Grants Pass, Ore. — “Usually somebody of that stance you would hope doesn’t offend like that,” said Grants Pass business owner Freddie Wilson, reacting to allegations that former pastor Michael Lewis from Friends in Christ Fellowship had sexual contact with a girl while she was between the ages of 14 and 16.
The Grants Pass Department of Public Safety says pastor Lewis was arrested on multiple sexual abuse charges.
“It’s very surprising,” said Wilson who works down the street on Rogue River Highway.
He has five daughters and thinks the situation is disturbing. If found guilty, he’d like to see Josephine County keep Lewis in jail.
“Is this the kind of criminal that’s gonna be cited and realeased back into our community?”
On Wednesday, the 51-year-old was interviewed and charged.
“You have an individual who’s in a position of trust, and so our concern obviously is for the safety of everybody that was there,” said Deputy Chief Jim Hamilton.
Police say the church closed in November of last year and the reason why is still unknown.
But Wilson is thankful that someone came forward with the information.
“I would hope that if there’s any children out there that are being victimized like this, that they come forward and tell somebody.”
If you are a victim or you have any further information, please contact Grants Pass Police.
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