WISCONSIN RAPIDS (WI)
WSAW [Wausau, WI]
February 27, 2025
By Heather Poltrock
A Colorado man accused of sexually assaulting a child while working as a youth pastor in Wisconsin Rapids more than 20 years ago is expected to reach a plea agreement in his case.
James Lane, 52, of Centennial, Colo., is charged with repeated sexual assault of a child.
Investigators the charge stems from a report made to the Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative. According to a news release, the victim in this case had not reported the assault to either church or legal authorities prior to reporting through the tip website.
According to a news release, Lane was working at Faith Reformed Church in Wisconsin Rapids when he assaulted the victim in his vehicle while driving the victim home. When interviewed by Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation special agents, Lane allegedly stated that he had a “relationship” with a girl in the youth group that got “inappropriate.” The offense reportedly occurred in 2002 and 2003.
Lane is free on a $10,000 cash bond. A plea hearing is set for April 8.