleged Sexual Assault in 1980s

The ClickonDetroit
January 12, 2015

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/former-priest-charged-for-alleged-sexual-assault-in-1980s/30663000


James Francis Rapp, 74, has been charged with multiple felonies for the alleged sexual assault of several Michigan boys in the 1980s.

Rapp was a priest, teacher, maintenance supervisor and wrestling coach at Jackson Lumen Christi High School in Jackson Michigan from Sept. 1980 to Feb. 1986. The charges against him come after an investigation by Jackson police.

"People who abuse their authority by preying on children must be brought to justice, no matter when the crime was committed," said Attorney General Bill Schuette. "Our aggressive, victim-centered approach has brought us one step closer to securing justice for these brave men who stepped forward to tell of the abuse they endured many years ago."

"I would like to praise the work of Sgt. Tim Schlundt in this investigation," said Jackson County Sheriff Steven Rand. "Many hours were spent in an attempt to gather facts about this case. Despite the age of this case, the lives of the victims continue to be impacted. It is my hope that the opportunity for victims to have their day in court will bring some degree of comfort."

Two of Rapp's alleged victims reported being sexually abused by Rapp in the spring of 2013, more than 30 years after the alleged crimes happened. The claims led to police launching an extensive investigation, which revealed several more people who claimed to be victims.

Rapp was ordained in 1959 and held teaching positions in Philadelphia, Salt Lake City and Lockport, New York, from 1959 to 1980.

Rapp served as a priest and teacher in Naperville, Illinois, from 1987 to 1990 and Duncan, Oklahoma from 1990 to 1998 after resigning from JLC.

On Monday, Schuette filed the following charges against Rapp in Jackson's 12th District Court:

• Three counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct, a felony punishable by up to life in prison

• 10 counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison

If convicted of the first-degree sexual assault counts, Rapp must also register as a sex offender for life in Michigan.

Rapp is currently serving time in another state for incidents in 1999. He is eligible for discharge in the summer of 2016, when Schuette will confront him with the charges.