Sj Pastor Accused of Sex Crime

By Jim Walsh
The Courier-Post
April 17, 2015

http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/crime/2015/04/16/pastor-sex-crime-franklin-james-simmons/25900523/

Bishop James E. Simmons Jr.

FRANKLIN – A local pastor is accused of sexually assaulting a woman for years, beginning when she was a teenager.

James E. Simmons Jr., 64, turned himself in to Franklin police on Wednesday, following an investigation into the alleged offense. The woman, now 21, claimed the abuse began when she was 17 and continued for several years, police said.

Simmons, a pastor at New Life in Christ Ministries of Franklinville, was held on $150,000 cash bail.

He was charged with sex assault, criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child.

Simmons is a married father of five with 11 grandchildren, according to a biography posted on the church's website.

Simmons, an Air Force veteran, has been the pastor at New Life church since 1981 and previously served as a pastor in the Philippines, according to the website.

"Bishop Simmons is a dynamic Preacher/Teacher who studies to be pleasing in God's Eyes," the site said.

"He gives of his time, money, wisdom and knowledge as directed by the Spirit of God.