FARWELL (TX)
WJRT-TV, ABC-12 [Flint MI]
November 4, 2024
By Ryan Jeltema
The pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Farwell is accused of sexually assaulting a young boy.
The Clare County Sheriff’s Office received information about the alleged sexual assault in March after the boy reported the incident to authorities outside Michigan, which he lives now. Court records indicate the assault happened in June 2021.
The Clare County Prosecutor’s Office filed a single count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct against 57-year-old Harold Cole Jr. He appeared in Clare County District Court for arraignment on Friday.
The charge accuses Cole of having unwanted sexual contact with the boy, who was younger than 13 years old, by using force or coercion. Cole faces up to five years in prison if he is convicted.
He posted 10% of a $20,000 bond after arraignment and was released from custody on a GPS tether. Cole is scheduled for additional court hearings on Nov. 12 and 18.