Former Priest and Teacher at Jackson Lumen Christi Charged in 1980s Sexual Abuse Cases

WTVB
January 12, 2015

http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-164-46849-345115--,00.html

James Rapp (photo courtesy Oklahoma Dept of Corrections)

Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced his Criminal Division has charged James Francis Rapp, 74, currently incarcerated in another state, with multiple felonies for his alleged sexual assault of several Michigan boys in the 1980s. Rapp served as a priest, teacher, maintenance supervisor, and wrestling coach at Jackson Lumen Christi High School in Jackson, Michigan from September 1980 through February 1986.

The charges follow an extensive investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department with support from Schuette’s Criminal Division.

“People who abuse their authority by preying on children must be brought to justice, no matter when the crime was committed,” said 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 Sergeant Tim Schlundt in this investigation. Many hours were spent in an attempt to gather facts about this case,” said Jackson County Sheriff Steven Rand. “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.”