Grants Pass pastor arrested on sex abuse charges

Andria Seo on February 24, 2017

Article from KTVL.

GRANTS PASS, Ore. – Grants Pass authorities have arrested a Grants Pass man following allegations of sexual abuse.

Michael Lewis, 51, was reportedly a pastor at now defunct Christ Fellowship Church in Grants Pass when the alleged sexual abuse occurred.

Earlier this month, detectives began investigating the case in which it is alleged that between July 2014 and November 2016, Lewis subjected a juvenile female church member to sexual contact.

“Anytime you have an individual who’s in a position of trust, particularly in a faith-based organization, those are usually pretty shocking to have them happen. It’s not a common thing to happen. It does happen, but it’s not something to happen all the time,” said Deputy Chief Jim Hamilton.

Authorities arrested Lewis following an interview with him regarding the sex abuse allegations.

He was lodged in Josephine County Jail on charges of sexual abuse, rape and sodomy.

Anyone with further information on this matter is encouraged to contact Detective Heather Yerrick at 541-450-6260.

If you or someone you care about was sexually abused and you would like advice from an attorney about the rights and options for victims of child sexual abuse, please contact Crew Janci today for a free, confidential consultation at 1-888-407-0224 or by using our private online form. We will treat you with discretion and respect.

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